Club History

come on the 'auld vic

PAISLEY VICTORIA BOWLING CLUB, was founded in 1859 by a group of local
workers. These gentlemen were keen bowlers who up until this point, played
their bowls on a private bowling green owned by  a Mr William Bowie. This
green was situated at Oakshaw on land that was to become the John Neilston
school. Later these men moved to another green owned by Mr Bowie which was
situated in Lady Lane. It cost 2d for the privilege of playing bowls or 1d
to spectator. In 1854, a number of these gentlemen moved on to form a club of
their own, this club was to be called Wellmeadow Bowling Club. Now there has
over the years been great speculation as to why all the bowlers did not join
this new club, and although nothing can be proved, research has give a fair
indication which I will divulge in the club history to be produced for our
150th anniversary in 18 months time.

We should be eternally grateful to these gentlemen who, as I have already
mentioned were working class, not business men. They raised funds by taking
a 'share' in the club and by encouraging the more affluent members of the
Paisley community to invest in this new pastime of bowling. The main
'movers' in starting our club were, the first President David Robertson,
Secretary Robert Christie and treasurer James Arthur, add to that our main
benefactor Sir Thomas Glen Coats, owner of the Ferguslie mill, the Earl of
Glasgow and Sir M.R.Shaw Stewart. These plus the 30 odd men who were
original members, are the true Victoria men we have to thank for what we
have today. It does however go without saying that many who followed them,
contributed to the growth and progression of our club. From day one our club
was a family club, with fathers ,sons and various relatives all being
members.

Many sites were looked at for the new green, but it was decided to rent the
Bowie green and as it was in poor condition, they would construct a new
green. After a few years the ground ownership passed to the Church of
Scotland, who erected a refuge for working girls adjoining the green. In
1880, the church decided to re new the club's lease, but increased the rent
to £10 per year. At regular intervals this rent was increased.
During the early years of bowling in Paisley, Victoria contributed greatly
to its growth. The first secretary of the Paisley Bowling Association, fore
runner to the Paisley & District Bowling Association was a Victoria man, Mr
Robert More who held the position for 25 years. The Burgh Cup was instigated
at the suggestion of the Victoria committee.
In 1907, a new clubhouse was built ( now the bowls house ) which included
electric lighting. Over the years, in 1955,  this was replaced by a
prefabricated cement hut, 60 feet long by 10 feet wide and 10 high. This
building was in turn replaced by the existing clubhouse.

As for the bowling, over the years we won trophies but if we are honest we
have never been prolific winners, yet we have had some of the top bowlers in
the county as members. One such member was Samuel McAuley,  a bowler
described in the newspapers of that time as being probably the greatest
bowler in the world. Sam was club champion on three occasions (1876,1884 &
1886) while his brother Colin won it twice. Without a doubt the clubs
outstanding bowler over the years has been our Honorary President David
McArdle. David has been club champion on 8 occasions, Presidents trophy
winner 4 times including three years in succession. He was also outright
winner of the William Todd trophy and re-presented to the club to be the
present club championship trophy. David won many invitation competitions
over the year but his greatest achievement was in winning the Paisley &
District Singles Champion of Champions title twice. The only Victoria man
ever to do so. His brother John was also a club champion and champion of
champions winners as well as a great benefactor to the club. Another
outstanding bowler has been Annmarie Fletcher, who at present is in the
prime of her bowling career. Annmarie has been club champion 11 times, and
11 times Presidents prize winner. She has twice been Paisley's champion of
champion, Scottish area champion and in 2005 won the Scottish Ladies singles
championship. The first time any member of Victoria had won such an award.
The following year, representing Scotland in New Zealand, She finished 3rd
in the World Champion of Champions a fantastic achievement and one we are
very proud of.

Unfortunately, with the exception of 30 years, all the club records have
been 'lost'. Over the last 3 years club secretary Tommy McShane has taken on
the task of researching and writing as full an account of the club as he
can. This research has thrown up many interesting facts and to co -inside
with our 150th anniversary, a  detailed  book will be printed giving 'A
History Of Paisley Victoria Bowling Club'

If you have any photographs newspaper cutting etc or can add to this
history, please pass it on to Tommy.