STORNOWAY BOWLING CLUB – A HISTORY

A meeting of the committee appointed at a Public Meeting of Ratepayers for the formation of a Bowling and Tennis Club was held in the YMCA rooms of the United Free English Church on Friday 29 April 1921 at 7.30pm. With Col Lindsay convening it was agreed by all 17 attending to write to the Town Council and ascertain if a site could be obtained at the top end of Bayhead Embankment for the making of a Bowling Green and Tennis Court."

From thereon, moves were set in motion to bring about the securing of and development of bowling and tennis facilities.  Meetings were held regularly in order that matters were progressed satisfactorily.

At the meeting on 11th April 1922 the club intimated that it had handed over £400 to the Town Council  as had been agreed upon.  The meeting determined the club name, office bearers, membership, fees, expulsion, committees and management of the club.

Stornoway Bowling Club began active  life in July 1922 as the Stornoway Bowling and Tennis Club.  The site of the bowling green that they have occupied to this day had been developed by Stornoway Town Council with a feu charter from Lord Leverhulme, the then proprietor of Lewis.

The charter granted for the purpose of games and sports was on land reclaimed from the Bayhead River estuary.  It had been the Burgh refuse tip in the 19th century and had earth piled over it thereafter.

The bowling green and tennis court were officially declared open by Lord Leverhulme accompanied by famous Scottish entertainer, Sir Harry Lauder and his wife who were guests at Lews Castle.

The bowling green was opened by the rolling of the first jack by Lord Leverhulme and the tennis court opened by the serving of the first ball by Lady Lauder.

A lease was drawn up by the Provost, Magistrates and Councillors of the Burgh of Stornoway and The Stornoway Bowling & Tennis Club dated 1922. "The lessors" were the Town Council and those representing the SB&TC  as "The lessees" were:  President - Roderick Smith (Chemist),  Vice-President - Archibald Macphail Fletcher (Chamberlain of the Lews), Joint Secretaries - Louis Bain (Fishcurer) and Robert Kinloch Drummond (Governor of the Lewis Combination House), Joint Treasurers - Norman Maciver (Fishcurer) and William Grant (Journalist).  The lease stipulated the terms and conditions appertaining to the provision of two bowling greens and two tennis courts with rental and a charge to maintain the wall at the river bank.  The provision of a clubhouse was to be made by the SB&TC itself once planning approval had been granted.

The negotiations with the Town Council seem to have gone relatively well and smoothly. One must presume as that Roderick Smith was also the Provost of Stornoway (1919-22) and that Captain Fletcher was the Chamberlain of the Lews, the land acquisition and development were not unduly hindered.

The initial membership subscription was a guinea (£1.1/-) and the entrance fee 2/6d. In modern money that is £1.05 and 12.5 pence.  Membership stood at 85 annual members and 13 life members. It was intimated that 120 were needed to help finance the club.

To raise monies to establish the club, a bazaar was held and raised a worthy credit balance of £610-0-4.  A Cake and Candy Sale was also organised.

It would appear that the original plan for two greens and two courts did not materialise as the SB&TC Minutes Book refers to the greens and a court in 1922. In March 1923 it is stated that: the total cost for laying the tennis court with Blaes (sic Blaize) would be about £10-15-6.  The same minute states that: a fence has been erected to the south side of the Town Council Green to protect both Greens from sheep, etc., and that the Town Council had agreed to payment of half the total cost, which would amount to about £10.

It therefore appears that the Town Council Green was the area where the play area is today and where, for many years, there was a municipal putting green.  It would also appear that the second tennis court beside the current Bowling Club car park was a later addition to the one which has become the Failte Centre car park.

In the minute of 20th April 1923 the first mention of a club house was made and it was remitted to the management committee to write and ascertain prices and quotations.   It was also left to the committee to report re the erection of a temporary urinal at the top end of the Embankment.  There was no mention of any provision for the lady members!

At the next meeting it was resolved to purchase an iron tent as a temporary provision, about 15 feet in diameter with a door, two windows and a wooden floor.  The price, delivered to Stornoway, was about £18-10s.  Also at the meeting it was agreed to open the bowling green on 9th May and that window bills be distributed throughout the town advertising it.  As the iron tent had not arrived,  a Marquee and a Bell tent were to be erected and the Ladies had everything in hand for the supply of tea and refreshments.

