Meeting held at Mr Chiltons house Mill Road July 8th 1909 with the object of starting a bowling club in Epsom.

Present

Mr F H Trower (in the chair)  Messrs Chilton, W Woods, Capon, C Bloomfield, Paine & F Goldsmith, the latter to act as Sec protem.

Resolved that the club should be called "Ebbisham Bowling Club"

That Mr Bloomfield price of £10 a year, on a lease of 7 14 or 21 years for a piece of ground in the rear of E U D Councils buildings, was too high, and proposed by Mr Trower Seconded by Mr Goldsmith, and unanimously decided to make Mr Bloomfield an offer of £7 a year for the same ground, this offer Mr Bloomfield promised to consider & give his decision in a day or two. Meanwhile Mr Trower & Mr Capon agreed to look about & see if the could find a suitable ground in some other property. Proposed by Mr Trower & seconded by Mr Woods to start the club by making the entrance fee 10/6 payable in advance.  Carried unanimously. All those present at this meeting & whose names have already been given, agreed to act & to be considered as members of a preliminary committee of the club. Following are the names of some whom it was thought well to invite to become members, & who would probably join.

by Mr Chilton   Mr Ashinson  Beams  Reddick  Wells  Elphick

by Mr Trower   Mr Eggar  Mr Hart  J Underwood  H Williams  Fothergill  Hemming  Bird  D Vapper Price  Oram  Hardwick  Hedham

Bert Williams  Maye  E G Wilson  Edwards  Bevan  Coldwell

by Mr Woods     Nuthall  Chadband  Tedder  Calderwood  Corbett Mr Capon  Mr Warner  Meade  Mr Martin

Subsequent Meetings 1909 - 1921 (typed as accurately as possible from the original minutes - some words/names difficult to read - noted in red, punctuation as in books.

July 16th 1909

Meeting held at the Public Hall Committee Room

Present Messrs Trower (chair)  Capon  Wells  Maye  Bird  Chilton  Hart  Hedham  Woods  R White  Coldwell  Meade  Rowe  Grey  Martin  & F Goldsmith (Hon Sec)

Proposed by Mr R White & seconded by Mr Chilton that a bowling club be formed & that it be called the 'Epsom Bowling Club'  carried unanimously

Proposed by Mr Meade & seconded by Mr Capon that a sub committee be formed to go into the question of site & cost of making up ground & to report at a subsequent meeting

Names of sub committee as follows Trower  Capon  Chilton  Rowe  Hedham  Meade

16/7/09 Memo:  Offer received in writing from Mr Bloomfield & Mr Large of a 7 year lease of the ground at back of Terrace at £8 per annum.

Replied 16/7/09 that the sub committee would accept this offer

July 27th 1909

Meeting held at the public hall committee room 8.30pm

Present  Mr Trower, in the chair  Messrs Oram, Corbett, Chilton, Wells, Rowe, Hedham, Meade, Coldwell, Woods, Chadband, Bloomfield Goldsmith

Proposed by Mr Woods seconded by Mr Meade that Mr Bloomfields offer of a ground for 7 years at £8 a year, be accepted   Carried

Proposed by Mr Meade that the yearly subscription be 10/6  Amendment proposed by Mr Oram & seconded by Mr Chilton that there be an entrance fee of 10/6 & a yearly subscription of 10/6 payable in advance

Subscriptions due 1st October  Amendment carried

Proposed & seconded that Mr F Chilton be Honorary Treasurer F Goldsmith be Hon Sec  Carried Proposed by Mr Hedham Seconded by Mr Meade that the committee consist of 9 members, 5 to form a quorum Proposed by Mr Bloomfield Seconded by Mr Chadband that the following 9 members serve on the committee

Messrs Trower, Capon, Hedham, Meade Words, Corbett, Rowe, Wells, Oram Carried unanimously

Proposed by Mr Chilton seconded by Mr Bloomfield that a general meeting be held in October next (carried)  Proposed by Mr Oram seconded by Mr Chilton that a sub committee be formed to draw up the rules & report to the general committee

The sub committee to be Messrs Trower, Chilton, Rowe, Goldsmith (carried)  Proposed by Mr Chilton seconded by Mr Wells that Mr Capon, Mr Meade, Mr Trower approach the Urban District Council with the view to obtaining the consent to a way through their ground to the bowling club  carried

(This is signed by J H Trower)

September 30th 1909

Committee meeting held at the Public Hall Committee room 8.30pm  Present  Mr Trower in the chair  Messrs Oram  Capon  Chilton  Wells  Hedham  Woods  Goldsmith

Proposed by Mr Oram seconded by Mr Capon  That the rules as drawn up by the sub-committee & submitted to the general committee be adopted  carried

Proposed by Mr Hedham Seconded by Mr Wells  That Messrs Trower  Capon & Rowe give notice to Morse Bros to prepare the whole of the ground according to estimate, and to supervise the work  (sec wrote to Messrs Morse same evening)  Proposed by Mr Trower seconded by Mr Chilton that a General Meeting be held on Thursday Oct 21st 8.30pm  carried

Entrance for subscription paid 30/9/09 by the following

F H Trower     1  1  0

E R Capon      1  1  0

F H Chilton     1  1  0

W H Woods    1  1  0

F Goldsmith    1  1  0

                     5  5  0

October 21st 1909

General Meeting held at 8.30pm in the Public Hall Committee room Mr Trower in the chair

The minutes of the last two meetings were read and confirmed Mr Trower reported that the rules had been drawn up & printed, & also that Messrs Morse Bros had been instructed to proceed with the preparation of the ground according to their estimate.  Both these statements were satisfactory to the meeting. The following members paid their entrance fee & subscription Mr Meade  Mr Bevan  Mr Wells  Mr Edwards  Mr Hollowell  Mr Paine  Mr Forster

(This is signed by J H Trower)

There are no further records for 1909 or 1910

There is some confusion re Mr Chamberlain/Lieut Chamberlain throughout the minutes.  It is difficult to work out his initial, and whether there is more than one 'Chamberlain'  Also a confusion over a Mr Foster or is it Forster?  Paine/Payne, Mr Lock(e) also appears sometimes as Lock then Locke. ? means initial that cannot be deciphered.  There is also confusion between 'T' , 'F'  & 'H' as initials.

