Burnham Bowling Club was founded in 1906 on land adjacent to George Reed’s Manor House grounds, subsequently the site of John Bodger’s plant nursery. Initially the membership fee was 10/- (50p) and there was an annual subscription of one guinea (£1. 1/-). Originally an old Somerset & Dorset Railway carriage was used as a changing room. Later a pavilion was built on part of the Manor gardens.
The Ward Lock Guide to Weston-super-mare from around 1915 tells us that “many matches are played on the bowling-green adjoining the Manor Gardens, and it also is open to visitors:- 2/6 for the first week, 1/6 the second and 1/- per week afterwards”
A ladies section was formed in 1969 and helped put the club back on its feet during a low spot.
Some early photos. The Manor Gardens are behind the club house.
![](http://www.captureburnham.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Early-bowling-club-photo.jpg)
![](http://www.captureburnham.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/A60a-Bowls-coloured-pc-scr.jpg)
Can you help us identify any of these people in this photo from 1954?