Highlights
In the late 1800’s there were a number of top professional bowlers about, playing games ranging from 41 up to 101 up and for what was classed in those days as large sums of money.
In 1879 a young man from Lostock, Bolton, Thomas Hart threw out a challenge that he would give anyone a 10 start in a game 101 up. This game took place in Hollinwood before some 500 spectators. For the record Towers won the game 101-95.
The British Crown Green Bowling Association was formed in 1907; The first Headquarters of the Association was at the Glynn Hotel, Glynn Square in Blackpool. I’m not sure if the Glynn Pub & Restaurant that are on the site now have any remnants of the old building, but looking at it via the miracle of Google Maps, it doesn’t look like it.
The first Mens Individual Merit was held in 1910 at Fleetwood Subscription BC.
Enoch Peers from Wednesfield BC (Staffordshire) shocked the Northerners by winning the event, beating J. Valentine of Lancashire 21-11. His victory was celebrated by his fellow ‘Black County’ followers at the Great Western Hotel and afterwards they carried their hero on their shoulder high through the streets of Fleetwood. A slight difference to the present day, for his trouble Enoch received a French Gilt Clock and a Silver Trophy, but from his friend and fellow Staffordshire County Bowler, Peter Bosi, the owner of several ice cream parlours in Wolverhampton, to commemorate his success he received a gold sovereign, a very generous gift in those days.
To commemorate the first Merit, Fleetwood Subscription was the host of the 100th Mens Individual Merit in 2010.
On a day where the Fleetwood weather was very unkind, the 100th Individual Merit Final was battled out by two recent legends of the modern game, with Noel Burrows of Cheshire narrowly beat Andrew Spragg of Derbyshire in the final. Neither were lucky enough to receive a gold sovereign.