Committee Meeting held at Mr Capons house January 27/11

present  Mr Trower in the chair, Woods, Chilton, Meade, Wells, Capon  F Goldsmith  Minutes were examined & passed signed by Mr Meade & Mr Wells

Proposed & seconded that a short report be drawn up and sent with a copy of the balance sheet to each member  That the General Meeting be held at the Committee room Public Hall on Thursday 9th February

February 10th 1911

A general meeting of the members held at Epsom Town Hall Committee room at ½ past 8 o clock

Present  Mr Trower (in the chair)  Messrs Capon, Child, Chadbond, Partridge, Absalom, Woolbridge, Chilton, Charlton, Wells, Birch, Payne, Goldsmith Forster

Proposed by Mr Birch, seconded by Mr Absalom that the report & balance sheet for the past year be adopted, carried unanimously

Mr Chilton & Mr Goldsmith were unanimously re elected Treasurer & Secretary for the ensuing year

The members present serving on the committee were re elected and to fill the places of Mr Rowe & Mr Hedham, these two gentlemen having left the town, Mr Chilton proposed & Mr Capon seconded that Mr Forster be elected in the committee , carried unanimously also Mr Wells proposed & Mr Trower seconded that Lieut ? Chamberlain be elected on the committee & to act as Captain to the club, carried unanimously

Proposed by Mr Chilton & seconded by Mr Charlton that Mr Trower and Mr Capon be appointed to see that the green is prepared & kept in order for bowling through the season  carried unanimously

Proposed by Mr Birch & seconded by Mr Chilton, that a tournament be formed for this season, and that at least 6 matches be arranged if possible  carried unanimously

Proposed by Mr Chilton and seconded by Mr Capon that the Rev E W Northey be invited to become President of the club

Proposed by Mr Capon and seconded by Mr Wooldridge that the Rev J N Howell, Rev T Lisher, Rev H S Bowles, Rev H P Metcalf, be elected members of the club

carried unanimously also Mr N Nightingale, Mr N C T Locke, Mr Chamberlain be elected members

Mr Partridge offered to present to & for the use of the club a 14 inch lawn mower & Mr Absalom offered half a dozen pairs of individual india rubber slips, these offers were unanimously accepted & hereby thanks given to the donors.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

May 29th 1911 (written above May is the word March in pencil)

A committee meeting held on the ground, Lieut Chamberlain presiding.  Present Mr Wells, Capon, Forster, Trower, Corbett & Oram

Proposed by Mr Trower seconded by Mr Corbett that Mr Kelly be elected

Proposed by Lt Chamberlain & seconded by Mr Wells that the ground be opened for play May 3 subject to the discretion of the ground committee

Arranged play at home July 1 with St Maltham Denmark Hill  July 15 with St Maltham at Denmark Hill with Chiswick any Wednesday

Leatherhead (written in but no details why)

(This is signed by J H Trower)

Oct 26th 1911

A general meeting held at the Town Hall Committee room at ½ past 8 o clock

Present  Mr Trower in the chair  Messrs Chilton, Birch, Woods, Charlton, Bloomfield, Wooldridge, Partridge, Capon, Child, Reynolds, Chamberlain, Foster, Meade, Hollowell, Payne, Goldsmith

The balance sheet for the year was read out by the secretary,

Proposed by Mr Meade that it be passed seconded by Mr Partridge & carried unanimously

The following officers were proposed seconded & carried for the ensuing year

Rev E W Northey  President  Captain Lieut ? Chambers  Vice Captain  Mr Partridge  Treasurer  Mr Chilton  *Secretary  Mr Goldsmith

Committee  The following members were elected by ballot

Mr Birch, Mr Capon, Mr Child, Mr Foster, Mr Locke, Mr Oram, Mr Stredwick, Mr Trower, Mr Wells

Proposed by Mr Trower & seconded by Mr Capon that Lieut ? Chamberlain & Mr Partridge be ex officio members of the committee.

The following were elected as ground committee  Mr Capon, Mr Child, Mr Partridge, Mr Trower to meet & determine what at present was necessary to do to the ground & to see the work carried out, and it was unanimously resolved at this meeting that an approximate sum of £5 be expended on the ground.

The following were elected as a Match committee

Mr Birch, Mr Goldsmith - joint secretaries, Mr Chamberlain, Mr Stredwick, Mr Wells.

It was resolved that a match be played every fortnight if possible, and that match days be Wednesday & Saturdays

Proposed by Mr Partridge & seconded by Mr Birch that Mr C P Collier Jones be a member  carried unanimously

* Mr Goldsmith explained that he had not the time & opportunity to carry out the duties of secretary to his own satisfaction, whereupon Mr Birch kindly offered to render all the assistance he could & on this condition he, Mr Goldsmith, accepted the post for another year

The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

It is signed with a name which is difficult to decipher

Nov 6th 1912

A general meeting at the Town Hall Committee room at 8 o'clock

Present Mr Partridge in the chair  Messrs Chilton, Oram, Child, Wells, Reynolds, Fo(r)ster, Lock(e), R Chamberlain, Trower, Hardwick, Paine, Capon, Wooldridge &

F Goldsmith (Sec).

The minutes of the last general meeting were read & confirmed.

