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The History of Eskmills Bowling Club
Foreword and Club History (up to 1992) written by Centenary President Dave McLeod
In compiling the history of events covering the past 100 years, I was indeed fortunate to discover that "minute" books were retained by each Secretary since the inception of the Club, and these records form the basis for the story to be related.
To comprehensively detail all of the interesting facts uncovered during my readings would involve a book of substantial proportions, so I have tried to create a "potted" narrative which I hope readers will find both entertaining and informative.
In the beginning.....
The first recording concerns a general meeting held on 1 June 1892, at which the Rules of the Club were passed and the following gentlemen were elected as Office Bearers for the maiden season.
Honorary President - William Stuart, Esq.
President - Mr E J Foote
Vice President - Mr Alex McMichen
Secretary - Mr George McMichen
Treasurer - Mr James Thomson
Members of Committee - Mr William Davidson
- Mr David Bee
- Mr John Ferguson
- Mr James Gibson
- Mr James Whitelaw (Green Ranger)
- Mr John Telfer (Captain)
Although the membership was limited to 50 in the Constitution, only 37 joined initially on payment of a subscription of 6 shillings (30p today) with the exception of apprentices who paid 3 shillings (15p today).
The Bowling green was officially opened on Saturday 4 June 1892, and a brief extract of the ceremony is included, having been taken from an article in the Portobello Advertiser of Friday 10 June 1892 - "In the presence of a large and fashionable audience, Mr Alexander Stuart Junior opened the newly constructed bowling green, feud and laid out by Messrs. Stuart and presented to the employees of the firm.
The green was built by Messrs. R B Laird and Son of Edinburgh and measures 30 yards by 40 yards and presents a very level surface."
Included within the content of Mr Stuart's speech are references to the friendly relations between the mill owners and the workers, and also words of foresight which hold good to this day, and are herewith reproduced -
"You are aware the recreation of our working people is forming a very important feature of the present and will become more so in the future...."
"I think that too much can't be done to promote healthy as well as innocent amusements for our people, and that games of all sorts should be encouraged. It not only gives them health and teaches them to bear ups and downs, which if they bear well, and suffer well in their games, they are equally well trained to do so in the more difficult and serious matters of life."
The inaugural match on our green against visitors was versus Portobello Bowling Club on Thursday 9 July 1892, which resulted in a win for the opposition by 45 shots over the three rinks used. It will be of interest to those of you who enjoy a tipple on occasion, to learn that the refreshments at this fixture were -
3 and a half dozen bottles of beer - 8/9d
6 dozen bottles of lemonade - 9d
1 pint of whisky - 1/6d
- a total expenditure for the day of 11 shillings (55p today) - a far cry indeed from today's prices.
It is worthy of mention that prior to the above, away fixtures had already been played against both Portobello and Inveresk, with Eskmills bowlers losing on both greens by 36 and 32 shots respectively, it must be remembered, hwever, that the Club was in it's infancy. Having lost to both Portobello (81 shots) and Inveresk (80 shots) in double headers, our lads then achieved victories on aggregate over Esk (Musselburgh) by 6 shots, and Niddrie by 2 shots.
On Saturday 5 November 1892 the Club held it's first annual supper in Dane's Hall, which about 40 men attended. Many toasts were given, which particularly contained one proposed to the German Emporor - had they only known what the future held!!
A major change in the Club Rules was agreed in 1895 which stated -
"Subject to approval of the Committeee, respectable applicants outside the works may be admitted as members of the Club on payment of an annual subscription of 7/6d (about 38p today), but such members shall not be competent to vote at meetings."
This appears to have become necessary, as the membership had fallen to 27 in that year, and it was becoming increasingly difficultto fulfil matches.
Over the next few years , bowling friendships were established with many Clubs in the area among which were Polton, Roslin, Gorebridge, Maitland and Inverleith, all of whom were members of the Midlothian Bowling Assocaition at the time.
In 1901 India Rubber mats were purchased to replace the felt mats used up to this point, which were not particularly suitable during periods of inclement weather.
The Annual Subsciption was unusually reduced to 5 shillings (25p today) and a suggestion was put forward to provide tea as a refreshment for visiting teams, instead of the normal alchoholic reviver. This proposal met with a chorus of disapproval, and thankfully the Eskmills "spirit" prevailed. 1903 saw the presentation to the Club by Mr E J Foote of a rink medal, to be awrded to the winners of a round-robin tournament operated throughout the season.
The points competition comprising the draw, guard, trail and drive had been existence since the Club was founded, however 1905 saw it change to 3 rounds per member instead of the previous one. This particular event has undoubtedly withstood the test of time, as it remains with us to this day although it's popularity has diminished somewhat in recent years. The year of 1905 also saw the Club win it's first major area title - The Carmichael Trophy, a triumph only repeated again in 1948 and 1977.