At the meeting of 1st June held in the Club House, the first item on the Agenda was provision for 12 kitchen chairs for the new facility.  A table was also to be ordered from James Mackenzie & Sons for £1.  It was also agreed to paint the walls and roof, one coat inside and outside with Messrs D. Mackenzie & Sons, Bayhead Street, to undertake this work.  All inside work was to be white paint, the outside roof red and the outside walls cream.  The widows were to be glazed.

The club had a greenkeeper who was instructed to open new footpaths from the Club House door to the Bowling Green and Tennis Court.  He was to get two loads of gravel and employ two men to help him with the paths and tennis court.  He was also to roll the green alternatively diagonally.

The club also sent out invitations to Lord Leverhulme's guest at Lews Castle and to the 3rd Submarine Flotilla which was visiting Stornoway.  Both invites were accepted.

The first trophy and winner was presented to John Logan on 21st January 1924. Silver Mounted Bowls on a Stand was presented by the President and the club congratulated the winner. The trophy had been presented by Mr W.D. Mackenzie of Portland, Oregon.

At the same meeting sheep getting onto the Green via a damaged Town Council fence was raised along with the Green ditches requiring shingle or snow boards.  The appointment of a salaried greenkeeper was done annually with applicants tendering their preferred wages. This came to around £2 per week back then.  Three applicants  for the 1924 season were: John Macdonald 18 Guershader, Angus Macleod 10 Newton Street and Angus Maciver 20 Newton Street.

By the AGM of 1925 the credit balance of the club stood at £55-13-2 and several more trophies were available for entrants to competitions. The minute also reveals  that the club looked after not only the Bayhead tennis courts but the Castle tennis courts (where the UHI car park is today) for £5 a year plus maintenance.  It was requested that a hose be provided for the Castle courts as in dry weather, the surface was badly damaged.  Pupils of The Nicolson Institute  were encouraged through Miss Younger (PI Teacher) to play at Bayhead.  It was agreed that a maximum membership of 50 be applied to the Tennis Section.

By 1927 a  credit balance of £89-4-10 had accumulated, helped by a Whist Drive and a dance.  and in 1929 the Secretary was instructed to write to Mr Robertson, plumber to take a water supply from the main for use in the Green in dry weather.

It is noted in the minute of 9 May 1929 that it was unanimously agreed to offer Mr T.B.Macaulay , Montreal and John Bain, Chicago and their families unrestricted use of the Green and Courts during their stay on the islands.  This was for the reopening of the Town Hall which had burned down in March 1918 and their financial contributions had enabled the Town Council to rebuild. John Bain was a brother of Provost Louis Bain (1925-30) who was a former President of  SB&TC.

An interesting insert in the minute of 22 October 1929 was a letter to Provost Louis Bain who had conferred with Mr D.A. Wintersgill, Landscape Manager of Auslin & McAslan, Glasgow.  It read:

Reference - Bowling Green

Dear Sir

With regard to the above and the steps that should be taken to bring it into better condition our recommendation is as follows:-

1)  That the Bowling Green should be pronged over to the depth of 4"/5" 4 inches apart, and top dressed with coarser sand than that which was shown to us.  We enclose herewith two samples, which will, we think be of interest to you.  The one from Loch Sunairt being the quality used by Mr Besant of the Glasgow Parks, and the other (Perth shore) the usual quality used by the Glasgow Bowling Clubs.  No doubt you will be able to find similar sand quite easily near Stornoway. 

2)  The Green should also have a certain type of feed in, and seeing there is so much moss we recommend 4 cwt of Bone Meal for present application, and about 2 cwts of Sulphate of Ammonia, lightly scattered over in Spring.  This latter is cheap, but very effective in retarding any mossy growth.