The balance sheet for 1912 was read out & explained by the secretary, was adopted & passed.  The following officers were elected for the coming season

Pres: Rev E W Northey  Captain  Mr F H Trower  Vice Captain  Mr J H Birch  Treasurer  Mr F Goldsmith

General Committee  Lieut H Chamberlain, Rev T Lester  Messrs Carr, Child, Fenner, Fo(r)ster, Reynolds, Stredwick, Wells

Ground Committee  Mr J Child, Mr Fenner, Rev T Lester, Lieut H Chamberlain

Match Committee  Rev T Lester, Mr Chamberlain  Mr C Wells, Lieut ? Chamberlain with Mr Birch as secretary.

The Captain Vice Captain to be members of all committees

Proposed & seconded & carried that a hereby vote of thanks be given to Lieut H Chamberlain for his services as Captain for the past few years & for his kindness, courtesy & tact (looks like tact!) on all occasions - The secretary addressed a letter to Lieut Chamberlain in accordance with this as requested.

It was resolved that the club be affiliated with the Surrey Bowling Association for the coming year.

In the course of the evening Mr Partridge said he would be pleased to present the club with a challenge cup, the manner of competition to be decided on later in conference with some of the committees - This offer was most enthusiastically received & accepted hereby thanks given to the donor.

Mr Trower also offered prize for which hereby thanks were given.  It was decided to play 12 or more matches, if possible & that the Tournament handicap to be played 21 up, each player to play 4 woods  The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman

Note - Immediately after the meeting closed, Mr Child informed the Treasurer that he did not like the club to be in debt & offered 10/- to help to pay off, this was thankfully accepted & at once 5 other members followed his example

(This is signed by C E Stredwick Chairman)

Committee Meeting held on the green Saturday March 8/13 present

Rev T Lester, Messrs Trower, Child, Birch, Wells, R Chamberlain, Reynolds, Foster & Goldsmith

Proposed by Mr Birch, seconded by Mr Trower, that Robbins be given charge of the green for the season at 5/- a week & a membership of the club, from 17th March, first pay of 5/- on Saturday the 22nd March, carried unanimously.

Proposed by Mr Child, seconded by Mr Trower that the green be opened for play the first Wednesday in April, weather permitting, on Wednesdays & Thursdays only in April - after then play continuing  carried unanimously.

Mr Trower having received an offer of 3 second hand garden seats, was authorized to purchase same for anything up to 20/-

re Morse Bros disputed bill of 1/10/3 (this must be £1 ten shillings and three pence) it was decided to send him a cheque for 20/- in settlement

(This is signed by J H Trower)

General Meeting held Nov 19/13 at Town Hall Committee room @ 8.15

Present Mr Chilton in the chair

Messrs Stredwick, Wooldridge, Wells, Robins, Lock, Reynolds, Paine, Birch, Child, R Chamberlain, Ellis, Williams, Gray, Goldsmith

The minutes of the last meeting were read & confirmed.

The balance sheet for 1913 as read out & explained by the secretary was adopted and passed.

The following officers were elected for the coming season

President  Rev E W Northey  Vice President  Mr S Partridge  Captain Mr F H Trower  Vice Captain  Mr J H Birch  Treasurer  Mr Lock  Secretary Mr Reynolds

General Committee Lieut ? Chamberlain  RN (?), Messrs Carr, Child, Foster, Reynolds, Wells, Stredwick, Lampriere, Elson

Ground Committee Mr J Child, Lieut ? Chamberlain, Mr Wooldridge & the Captain & Vice Captain

Match Committee  Lieut ? Chamberlain, Messrs Wells, R Chamberlain, Reynolds and J H Birch, Match Secretary

The prizes won in the past season were presented by Mr Chilton & suitably acknowledged by the recipients  viz

Challenge Cup to Mr Robins  Captains memento for bowls for the runner up to Mr Elson.

Mr Elson indicated that he would be pleased to give prizes for a pairs competition in the coming year & Mr Stredwick kindly offered to give a momento to the winner of the Challenge Cup in 1914.  Both offers were enthusiastically received & accepted.

Mr Williams also offered a room for committee meetings at any time - gladly accepted.

Votes of thanks were passed to Mr Chilton & to Mr Goldsmith for their services as Treasurer & Secretary in the past years, and also thanks were given to Mr Robins for the care and attention he had given to the green.

General discussions then followed as to the advisability of erecting a pavilion for the accommodation of visitors & members & the best way of providing same.  On the proposition of Mr Birch seconded by Mr Stredwick a small sub committee was appointed, viz The Captain, Vice Captain, Mr Reynolds & Mr Gray - to make all enquiries & report further.

The meeting then closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

27/11/13 - The actual minutes are too difficult to read

Annual General Meeting held on Monday, May 21/17

Mr A W Oram in the absence of the President was voted to the chair.

The accounts, which showed a balance in hand of £1- 8 -0 were presented by the Hon Treasurer who pointed out that there was still some amount due to Mr Reynolds, which could not be ascertained during the war.

On the proposition of Mr Cropley, seconded by Mr Lempriere, the General Account was passed.

With regard to the Pavilion Fund Account the Hon Treasurer reported that a liability of $10-5-3 remained on this fund to Messrs Cropley Bros, and that they had, on his suggestion agreed to take 4 shares each in the Pavilion, such shares to date from the opening of the Pavilion; further that the balance of £2-5-3 on Messrs Cropley Bros account be paid and the Pavilion a/c fund at the Capital and Counties Bank be closed.

On the proposition of Lieut Chamberlain, seconded by Mr Lock this arrangement was agreed to, and Messrs Cropley Bros were heartily thanked for their generous interest in the club.

The following members kindly offered donations towards the Pavilion a/c

A W Oram, F L Lempriere, F Chadhand, Lieut Chamberlain

Election of President

On the proposition of Mr Forster, seconded by Mr Garland, Mr F H Trower was unanimously re-elected President of the club for 1917.

On the proposition of Mr Chas Bloomfield, seconded by Lieut Chamberlain, the Hon secretary was instructed to write a letter to Mr F H Trower, at Matlock expressing the sympathy of the members with him in his indisposition.

On the proposition of Mr C Bloomfield, seconded by Mr Child, Lieut Chamberlain was unanimously elected Vice President of the club.

