The North London Bowling Club

The North London Bowling Club is a nonprofit organization registered as a charity with the number 1059775. The club was founded in 1891 by a group of bowlers who rented a section of a meadow from farmer Tom Ward of Fitzroy Farm to establish a bowling green near Parliament Hill Fields in Highgate[1][2].

History

The club began when members of a Camden bowling club moved to the new site. Initially, the field was levelled to create a bowling green, and a cowshed was converted into a pavilion. By around 1910, a clubhouse was built, which still stands today. In 1924, the North London Bowling Club Limited was formed to secure the freehold of the land and buildings, ensuring the club's long-term stability[1].

Activities and Community Engagement

The club is self-managed and offers its facilities for the use of members and the local community. It provides free coaching for new bowlers and organizes competitions at both county and national levels. Beyond bowling, the club also hosts gardening and bridge clubs/schools, fostering a diverse range of community activities[5].

Notable Members

One of the club's most notable members was Leslie Compton, who joined in 1962. Compton was a renowned cricketer and footballer, having played for Arsenal and England, and was also a skilled wicketkeeper for Middlesex County Cricket Club[1].

Charity Overview

As a charity, The North London Bowling Club operates with a focus on community engagement and the promotion of lawn bowling. Its financial operations are well-managed, with annual income and expenditure figures indicative of its stable financial status[5]. The club does not engage in trading and relies on volunteer efforts, with no trustee receiving remuneration from the charity[5].

[1] https://www.northlondonbowlingclub.co.uk/history/ [2] https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/photos/item/PLA01/06/0066 [3] https://londonist.substack.com/p/history-of-london-bowling-alleys-over-centuries [4] https://www.rlbc.net/history/ [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1059775/charity-overview