A DALES bowling club has celebrated its centenary a year later than planned.

Leyburn Bowling Club was established in 1920 when a group of six local businessmen, acting as trustees for the club, purchased a patch of land off Moor Road for the princely sum of £70 and created a bowling green. A wooden pavilion at a further cost of £66 was also added.

The green was officially opened by the President Captain, H R Chapman at 2pm, on Wednesday, June 23, that same year, which was conveniently, half day closing in the town. It was followed by a tea at 4.30pm at a cost of one shilling each to guests. Subscriptions for the year in 1920 were a pricey ten shillings for men and five shillings for ladies.

Initial membership was 36 men and 21 ladies; Club Rule 11 stated: “Ladies are requested not to wear high heeled boots when playing on the green”. The first match was played against the Bedale Bowling Green Society on Wednesday, August 4 1920.

As part of last year’s planned centenary celebrations, that same match was to be replayed against Bedale on August 4.

Although bowling was allowed to recommence in June, the many restrictions and social distancing requirements meant the planned re-match was cancelled. With only four players allowed on the green at any one time and leagues and competitions cancelled for the remainder of the year, only four stalwarts marked the occasion.

Now a year later, the planned rematch took place with members of both clubs invited to dress in 1920s attire. The theme was fully-embraced by the day’s contestants and after posing for a photo there was definitely a “Peaky Blinders” look to some of the players. The match was a friendly affair with the Leyburn team the winners on the day.