Election of Committee - Mr Lock proposed and Mr Garland seconded that the Committee be re-elected en block  carried unanimously. The following are members of the Committee:- Messrs Child, Cropley, Forster, Lock, Lempriere, Stredwick, Wells with the President, Vice President and the Hon Sec (ex-officio).

Election of Captain - on the proposition of the Hon Secretary, seconded by Mr Forster, Mr Chas. Cropley was unanimously elected Captain of the Club for 1917.

Election of Hon. Sec - Mr Birch undertook the duties of Hon. Secretary and Treasurer during the temporary absence on service of Mr Reynolds.

The Committee were instructed to arrange a Competition to play for the Partridge Cup.

Insurance of Pavilion

The Hon Sec was asked to investigate the matter of the Insurance of the Pavilion, and to take steps to see that the building was properly covered by Insurance against fire.

On the proposition of Mr Cropley, seconded by Mr Forster, it was agreed that the names of all members on service should be retained on the club list of members, whether they paid subscriptions or not.

A discussion then took place, in which Mr Bloomfield took part, with reference to the Lease of the ground and the Hon Sec was instructed to write to Mr Stredwick and ask him to kindly chase up the Lease as and from the 29th Sept 1916 on a 7, 14 and 21 years option at the annual rental of £10, payable half yearly and to forward it to Mrs Bloomfield for his signature.

A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the business.

(This is signed but the signature is difficult to read)

At a meeting of the Committee on the green on Monday 18th June present Mr Trower in the chair, Messrs Moatt, Cropley, Forster, Wells, Lt Chamberlain and the secretary.  The Committee fixed 30th June as the date for closing entries for the Club Handicap.

A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to Mr Stredwick for his kindness in connection with the preparation of the Club's new lease.

The following gentlemen were elected members of the Club - Messrs M L Reid, G T Langridge, Meadows, Woods, W H Edwards, Scandrett, Page, Creasy, Waglam, Wilson, Thomas, Craig, Cragg, Polhill, Pratley, Hornby, Cole, Baker, Reece, Warren.

The secretary was instructed to write to the Urban District Council asking them to cut off the water supply to the green as and from 30th Sept next, unless they are prepared to grant the club the use of the one tap at a charge not exceeding £1 per annum.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

July 22nd 1917

A meeting of the Committee was held.  Present Mr F H Trower in the chair, Messrs Stredwick, Cropley Moatt, Forster, Lempriere and Lieut Chamberlain.

The draw for the Club Handicap was completed and the meeting closed.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

September 19th 1917

A meeting of the Committee was held this day.

Present: Mr Trower in the chair  Messrs Lempriere, Stredwick, Lock, Forster, Cropley and Secretary.

The secretary reported that £17-8 had been promised by members for the repairs during the winter (the estimated cost being £20) and that it was also proposed to plant two privet hedges if possible and generally to put the green into a satisfactory condition before the commencement of the next bowling season.  It was proposed by Mr Stredwick, seconded by Mr Lock that the following members constitute the committee to carry out the proposed work such committee to have full powers to act viz Messrs Trower, Cropley, Pratley, Robins and the secretary. Carried

The secretary was instructed to write to the Epsom Urban District Council calling attention to the damaged fence, and also the over hanging trees and asking that they be cut back.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

1918

The Annual General Meeting of the Club was held in the Club Pavilion on Wednesday April 24th, when there was present, Mr A W Oram (in the chair) Lt Chamberlain, Messrs Wells, Lempriere, Child, Skinner, F Cragg, Lock, Chas. Cropley, Moatt, Craig, Forster, Robins and the Hon Sec.

Minutes of the last Annual Meeting were read and confirmed.  On the motion of Mr Moatt sec by Mr Skinner the report and a/c were received and adopted.

For the office of President two members were proposed viz Lt Chamberlain and Mr F H Trower, Mr Trower was elected, Lt Chamberlain being unanimously elected as vice President.

Mr Birch proposed the re election of Mr Chas Cropley as Captain of the Club.  This was seconded by Mr Robins and carried unanimously.  Mr Oram proposed and Lt Chamberlain seconded the re-election of Mr Birch as Hon Sec and Treasurer.  Mr Birch accepted the nomination pro tem and was unanimously elected.

On the proposition of Mr Oram seconded by Mr F Cragg the Committee were unanimously re-elected.  It was decided that no fixture list should be prepared, but that a Tournament should be played for the Local Red Cross Funds and that the Partridge Challenge Cup should be played for.  A vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding concluded the business.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

The Annual General Meeting of the Epsom Bowling Club for the year 1918 was held at the Technical Institute on Monday April 29th 1919 at 7.30pm.

Those present were Mr J H Trower, President, Mr Chas Cropley, Capt, Messrs Craig, Moatt, Forster, Goldsmith, Pratley, Chamberlain, Baker, and the Hon Sec Mr J H Birch.  The Hon Sec. presented the report and accounts for the past season , and on the motion of Mr Pratley seconded by Mr Goldsmith the same were received and adopted.  General satisfaction being expressed that the club was in a good financial position.

Mr Goldsmith proposed the election of Mr F H Trower as President of the club, seconded by Mr Chas Cropley and carried unanimously.

Mr Goldsmith also proposed the selection of Lt Chamberlain as Vice President, this was also unanimously carried.

Twelve names were submitted for election as members of the Committee.  On a ballot being taken, the following eight were declared elected. Moatt, Pratley, Goldsmith, Child, Chamberlain, Craig, Forster, Baker.

Mr Chas Cropley was elected Captain of the Club.   Mr J H Birch was elected Hon Treas and Secretary.  Mr Craig was elected Match Secretary.

General Business

1.  It was decided that the cost of a wreath sent from the club on the occasion of the funeral of the late Mr Colier-Jones should be borne by the Club funds.

