Mayfield Bowling Club celebrate 150 years
Local member Gavin Thomson scooped the £400 prize for winning Mayfield Bowling Club’s 150th anniversary tournament and is pictured receiving the trophy from past president, Ian Miller.
A further £600 was distributed between competitors in women’s and junior events.
The Mayfield club, in Cobden Road on Edinburgh’s south side, was founded in 1874 by residents of the newly built surrounding houses. The first work on the green started on 25 August 1874 hence a celebratory “Birthday Bash” took place on Saturday 24 August with a toast at midnight.
Other festivities included a home and away match against the Bainfield club who are celebrating their 100th birthday.
Over the years the club have produced Scottish internationalists in R Ogilvie (1932), Alexander McEwan (1938 and ’39), and Walter Cossar (1962) as well as Scottish singles champion Andrew Binnie (1972) and Lorraine Ross (East of Scotland ladies champion, 1993).
The club’s ladies section was formed in 1957 and a highlight of the subsequent period was providing training facilities for the Fijian bowls squad who contested the 1986 Commonwealth Games.
President Scott Kearsley, said: “Currently we have over 90 bowling members ranging from 13-90+ years of age. In addition we have a Social membership of around 40 who attend events such as live acts, quizzes, bingo, pool and darts.
“Local residents association called “The Waverley Feuars” hold their AGM at the bowling club as well as social events such as quizzes and ceilidhs.”
A more recent innovation has been a link up with Edinburgh Thistle Football Club. The bowling club sponsor the jerseys of the footballers who, in return, use bar facilities post match.
Looking ahead Mr Kearsley said an emphasis had been placed on youth recruitment including from the 28th Blackford Scout Troop. Who use the green occasionally.
“We look forward to a bright future. Following recruitment campaigns we have attracted 39 new members in the last 18 months and hope to further expand with particular emphasis on our Youth and Junior sections. To that end we have reduced our entry age to eight years old from March 2025.
“Also in 2025 we hope to complete the fund raising to install a defibrillator on the outside wall of the club to allow access for the entire community.”