3)  As to the drainage, it would, we are sure, repay you to have the ditches cleaned and the tile drains relaid taking the two side drains straight through to the bank to the river.  Should there be any possibility of water backing up these drains, it might be advisable to have traps fixed to the outlets to prevent this.  In taking up the drain at side nearest river you would no doubt find if there are drains underneath the Green.  Should this not be the case it would be worth considering carrying this out at some future date.  We recommend that they run direct from one side of the green to the other, ie not herring-bone.

We are aware that the main  cause of the state of the Green is bad drainage , but you can do a lot towards helping this by top-dressing with the right sand: the Club are not disposed to go to the length of re-organizing the drainage.

The minute also stated:-

A letter was also read from Mr Drummond, green Ranger, with recommendation for treatment on practical similar lines.

The committee deliberated on the advice before them, and concurred on the proposed recommendations to the following extent

1)  Pronging  of the Green, all existing drains & ditches be examined and relaid where necessary. 

 2)  It was agreed to procure six tons of sand , and Mr Drummond was commissioned to order the manure recommended by the experts who reported on the Green.

At the AGM in March 1931 the incoming President stated that the Green was in fine condition. The Treasurer reported he had received fees for 38 members of the bowling section, 21 from tennis members and that there were 12 temporary members.  At the AGM in March 1932 permission was sought to have the bowls belonging to the club re-polished and that a new supply of rubber shoes be provided.

In May 1932 mention was made of the Municipal Putting Green and the keeper there (the second Bowling Green from 10 years earlier).  This was in relation to the surfaces of the tennis courts which were costing a lot to repair.

In August 1932 a momentous decision was made when it was:- unanimously agreed  ..... to proceed in raising Funds to the amount of £250 for a pavilion, and the laying of a tar Macadam Court, the latter to be constructed to the estimate of £60, by the Burgh Engineer. 

In order to finance this a series of fund-raising events were planned.  a large committee of ladies formed to organise a great many of them.  

On 10th February 1933 a full attendance of members heard the President, Captain Alexander Finlayson, read out a letter from the Town Council giving approval of the plan to erect a pavilion on the site chosen.   Three tenders were read out and after a motion that of Mr Donald Kerr at £240 was accepted.  The funding to do this work would come from a loan of £200 and that 20 members of the Club would go security of a sum of £10 each.   The Town Council in another letter also agreed to do the work at the tennis court at cost price.  It was believed that all works would be complete at the opening of the Green and Court on 10th May.  By July the pavilion and contents were to be insured by the Secretary for £450. After considerable discussion lockers for keeping bowls and shoes was provided at an initial cost of three shillings (15p) per member. 

In October Mr Macfarquhar intimated that he would provide a lorry for the Green Committee to go to Loch Vat-an-Dip for the purpose of collecting sand and that members assist the Greenkeeper with weeding by hand.

On 29th March 1934, George Macdonald, Greenkeeper,  had the following instructions read to him and he agreed to act thereupon:-

1.  To have the Green set for play before 3pm daily, and to collect mats, jacks, etc., at the close of play.

2.  To have all the Club's bowls and shoes removed to the new Pavilion, and to see that they are kept there neatly and in good condition.

3.  To sweep out and dust the Pavilion daily before 3pm,. keep the lavatories and wash-hand basins clean, and to have a clean towel always on hand.

4. To cut the Green three times per week - on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - unless otherwise ordered by the Green ranger.

5. To roll the Green and Tennis Court once daily.

6.  To keep the banks, ditches, walks and surroundings trim and in good order.

7.  To water the Green during dry weather as may be ordered by the Green ranger.

8.  To see that all players, either on the Tennis Court or Bowling Green, are members of the Club, and to collect a fee of sixpence per game of bowls or set of tennis from any person playing who is not a member.

9.  The Greenkeeper is not to participate in a game for the purpose of making up a rink any time before 7pm.

10.  The Greenkeeper shall be subject at all times to any other order given by the Green ranger or the Management Committee.

The following day George Macdonald reneged on his agreement and as a result the post was advertised and of 14 applicants showed interest.  From these, John Macleod, Newton, was selected.

At the AGM in March 1935 it was reported that 1934 was not a success owing to the unfavourable weather which was in direct contrast with 1933.  As a result total cash drawings fell to 50% of that of the previous year.