2.  It was agreed that the subscription of 10/6 per annum for playing members should be continued.

3.  It was agreed that the Hon Secretary should write to Mr Reynolds asking him for a statement of the Clubs indebtedness to him.

4.  Mr Goldsmith kindly offered a prize of one guinea for the Partridge Challenge Cup Competition and Mr F H Trower a prize for the runner up in the competition.  4 Woods 21 ends.

5.  It was decided that a Rink Tournament Game should be organised in aid of the local fund for Disabled Sailors and Soldiers.

6.  A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the business.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

Epsom Bowling Club

Annual General Meeting Nov 9th 1920 at the Technical Institute at 8.30pm

Mr F H Trower presided

1.  The minutes of the last Annual General Meeting were read and confirmed.

2.  The Hon Sec read his report for the season 1920, and a provisional statement of a/cs.  He stated that two a/cs of £13-5s and £7-15s respectively were owing. and asked the members to treat these as special liabilities and suggested that they should be liquidated by special contributions.  This the meeting agreed to and

£17 - 2 - 0 was subscribed towards wiping out the outstanding a/cs.  On the proposition of Mr A Wootten, seconded by Mr Chas Cropley the Report and a/cs were adopted.  Mr Foselger (this name hard to read) to be asked to audit the latter before they were circulated to members.

3.  General Wrigley proposed and Mr Pratley seconded the re-election of Mr F H Trower as President for 1921.  This was carried unanimously, and Mr Trower suitably acknowledged his re-election.

4.  Mr Birch proposed and Mr Goldsmith seconded the re-election of Mr Chas Cropley as Captain for season 1921.  Carried unanimously.

5.  Mr Travers proposed and Mr Forster seconded the re-election of Mr J H Birch as Hon Secretary and Treasurer for season 1920 -21.  Carried unanimously.

6. On the proposition of Gen Wrigley seconded by Mr Chas Cropley  Mr J F Craig was appointed Hon Assist Secretary for 1921.

7. The following members (after a ballot) were elected to serve on the committee for 1921, viz. General Wrigley Messrs A F Wootten, S F Jackson, F Goldsmith,

C E Stredwick  C J Batchelor, and Geo Forster with the officers of the club ex officio members.

8. Mr James Child received from the Chairman the Prize Bowls won by him in the Club's sealed Handicap (No 1) and was heartily congratulated by the meeting.  In thanking the members Mr Child said that as he was in his 82nd year he was particularly proud to have won the prize.

9. The Hon. Sec. then opened a discussion on the general position of the Club, and more particularly with regard to the question of obtaining a larger and better green.  He pointed out that the Committee would consider taking a fresh lease in the immediate future.  He said that the Club had outgrown and worn out the present green.  Frequent appeals had been made to members for repairs, and these appeals were likely to be frequent in future, a sum of over £70 had been spent on the green quite recently, with very adequate results.  He had given the matters much consideration and he strongly recommended the members not to take a new lease on this present green but to obtain a new home altogether, and to appoint a Committee to see if it were possible to obtain a site and ascertain the cost of laying down a Cumberland Turf Green.

A possible site was discussed in Church Street, and a plan was produced and explained by Mr Wootten.  A sum of £1,500 was mentioned as the probable cost of the freehold and Green.  After some discussion, in which some members expressed the view that the cost of the site was prohibitive.  The following resolution was moved by the Hon Sec. and seconded by Mr Cropley:

"That a small Sub Committee be appointed to endeavour to procure a site with a view to laying down a Cumberland Turf Green, and to formulate a scheme to lay before a Special General meeting of members."

This was carried unanimously and the following constituted to serve: on the Committee Mr A F Wootten, Mr F H Trower, Mr Chas Cropley, Mr Moatt, General Wrigley, Mr C J Batchelor and the Secretaries.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

The following minutes were recorded in a separate book:

Sub Committee appointed at the Annual General Meeting of the Club held on 9th Nov 1920  Members of Sub Committee  Messrs Trower, Wootten, Moatt, General Wrigley,  Batchelor, C Cropley, J F Craig and the Hon Secretary (Mr J H Birch)

The first meeting of the above Sub Committee was held on 13th Nov at the Beeches (by the courtesy of General Wrigley).  All the members of the Sub Committee were present.  Mr Wootten presided and it was agreed that the Sub Committee had been appointed for the purpose, if possible, securing a site on which to build a Cumberland Turf Bowling Green of full size.  Mr Craig submitted a plan of an available site in Church Street.  General Wrigley undertook to see the lease holder of a piece of land in the rear of Worple Road.  Mr Cropley undertook to see the owners of a piece of land in Church Road and Mr Batchelor would ascertain if Mr W G Langlands would be willing to sell any land on the north side of the railway.  A general discussion ensued on the scheme, and the meeting was adjourned until Saturday 20th November.

The second meeting of the Sub Committee was held at the Beeches, Burgh Heath Road on Saturday Nov 20th 1920 all the members (with the exception of Mr Trower) were present.  General Wrigley reported that he had interviewed the leaseholders of the site in Worple Road, who was willing to release the land for sale he had so informed the owners of the property and had received from the the offer of land for £500.

Mr Craig reported that he had interviewed the owners of the Church Street site who was willing to take £500 for the land as shown on the plan, but would be prepared to take £50 of the purchase price in shares.

Mr Cropley reported that the Church Road site would not be available.

Mr Batchelor reported that Mr Langlands would not part with any of his land for the purposes of the Club.

A general discussion ensued on these reports and ultimately it was decided that Mr Wootten should be authorised to get an option for three months of the site in Worple Road.