The Club received an unexpected communiacation from the mill owners in 1907, in which Mr Stuart expressed the view that it was thought necessary to close the green, as the site would be required for other purposes. He did however wish to know the feeling of the members on this subject. The letter was greeted with alarm and extreme consternation by all, and a note was forwarded to Mr Stuart indicating that -
"....such a couse of action would cause distinct bereavement to all, and as such would be sincerely regretted and deeply mourned."
The members were obvoiusly in great dismay at the thought of losing their hallowed turf, however, their vision of disaster proved unfounded, as the matter was not expedited by the mill owners. No doubt many friendships over the years would not have reached fruition if the decision had been reversed - a sobering thought indeed.
The Handicap competition started in 1910, but this was for young players in their first and second year only, and it was not until many years later that the format was altered to that which we would recognise today. This year also saw a notice being displayed on the Club board informing members that play on the green would only be allowed if rubber shoes were worn.
A Championship cup was presented by the Honorary President Mr Robert Stuart in 1919, and this remains today as our premier trophy.
The first Ladies day was held on 25 September 1920 at which 20 members and their Ladies participated. An interesting item is included in the minutes of the next year when the greenkeeper complained about members interfering with the green, sheep manure having been applied to the surface after heavy rain.
The Club were successful in winning the Midlothian Trophy in 1923, this being only the second area title won in 41 years.
The Beeton Shield competition started in 1926, and remains today as our only two bowl single hand tournament.
1927 saw our first fixture against old adversaries the Postal Bowling Club, which is our oldest remaining friendly game with the exception of those played against our "sister" Clubs of Inveresk, Musselburgh and Niddrie.
The donation of the McVitie and Price Cup was made in 1930, and this continues to be used for our Club Pairs competition.
The next nine years saw the Club continue to flourish with an addition being made to the Clubhouse, and new drains being laid at the end of the green
The bowling continued during the Second World War, and the first fixture against the Jewel took place in 1942.
The green had been looked after by various members over the years, but 1946 saw the employment of a full-time greenkeeper whose wages were £4.10/-(less insurance and tax). Draught beer at this time was a shilling (5p) a pint.
1952 saw the fees increased to £1.10/- to overcome the financial difficulties the Club were experiencing, however the firm (Stuart's) paid 10/- (50p) of this for their employees. It is interesting to note that the percentage profit over the bar was 14.8%.
A further extension to the Clubhouse was achieved in 1957 at a cost of £350 which included the provision of kitchen facilities. A roof was fitted to the outside toilet in 1960 and fluorescent lighting was introduced in the Clubhouse.
Up until 1961 entry to the Club competitions was made by payment of an entry fee, but with the increase in subscriptions to £2.5/-, free entry to all tournaments was given.
A "bandit" was installed in 1964 to assist with Club funds, and "coin collectors" of various types have remained with us since, to the joy of a few and the disappointment of many.
The mill directors granted permission in 1967 for bowling on Sundays, but the bar remained closed on that day.
1970 saw the price of a "nip" increased by 1 penny to 2/10d (about 14p today) for 1/5 gill. The Triples competition started in 1972, and this year also saw the first of what became an all too frequent occurence, a break-in to the Club and bar.
A further extension in 1974 provided alterations to the toilets, and the following year saw the membership increased to 90.
A major milestone in the Club history happened in 1979 when following acceptance of our offer of £2,000 by Inveresk Investments Ltd (formerly J & W Stuart) for the green and grounds, the Club became "aw oor ain". An enclosure of the verandah formed a small games and Committee room to further enhance the facilities.
1980 saw the green extended to it's present size and two years later the membership was increased to 100, a year which also saw us enter the Esk "B" League.
The "A" league team achieved our first success in the Esk League when they won the "Knockout", this being followed by the first division title in 1988. The "B" side scored a unique double in 1986 and 87 by winning the second division title, the latter having become possible when a third division was created, and our side were not given an automatic promotion spot. 1991 saw the "B's" securing the first division championship for the first time.
A new honours board was purchased in 1988, and the members gave agreement to the total rebuild of the clubhouse with the works to commence in December 1989.
The local competitions have provided many outstanding contrbutions from our members over the years, but 1989 witnessed the ultimate of achievements with the Club capturing the singles, pairs and rink trophies for the first time in the same year - a magnificent accomplishment.
Three days prior to Xmas '89, the main area of the Club was devastated by fire following yet another break-in, and although this created months of long and protracted negotiations, the settlement finally agreed on enabled us to furnish the new interior better than origianlly expected when the building work was completed in 1990.
And then there was more.....
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Where to find us. »
Click the link above for a map location.
Postal Address: 4 Station Road, Musselburgh, EH21 7PE.
Telephone No: (0131) 665 6931
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