CONTINUING the series looking at the history of West Devon sporting clubs Times Sport turns the spotlight on Sir Francis Drake Bowling Club, Tavistock. THERE is evidence of bowling greens in Tavistock many hundreds of years before the current Sir Francis Drake Bowling Club was formed a century ago. A map dated 1752 shows an old bowling green near Lakeside and another bowling green at Kilworthy Hill. It is reputed that a Tavistock vicar, the Reverend Thomas Larkin, was a regular bowls players in the mid 17th century, although there were questions of the company he kept when 'playing for ale and cakes' at Kilworthy Hill.

Hundred years anniversary The Tavistock Sir Francis Drake Bowling Club was formed on May 20, 1914 by three men, led by Jon Snow, at a meeting in Cannon's Cafe (above what is now the TSB Bank in Bedford Square). Jon Snow was the club chairman from 1918-1935. He was a remarkable man, born in 1845. He was a Victorian schoolmaster who became headmaster of Dolvin Road School in 1891 and served on the Urban District Council (UDC) from 1904 until 1931; Mr Snow was a county councillor for 13 years. He was a governor of the Grammar School, president of the football club and the miniature rifle club. He died in 1935 and was buried next to his wife in North Molton.

Tavistock Sir Francis Drake Bowling Club started playing in the Meadows and, in 1923, a small wooden pavilion was built at a cost of £105. This was, subsequently, extended in 1951 by 20 feet on either side of the existing building and included the provision of toilets. Electricity was installed in 1953 and, in the following year, permission was given to extend the pavilion to include a kitchen; further modifications took place in 1957. A tea pavilion was added in the mid 1960s at a cost of £2,200. The UDC funded £1,500 and club members raised the remaining £700. New heating was installed in 1970 and, in 1973, a further extension was made to the ladies' changing room with materials supplied by the local council and club members carrying out the work. It was a further 40 years before any more major building work was carried out. In 2013, a £50,000 grant from the Sport England Inspired Facilities Fund enabled plans for a large extension to the clubhouse, which had been drawn up several years earlier, to come to fruition. The club raised many thousands of pounds to augment this grant and the new extension will be officially opened on May 20 by the Bowls England president – 100 years to the day that the club was formed. The new extension provides indoor facilities for short mat and outdoor bowls. The club received additional funding from Devon County Council, West Devon Borough Council, Tavistock Town Council, Bowls England and members and friends of the club. The outstanding event of the early years was Charles Stapleton winning the Plymouth and District Open Bowls singles in 1924. This competition was held on the Hoe and bowlers came to play from all parts of England and Wales. Also, in 1924, the first dinner and social evening was held at Cannons Cafe. The cost of the function was 3/6d. The ladies' section was formed in 1947 with a playing membership of 12. The ladies have since produced several county, national and international players. In 1958, Mrs E Youldon and Mrs M Goodman won the English national pairs competition. In 1960, Mrs E Youldon was also selected to play for England in her first international game.

Forthcoming Events Thursday, May 15 – centenary match against a Bowls Devon team. Tuesday, May 20 – official opening of the new extension and game versus Bowls England (as part of centenary celebrations). Monday, May 26 – club bowls games in 1914 attire. Sunday, June 1 – public open day at the clubhouse, all are welcome to see the new facilities. Sunday, June 8 —Outdoor Bowls Annual Tournament with teams from all over Devon. The club's website is http://www.tavistockbowlingclub.co.uk">www.tavistockbowlingclub.co.uk