The Secretary was authorised to communicate with the Secretary of a local Tennis Club to see if any joint arrangement could be come to for the use of the Worple Road site, and to ask if they would be prepared to consider the payment by them of a yearly sum of £50, which sum was to include the services of the Club's Groundsman. The Tennis Club to level this part of the ground.   Mr Wootten and Mr Batchelor were deputed to interview Mr Herbert-Bill (Solicitors) with a view to ascertaining the best method of raising the Capital for the proposed scheme.  It was agreed that an annual subscription of 50/- would be necessary if the charges on the capital outlay and maintenance costs were to be met.  It was thought that the capital outlay would probably be approximately as follows:-

Cost of Site  £600  Legal Expenses   £25    Cost of Green and Building   £750  Cost of removal and alterations to Pavilion (including laying on water & gas)   £250  Total £1,600 (this should be £1625!).  Several of the Sub Committee expressed their willingness to become substantial share holders in the scheme.

(This is signed by A Wootten) 4-12/20

The third meeting of the Sub Committee was held at Worple Road on Saturday, Dec 4th 1920.  The minutes of the meeting held on the 6th and 20th Nov were read, confirmed, and signed.  The Secretary reported that he had invited Mr A Henderson, Greenman to the North London Bowling Club and an expert Bowling Green makers, to come down and view the two sites with a view to be ascertaining the respective suitability and costs of building greens thereon, and that his fee so during would be 21/- and travelling expenses.  He also reported that he had interviewed the Hon Secretary of the Rosemount Lawn Tennis Club with a view to ascertaining if that Club would be willing to take over that portion of the site in Worple Road which would be required by the Bowls Club, and lay out Lawn  Tennis Courts on the site.  He would lay matters before his Committee who would meet some members of the Bowling Committee on the site and further discuss the question.

Mr Wootten reported that he had obtained the option, or the promise of an option of the Worple Road site, but possession could not be obtained until June 24th 1921.  The Committee then proceeded to measure out the site to ascertain how many Tennis Courts could be provided in addition to the Bowling Green, and come to the conclusion that four and probably five Courts could be accommodated.  It was decided that the owners of the frontage in Worple Road, and of the Glebe Land adjoining to see if (a) a permanent (b) or temporary right of way could be obtained as additional access to the site.  It was decided that General Wrigley, Mr Chas Cropley and the Hon Sec should meet Mr A Henderson on the site on Dec 12th.  The Committee then went to see the Church Street site and also viewed a piece of land near the L & S W Ry Station, but this was found to be quite unsuitable for the purposes of the Club.

(This was signed by A  H Wootten 8 - 6/21

Jan 29th 1921

A meeting of the Committee was held at the "Bayham", Alexandra Road, Epsom on the above date.  Mr F H Trower presided and there were also present Messrs Batchelor, Cropley, Goldsmith, Wrigley and the Hon Sec.  The Hon Sec reported that a sum of £420 had been promised towards the proposed new green.  The Committee went through a list of persons to whom the Appeal should be sent.  Mr Trower undertook to write to Lord Rosebery, Mr Aston and Sir Edward H Mountain.  A letter was read from Mr Stredwick thanking the members for this sympathy in his illness, and promising support to the scheme.  It was decided to pay the a/c's of Mr A Henderson for services in connection with the new green, and of Mr Lisney in connection with the relaying of the old green.

(This was signed by F H Trower  Feb 26/21

Feb 26th 1921

A meeting of the Committee was held on Saturday, Feb 26th at the Technical Institute.  Mr F H Trower presided and there were also present Messrs Batchelor, Comdr. Chamberlain, Cropley, Forster, Goldsmith, Wrigley, Wootten KC and the Hon Sec.  The minutes of the meeting held on 29th Jan were read and confirmed.  The Hon Sec presented a report on the position of the scheme for a new Ground and Cumberland Turf Green, which showed that £650 had been promised.  Further provisional support to the extent of £165 was forth coming from members of the Committee making a total of £825 on which the Committee could rely at that stage of the Scheme.  A letter was read from Lord Rosebery promising to "take his part if the scheme was proceeded with".  Some suggestions were discussed whereby the Capital outlay might be somewhat reduced and it was ultimately moved by Brigadier General Wrigley "that in the opinion of the Committee sufficient financial support has been accorded the scheme to justify the Committee in recommending the Club to adopt it, and that a General Meeting of the members and potential members of the Club be called to give effect to such recommendations"  This resolution seconded by Mr Goldsmith and carried unanimously, and it was decided that this special meeting be held on Monday 7th March at 8.30pm at the Technical Institute Epsom.  At this meeting the Chairman, on behalf of the Club congratulated Mr Wootten on the honour conferred on him by his appointment as one of His Majesty's Kings Counsel.

A special General Meeting of the Club was held at the Technical Institute on Monday 7th March 1921, when the following resolution was proposed by the President, seconded by Mr A F Wootten K C and unanimously passed.

The following was a typed piece glued into the minute book

"That, the opinion of the present and potential Members of this Club, the measure of financial support already assured warrants the taking of steps to realise the scheme for the creation of a Cumberland Turf Bowling Green, as outlined in the Memorandum recently circulated to Members; and that the Committee be, and is hereby empowered forthwith to exercise their option in respect of the selected site, and to take such subsequent action as will, for a capital outlay not exceeding £1,200 secure for the Club a thoroughly satisfactory Bowling Green and its appurtenances."

Proposed by Col Wrigley, sec by Mr Hamilton-Pott, and carried unanimously "That Mr A F Wootten KC and Mr F H Trower, be and are hereby appointed Trustees of the Club."

Proiposed by Col Wrigley, sec by Mr Goldsmith and carried unanimously "that the members of the Club hereby agree to indemnify the Trustees against any expenses or liabilities under the lease."

Several members agreed to increase the amount of their loans to the Club in connection with the scheme.

It was unanimously agreed that the Committee of the Club should be responsible for carrying out the scheme.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

A meeting of the Committee was held on Saturday 30th April in the Club Pavilion at 6.30p.m.  Mr F H Trower presided.

The Committee considered Tenders and Specifications from Mr A Henderson and Mr Mitchell for the construction of the new green.  After some discussion the Secretary was instructed to refer both tenders to the E.B.A. the same in the opinion of the Committee being lacking in necessary detail.