The years 1936 and 1937 passed with few new members but the games were conducted with enthusiasm and the Pavilion debt was slowly being reduced.   In 1938 the Daily Record presented a silver trophy for competition, which it was agreed would be the Bowling Club's premier competition.

At the AGM in 1939 a sum of £340-19-2 was still owing to the bank but it was considered satisfactory.  Problems with drainage on the tennis court led to suggestions that holes be drilled in the surface of the court.

Some time between the AGMs of 1940 and 1941 the Pavilion was requisitioned to billet airmen based at the aerodrome being constructed by Messrs Sims, Sons and Cooke.   It was nevertheless decided to proceed with the 1941 season and that the Secretary should write to the Officer Commanding, RAF Stornoway seeking at least part payment of the £30 rent due to the Club.  This was Flt Lt Read who later had a shop on Church Street (Paddy Read).  With permanent quarters springing up around the airfield an application by Sqdn Leader Harker that the Pavilion be let as an RAF Officers' Club for three months at £3.00 per month, paid in advance.  It was agreed after an inventory of crockery  and fittings be taken beforehand and that the officers' club make good any damage during their occupancy.

As well as the RAF there is mention in 1943 of the Royal Navy Sick Bay Sisters based at Lews Castle which was a naval hospital as part of HMS Mentor.  They were playing tennis and to renew the wire netting at the Court, Mr Freeman RN offered the use of two Naval Ratings to help the Greenkeeper. Bowls competitions were still being played in the war with the Club President Donald Macleod winning the Club Championship, Edwin Aldred winning the President's Prize and Captain Thomas C. Macdonald & Donald C. Forsyth won the Pairs Competition.

In 1945 the Green opened on 16th May, less that a fortnight after VE Day and the President referred to 2the end of the War in Europe.  The President v Vice-President teams opened the season, which was won by the former's team by a substantial margin.

The AGMs of 1946 and 1947 were quite different in that only eight people attended the former and a "good attendance" was at the latter. Highlight of the first was that £109-6-3 was in the account and at the second, a letter from Messrs K. Stutt Ltd., Paisley, gave an estimate of £575 for relaying the Bowling Green.  This was left in abeyance.

The Club turned their attention towards the provision of a second tennis court at the AGMs in 1948 and 1949 but the cost quoted by Messrs Tawse Ltd, Contractors was too high at £500.  The prizes for the 1949 season were presented by Mrs Katie Hardy at the whist drive held on 21st December.  The holding of a Concert in the Town Hall was planned for the 3rd of March 1950 and at the AGM later that month it was announced that £30 was donated to the Club via the Common Good Fund operated by the Town Council, whilst a sum of £50 was to be donated to the Club, as spotted in the Stornoway Gazette, by the Stornoway Trust.

In 1951 it was agreed to only use half of the Bowling Green and that Angus Macleod, College of Agriculture, and Bob Drummond, Vice-President, be authorised to make any arrangements necessary to improve the unused half.  Annual memberships were Bowlers 30/-, Tennis players 25/- and Juniors 5/-.   The laying of a second tennis court was said to be satisfactory.

A sale of Work raised £186-14-8 and whist drives were held throughout the 1951-52 winter and this was to continue throughout the summer.  The Clubhouse was used throughout the winter by the Camera Club which had installed electric light  free of cost to the Bowling Club.   At the 1953 AGM it was agreed to hold special tournaments in June to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and to investigate a scheme whereby members could obtain bowls by making easy payments.  This was instituted at the following meeting.  No mention is made of the fact that the Lews Castle College opened with the loss of the tennis courts there which had been converted into a football pitch.

The purchase of a new motor mower, a replacement gate and fence repairs were discussed in 1954 along with a visit by Nairn Bowling Club.   Fees for playing went up from 9d to a shilling in 1955 and numbers of members reported to the 1956 AGM were 24 Bowlers and 5 Tennis players.  At the end of 1956 a new cup named the Vaila Cup was presented by Mr P. Paterson, Chief Engineer of the Fishery Protection Vessel Vaila.   Tragically, early the following year the vessel foundered after going on the rocks at the mouth of Loch Shell with the loss of six crew members.  This trophy is still competed for.

