Club History
The story of Dunmow Bowling Club (DBC) has been collected from a limited source of information. What is known is that a solicitor and keen bowler, Mr Albert Edward Floyd, made available a plot of land in his back garden for a bowls green with the membership being drawn from local tradesmen. Once up and running Mr Floyd was appointed Club President, a position he held from 1921 to 1945. In just over a decade the popularity of the game led, in 1933, to the green being enlarged and a clubhouse constructed. When completed, the occasion was marked by the Club’s Patron’s wife, Mrs Floyd, performing the opening ceremony.
The club, having been well established in Essex, it was fitting that Mr Floyd was elected the County President in 1939. A role he served throughout WW2 until 1945. The next represented the County in 1979 when Dudley Hammer took on the role of County President and Wally Ball became County Competitions Secretary; a post he was to hold until 1992 when he was made an Essex Life Member in recognition of services to the County. In County Competitions the club claimed its first major victory in 1938 winning the North Essex Fours. Winning ways returned in 1982 when a four rink team won the County Shield.
Approaching the 21st Century, in 1997 President Wally Ball proposed and Bryan Barraclough, Secretary, seconded a proposal at the AGM that ladies become Full Members of the club. The motion was carried by a majority. Another County appointment was made in 1998 when Rosemary Ludar-Smith became Dunmow Ladies County Delegate. A post she was to hold for twenty-two years. Rosemary was the Dunmow Ladies President for many years, a talented bowler who having won the Essex County Singles title went on to win the Honour of becoming the over 55`s National Singles Champion. Rosemary was very dedicated to Essex County Bowls, as a player and also as a team selector for the Essex John`s Trophy Team.
In recognition to their services to the club, Olive Bircher, Bryan Barraclough and Rosemary Ludar-Smith were made Life Members. In 2003 another progressive move was made when the membership chose to play all friendly fixtures as “Mixed” teams.
In 2007 the club moved premises from Venmore Drive in Dunmow to the present site in St Edmunds Lane. Following months of dedicated work by the Green Team headed by Mike Porter the green was officially opened for the 2008 season.