The Hon. Sec. reported that Messrs Langlands & Son had written to say that the Club's tenancy of the present green did not expire until Michaelmas 1923.  The Committee instructed the Hon. Sec. to write to Messrs Langlands & Sons accepting the interpretation they had put upon the Agreement and informing them that the Committee would as soon as they thought fit let the green for the purposes of tennis or similar lawn games.

The Committee appointed Mr Chas Cropley to represent the Club in the County Colls  Match, and the Hon. Sec.'s name was to be submitted to the County Selection Committee for County Fixtures.

The following were selected to represent the Club in the Shield Competition.

Birch, Batchelor, Maitland, Cropley C, Cropley J, Wrigley, Goldsmith, Moatt, F Cragg, Pratley

The Hon. Sec. was instructed to select 8 of the above  to represent the Club in the final match.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

A  meeting of the Committee was held on Mar 2nd at Bayhaim Alexandra Road Epsom  Mr F H Trower in the chair.  The Hon. Sec. reported the progress of the new green scheme, and it was resolved that a General Meeting of the Club should be called in order to ascertain the wishes of the numbers in regard to it.

It was also resolved that Mr Lisney of Ashtead should be paid the balance of his account in connection with the relaying of the old green.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

A meeting of the Committee was held on Saturday 7th May, Mr F H Trower presiding, there was also present Messrs Wootten, Wrigley, Batchelor, Goldsmith, Cropley and the Hon. Sec.

The Hon. Sec. reported that he had submitted Mitchell's and Henderson's specifications to the E.B.A. and on the suggestion of their secretary he had an interview at their office with Mr James Provan, the E.B.A. Advisor on the laying of greens who had pointed out various deficiencies in both specifications and who promised that his firm would themselves submit a specification and tender.

The Committee decided that the further considerations of the matter should be adjourned until the 12th inst pending the receipt of the promised specifications.

The draft conveyance of the piece of Glebe Land which the Committee propose to acquire was then considered, and amended in various particulars on the suggestion of Mr Wootten, and the Hon. Sec. was instructed to write to Messrs Theodore Bea & Co that the Committee were not in a position at present to accede to the Vicar's request that he might be given a right of way over the proposed roadway.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

A meeting of the Committee was held on Saturday May 14th 1921  Mr F H Trower presiding

The Hon. Sec. reported that Messrs Provan had sent a modification of his original specification whereby the sum was reduced by £113 - 10s making the amount for the completion of the green £967.  It was decided that a further reduction should be requested by having a narrow pathway of 3ft - 6in instead of 6ft.

The Committee then considered a letter from Messrs T Bell & Co. dated 14th May, in which they asked the Committee to re-consider their refusal to grant the vicar or his successors in title the right to lay pipes over the 12ft strip into Worple Road, and stating that this was one of the terms placed before the Ecclesiastical.

Commissioners in asking their sanctions and stating further that if this right was withdrawn they (the E.C.) would be entitled to withdraw their sanction.

After some discussion the Committee decided to adhere to its previous decision not to grant the rights asked for.

(This is signed by J H Trower)  dated June 5/21

A meeting of the Committee was held at the "Birches", Epsom, (by the kindness of Col. Wrigley) on June 6th, 1921, when there were present Messrs Trower, Wootten, Wrigley, Batchelor, birch,.  The Hon Sec read a letter from Mr Robert Provan stating that he could not further reduce his estimate of £967 for the laying of the green.  It was decided to defer consideration of this letter until the question of the acquisition of the strip of Glebland had been settled.  The Committee then considered the present position with regard to the demand of the owners of the strip of Glebe proposed to be acquired by the Club for the right at any time after the Club acquires the freehold of the land they are now leasing to lay a drain and other pipes over it into Worple Road.  After much discussion and after hearing the explanations of Mr Trower with regard to his actions in the matter, the Committee decided to grant the request for the right to lay a drain over the said strip into Worple Road under certain conditions, but do not grant the request for water in other pipes, such not having been asked for in the correspondence a letter was drafted and a copy ordered to be sent to Messrs Bell & Co.  Mr Batchelor kindly offered to type such letter in duplicate.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

A meeting of the Committee was held at the Beeches Burgh Heath Road Epsom by the courtesy of Col Wrigley, on 26th June 1921

The minutes of the meeting held on 6th June were read and confirmed.

The draft conveyance from the Ecclesiastical Com of the strip of Glebe Land proposed to be acquired by the Club was considered.  The draft was amended in some particulars and the names of Col Wrigley and the Hon. Sec. added in the place of Messrs Wootten & Trower and the Hon. Sec was instructed to see Messrs Bill & Co. to inform them of the wishes of the Committee (written in pencil here - my draft as amended with one dissention).  It was decided that the second round of the Championship Competition should close on 9th July.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

A meeting of the Committee was held on 2nd July 1921 in the Club's Pavilion.  Those present: Mr Trower (in the chair) Messrs Batchelor, Cropley, Goldsmith, Jackson, Stredwick, Wootten, Col Wrigley and the Hon Sec.  The minutes of the meeting of 26th June were read and confirmed.  A letter was read from Messrs T Bill & Co. together with draft Conveyance from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners.  This was considered and as the Conveyance was not quite in accordance with the Committees wishes, Col Wrigley was deputed to wait on Mr Herbert Bill to get the draft Conveyance attend to meet the views of the Committee.

In connection with the making of the new entrance from Worple Road into the new site Mr Chas Cropley kindly undertook to get out the specification, and it was agreed that the following builders be invited to submit estimates by Messrs Longhurst & Sons, Messrs H Taylor & Son, Mr H Skelton, Mr C J Harrington.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

14th July 1921

A meeting of the Committee was held on the above date at Bayham, Alesandra Road, by the kindness of Mr F H Trower.

Present: Messrs Trower, Goldsmith, Cropley, Stredwick, Forster, Jackson, Wrigley and the Hon. Sec.