At the 1957 AGM the concept of playing carpet bowls within the Pavilion, as the Club House was referred to,  was first mooted.   The President suggested suitable alterations to facilitate the playing of bowls within the Pavilion.  At a further meeting it was agreed to purchase a Bowling Board, carpet, underfelt, a set of carpet bowls, guards, guides, etc., from William Jardine, Dumfries, at a cost of £52-12-9.   A Carpet Bowling Section was established to organise games to play each evening except Sundays when there were religious meetings.   For the comfort of all a Gas Heater was installed with a pre-payment meter.   There was no mention made of the two new tarred courts at The Nicolson Institute which permitted pupils to play for free.

As per tradition in 1958, the annual prize giving followed the Annual Dinner in December which cost 12/6.   That year must have been really successful as in early January it was agreed to hold a Burns Night in February 1959.

In April 1959 plans were put in place for a mower shed and internal alterations to the Pavilion by moving partitions and the relocation of the toilets at a cost to be less than £100.  The suggestion that the Club operate a Pools Syndicate was turned down officially but that those who wished to form an unofficial one could do so informally on the Club premises.

In a rather disappointing year for the Club, the 1960 main trophy winners were:  Club Championship:  Frank Strachan (R/Up - James Rome), Vaila Cup: James Douglas (R/Up- Alexander Mackenzie), Tomlinson Trophy (Pairs): David Duncanson and Calum Mackinnon.   In 1961 a total of 60 lapel badges were ordered at a cost of 8/10d each.  The Club also held a Free Gift Scheme (Raffle) in which, apart from the 1st Prize, the other 11 prizes were donated by members.  These included a box of groceries, 2 pairs of nylons, a fowl, 2 x 14lb boxes of kippers, a pair of Gents gloves and 100 cigarettes.

The 1962 AGM mentioned that an appeal was made against the greatly increased assessment made of the Club's property but that the Town Council had unfortunately rejected the rates appeal.  A block payment for subscriptions of £10 was made for RAF players using the tennis courts.   It is amusing to read the minute that in one paragraph it was decided to send a donation of £2-2-0 to the Playing Fields Association.  The next paragraph stated:   Mr J. Anderson moved that application be made to the Playing Fields Association for a grant towards the cost of eradicating moss from the green.  The cost of the eradicating machine would be £7-10-0 and the services of Mr Newhall would amount to £10. 

At the 1963 AGM it was announced that £50 had been received from the National Playing Fields Association. in connection with improvements on the Green.  Fertiliser and sand were applied the previous Autumn bringing about a marked improvement in the Spring.

At the 1964 AGM only 9 members turned up; one more than the previous year.  It was intimated that the Club had received the good news of a total abatement of the Rates.  It was also intimated that the local branch of Alcoholic Anonymous and the Old People's Welfare Association wished to use the Club premises.   This news was welcomed as the Club had suffered a deficit of about £40 in 1963.  There followed a discussion on the Club's future which was not seen as very bright with membership having dropped considerably and finances dropping each year.  Several members advocated handing over the entire running of the Club to the Town Council but it was resolved to journey on into 1964.

With no 1965 minute in the minutes book, it would appear that something had happened behind "the scenes", and the appearance of Cllr Abraham Langley in the itinerant suggests that an agreement had been reached between the Bowling Club to take it into the umbrella of that body.  The minute refers to the Bowling & Tennis Club (Recreations Sub-Committee) and has Stornoway Old People's Welfare Association on top of the page.   Dan Kerr remained in the chair with 16 people present.   The minute also refers to at least one previous minute, that of 26th April 1966 which is not recorded in the minute book.

The minute of 15th December 1966 stated that James Rome and James Morrison should represent the Club on the Stornoway OPW Association.   It was also agreed the annual fees would be Adults 35/-, Juniors 7/6, Visitors 2/6 a game.

