Little Holland’s tennis courts, pavilion and later miniature golf helped establish the area’s sporting life before the council acquired the site.
From York Road to today
The original Holland-on-Sea Bowling Club was established at the Roaring Donkey; it later lost its green in 1979.
After a January public meeting, York Road Bowling Green opened in April. The former tennis pavilion became the first bowls clubhouse.
The men’s and ladies’ clubs held their first joint annual dinner in 1951. Mrs Hey donated the club flag in 1953 and the first honours board in 1956.
A new pavilion opened in 1970, the clubhouse grew through member-led improvements, and the men’s and ladies’ clubs became a joint membership in 2004.
Club information
Founded: York Road Bowling Club, 1949
Playing code: Outdoor lawn bowls
Location: Madeira Road, Holland-on-Sea, CO15 5NF
Community: Playing and social members, supported by volunteers who help run the green, clubhouse and social calendar.
The club also offers carpet bowls and table tennis during winter, alongside a social programme.
A record worth celebrating
The history records some standout club, county and national milestones. Where the original record does not name a player, this is made clear rather than guessed.
County leadership
Founder and first ladies’ captain Mrs Hey served as ECWBA Junior Vice President, Senior Vice President and then President in 1954, hosting her County President’s Day at York Road.
First Tendring Hundred League title
York Road won the Tendring Hundred League for the first time.
League champions again
York Road returned to the top of the Tendring Hundred League.
Championship Trophy
The men captured the Championship Trophy of the THL Bowls League.
National Finals at Leamington
The ladies reached the National Finals at Leamington - an important national-stage appearance recorded in the club history, although the original photograph is not captioned.
One club, shared future
The men’s and ladies’ clubs joined under a single membership and constitution, later receiving Community Amateur Sports Charity status.