The Hon. Sec. reported that the Conveyance of the Glebe Land had been completed and signed by Mr F H Trower Col Wrigley and the Hon. Sec.  It was decided to accept the tenders of Messrs Henry Taylor & Son for the making of the new road into Worple Road Site for the sum of £80 but it endeavours to get this sum reduced.  The Hon. Sec. Mr Chas Cropley and Mr Forster were appointed a sub committee, with powers to act, in the matter of the laying on of a gas, water and drainpipe service into the new site.  Messrs Taylor & Son were to be asked to quote for this.  On the motion of Col Wrigley seconded by Mr S F Jackson it was unanimously decided to ask Messrs Robert Provan & Son of Ratherglen to build the new green according to their specification on the 6th May 1921 subject to the modifications indicated in their letter of the 11th May for the inclusive sum of £967 on condition that the green shall be completed not later than the end of October

Mr Stredwick announced that he would be pleased to increase his promised number of shares to £2 (the amount here is unclear)

(This is signed by J H Trower)

A meeting of the Committee was held on the green on Saturday Sept. 24th 1921.  Mr Trower presided and there were also present Mr Batchelor  Col Wrigley  Mr Stredwick and Mr Forster and Mr Chas Cropley.  The minutes of the meeting held on the 14th July were read and confirmed.

The Hon Sec reported that the Cumberland Turf green was nearing completion and general satisfaction had been expressed with the way Messrs Provan had carried out their work.  Messrs Wootten Wrigley and Trower were appointed a Sub Committee with powers to expend a sum not exceeding £10 for purposes for laying out the surrounds of the new green.  A letter was read from Mr Glenister offering to take over the present green for the remainder of the Clubs lease at the same rent and out goings.  On the motion of Mr Cropley, seconded by Col. Wrigley it was agreed to sub let the ground to Mr Glenister as and from the 30th Sept, 1921 on the terms mentioned on condition that no games but those of Lawn Tennis or Croquet be played thereon.  The Hon Sec supported that Messrs Taylor & Sons charges in connection with the making of the road from Worple Road were also as follows

Roadway  72 -10 - 0       Water Service  22 - 0 - 0     Gas Service  13 - 0 -0  and that he had this work in hand.  He had further given instructions for the water service to be extended to the centre of the path which will be immediately in front of the Pavilion which will be an additional charge.  The Committee confirmed the Hon Sec's action.  He also reported that he had engaged a man to trim the grass and hedges and generally to clear up the ground.  This action was also confirmed.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

A meeting of the Committee was held at the Recreation Ground on Saturday 15th October.  Mr F H Trower presided and there was also present Messrs Wootten, Wrigley, Cropley, Goldsmith and the Hon Secretary.  The Hon Sec reported that twelve on pound shares in the Club Pavilion had herein been surrendered by members for the benefit of the Club.  A discussion ensued as to the position of the share holders with reference to the removal of the Pavilion to the new site, and it was decided to adjourn the further consideration of the matter to a future meeting of the Committee.  It was decided to hold the Annual Dinner of the Club in the early part of February next and the date of the Annual Meeting was provisionally fixed for the 2nd November.  The Committee had an interview with Mr R H Grafham of Mill Lane, Ewell, with a view to his becoming the Club's Groundsman of the new ground.  After questioning Mr Grafham and ascertaining his qualifications as far as they could at the interview Mr Grafham left the Committee room, and the Committee thoroughly discussed the matter and it was ultimately proposed by Mr Chas Cropley and sec by Mr F H Trower that Mr Grafham be appointed as Groundsman for 32 weeks continuous service, commencing on March 13th next at a salary of 30/- per week, a formal agreement to be drawn up and signed by him and the Hon Sec on behalf of the Committee.

It was proposed by Col Wrigley seconded by Mr Goldsmith and carried unanimously that the position of the Club's Pavilion decided on at the in formal meeting of some members of the Committee on the 2nd Oct viz. that it should be at the north-west side of the green in the centre be and is hereby confirmed.

Col Wrigley proposed and Mr Chas Cropley seconded that a Sub Committee be appointed to draw up a new set of rules for the Club, and it was unanimously agreed that such Sub Committee should consist of Col Wrigley and Mr C J Batchelor.  Such Sub Committee to report to the Committee.  The Hon Secretary was asked to write to Messrs Provan in due course for full instructions as to the maintenance and proper use of the green.  It was also decided that a small piece of te Club's new ground be let to Mr A F Wootten for an allotment at a rental of £3 per annum, with six months notice on either side.

(This is signed by J H Trower)

A meeting of the Committee was held at Col Wrigley's house, Burgh Heath Road, Epsom, on Friday, Nov 4th 1921, when there were present Mr F H Trower (in the chair) Mr Chas Cropley, Mr C J Batchelor, Mr C E Stredwick, Col Wrigley, Mr Geo Forster and the Hon Sec.  The minutes of the meeting on the 15th October were read and confirmed.  The Hon Sec reported that since the previous meeting "110 had been promised towards the cost of the new green.  The Hon Sec raised the question of the removal of the Club's Pavilion to the new site, and after considerable discussion Mr Chas Cropley undertook on behalf of himself and his brothers to remove and re erect the Pavilion at net cost price, and it was thereupon moved by Col Wrigley and seconded by Mr Forster that Mr Mr Cropley's offer be accepted with thanks.

The rules Sub Committee submitted draft copies of the rules, and the same were gone through seriatim, amended, and agreed, and Mr Stredwick undertook to propose the adoption of the Rules at the Annual Meeting to be held on Nov 16th.  The Hon Sec was appointed to represent the Club at the Annual meeting of the Surrey County Bowling Assoc at the Holborne Restaurant on Saturday Nov 12th.  Col Wrigley very kindly offered to make himself responsible for the playing accessories for the new green, mats, jacks, markers etc. which offer the Committee accepted with many thanks.

(This is signed by J H Trower)