At the meeting of 16th April 1968 it was reported that, due mostly to whist drives which raised  £174-1-3, the Club  showed a surplus over expenditure of £104-9-9.  The minute also reported that Mary Dart and Katie Barr, both stalwarts of the Stornoway Old People's Welfare Association had been appointed as Treasurer and Secretary of the Club at the Association's AGM the previous October.  There were 28 bowlers listed and the Club had 15 sets of bowls.  It was also stated that the second tennis court would have to be brought back into play as there had been a considerable increase in membership.  It was overgrown with weeds and the wire netting repaired.  On the bowling green the appearance of large patches of moss left a lot to be desired and grass seed was to be sown on these areas.   It was also agreed that soil samples be taken and analysed by Mr Gillespie, College of Agriculture. 

On 13th November 1968 the first mention was made of the new Centre proposed and that a substantial grant had been received by the Stornoway OPW Association towards the building of it.  It was also added that a public appeal for funds would be undertaken in 1969 to bring about the public initiative.  The Club was asked as to whether a donation be made towards the building, it was agreed following a motion by Mr T. Grassie, seconded by Mr A. Morrison that: The Bowling & Tennis Club would hand over the cash available to Stornoway O.P.W. Association as and when required."    It was also stated that the season had broken even with the Bowling Club, having a balance of £248 in the funds.

On 8th April 1969 it was stated that following advice from the College of Agriculture the green had been treated and that further sanding and feeding was required.   At the end of June it was reported that the moss had been virtually eradicated.   It was also agreed to the offer from Mr D. Maclennan to obtain the services of a digger driver to clear "the wilderness" between the tennis courts (site of the present Clubhouse).   At that meeting it was reported that the funding for the new centre was at the halfway stage.

The meeting of 6th September 1970 related that rolling had small hollows on the green had almost disappeared but that the large ones remained.  Further sand and fertiliser had been applied another dose was planned for the Spring.  Meetings were being held in the Crofters' Union Meeting Rooms from the Summer of 1970, presumably as the Pavilion was being demolished and the Lewis Retirement Centre was being built.

The Lewis Retirement Centre was opened in 1971 by Mrs Margaret (Peggy) Herbison who had been  Minister for Social Security in Harold Wilson's Government 1964-67.  No minutes book exists for 1972 until the Bowling Club folded and went into abeyance shortly afterwards.  It is known that the provision for bowlers within the layout of the Centre was woefully inadequate with only a small room and a handful of lockers, with tennis players having no accommodation at all.  Nobody was collecting fees for tennis at all in 1972.

With the temporary (as it transpired) demise of the Club, the Stornoway Town Council and from 1975 the new Comhairle nan Eilean Siar undertook to maintain the bowling green, putting green and tennis courts.   It was basic maintenance only with grass cutting on the greens.  A Greenkeeper was based in a hut taking money for the popular putting and the occasional bowlers.   Bowls and putters were stored in the hut for hire. Tennis players were allowed to play for free, which was to be expected after two players lost five balls in 1975 within No 2 court which had high grass within the netting of the court.

This arrangement carried on until 1985 when the Stornoway Outdoor Bowling Club came into being (Stornoway Bowling Club from 1990 onwards).   It appears that there was a mini-bowls league operating at that time. There was no attempt made to resurrect the tennis side and nothing has happened since.  Indeed, the No 1 Court has been transformed into the Centre's car park leaving No 2 Court in much the same condition as it was in the seventies.  A new court has been constructed near the Bridge Centre, and the Putting Green has disappeared along with the old Play Park after it was found that the land was contaminated.

The date of 14th May represents the first official meeting of the Club but there must have been an informal meeting prior to this as the Minute refers to Allan Macritchie as Chairman and Charlie Nicolson as Secretary/Treasurer without any election being referred to.  It is clear that as a Community Education Officer, Mr Nicolson was giving his services in order to help and guide the embryo Club in these early days.  This is evident when a Constitution was to be drawn up, that it was left to the Secretary to make up and present to the Club's AGM.

Discussions on how the Club would play on the Bowling Green which had been run by the Council for several years took place with a dissatisfaction expressed by the majority in paying £5 as a season ticket.   At the following meeting the bowlers agreed that they were only willing to pay a nominal charge due to the fact that the green was below acceptable playing standard for both casual play and competitions.  The bowlers also stipulated to the Council that the Green needed to be fenced off, gates provided, the quality improved and times of access for the Club.  A list of equipment that was needed revealed that 10 sets of bowls, and jacks, 10 rink mats, 10 rink number plates and four scoreboards were required.

