Rosehill Ladies Bowls Club - History

The Rosehill Ladies Bowling Club was formed at a meeting held at the house of Mrs Hayler, of Oak Close, Sutton on 13th March 1934. At a later meeting the Club Rules were formed ... membership 5/-, uniform ... white dresses, navy blue blazers with Club badge, white felt hat with blue band, brown bowls shoes and stockings!

The popularity of the Club was such that membership had to be limited, a waiting list was put into operation and applications had to be residents of Sutton.

A shelter provided by the Council had been built and this was where match teas were served. However, after several appealing letters, the ladies were given a Clubroom of their own... this was the room now used for the green-keeper's office.

In 1939 war clouds were gathering over Europe, but still Season matches and Club competitions were played.

On 3rd September 1939 war was declared. An emergency meeting was called, which resulted in all matches and competitions being suspended. However, roll-ups continued!

In 1940 a bomb landed on the green, creating a large crater, the green was put out of commission. Members played bowls in the beginning of the 1941 Season at Cheam Village, returning to their own Club later that season. 1944 was recorded as the "Summer of the Flying Bombs" but still the Rosehill Ladies had their afternoon cuppa, donating from their own meagre rations the occasional spoonful of tea and sugar.

The war ended in 1945 and life resumed some resemblance of normality. Rosehill Ladies... play on!!