At the AGM on 27th August 1985 the Office Bearers remained in place with Phil Hill added as Vice-Chairman. The subscription was set at £5 per member but it was stated that the season had gone poorly due to the weather.  The Council was requested to take steps to improve the Green but by the following AGM the Green appeared not to have been upgraded in any way.  The Club had £99 in the Bank and was clearly underway. 

By the 1987 AGM the Chairman stated that he was very pleased at the way preparations had been going this year and he hoped it would be a good year for one and all. It was noted that two rinks were left for the use of the public and the Club had two rinks, from 2pm - 10.30pm daily except Sunday, and on Saturday from 11am till 10.30pm. Those with public bowls were allowed to keep them overnight but they had to return them to the Greenkeeper at the hut by the Putting Green by 10am the following morning.

Attendances at the AGMs had been poor but at the AGM of 22nd February 1988 a total of 19 attended.  It was stated that, although it had been a good year in 1987 and that the Council had made a marked improvement to the green, relations with the Lewis Retirement Centre  had serious problems regarding accommodation and storage for bowlers.  These problems were similar to those experienced at the demise of the original Bowling Club some 15 years earlier.

At a meeting with representatives of the Lewis Retirement Centre on 4th August 1988, Mr Donald Stewart of the LRC read a letter, minuted as follows:  the assets of Stornoway Bowling and Tennis Club were handed over to the Old People's Welfare Association and at the time stated that although  there was no obligation, they, as a body would like to help SOBC.   No date of the letter was given or mention of the original communication from the Stornoway Bowling Club handing over the Clubhouse, Bowling Green and land to the OPWA.

Mr Alan Macritchie, as Chairman of SOBC, then put the case for the Club - pointing out the case for having toilet facilities and also use of a locker room and limited use of the kitchen, at the same time stressing that, most forcefully, no way would any member connected with SOBC wish to interfere with the running of the LRC and most importantly would in no way interfere with the welfare of any elderly person using the centre.  He also went on to that in no way during these negotiations regarding the use of the centre, had we used any threats or excessive demands (as we have been accused of).  Mr Stewart said he felt that during our first meeting in April 1988, when we produced evidence that we were wishing now to act on) that the impression of their sub-committee got was, that we were, more or less demanding a right to the centre.  (This original meeting does not appear in the Minutes Book).

The meeting continued in a strained manner but on the positive side a toilet was offered and an alternative room for lockers.  However, kitchen provision could only be made if an arrangement was made for a key to be collected from a member of the LRC Committee.  That did not go down very well with the SOBC representatives, and it is noted that subsequent meetings were held in the Council Offices and not in the LRC until March 1990.

The Winter of 1988-89 saw the Club run an Indoor Winter League in The Nicolson Institute Assembly Hall.   The provision of carpets and an assurance that 44 bowlers were keen to participate.  The Club also had a Dinner/Dance in the Seaforth Hotel on 28th October and with meetings attracting nearly 30 members and about £1,000 in the bank, the future of the Club looked bright.

In the December the Club had received a serious complaint about a Member cheating which was taken most seriously but in the end was "Not Proven".

On 28th January 1989 the first mention of a Club House was made.  It was also suggested that land adjoining the Porter's Lodge could be suitable for a new Green and Club House.  Three officials were given the task of measuring the site and it was agreed to approach the Sports Council to see if they had plans for recently erected Club Houses that could be utilised.

At a meeting on 11th April 1989 between SOBC and LRC progress was made on the terms of use.  The Club was to pay £400 for the season for 18 Thursdays (6.00-10.30pm) and Saturdays (all day). The Club would have a locker room and use of the kitchen/dining room and the lounge.  After discussion three toilets were made available on Thursday evenings and Saturdays.

At the AGM in 1989 it was stated that the Club had involved a QC in an attempt to rectify the situation regarding the Green and adjacent land but a drawback was that the SOBC was not under the same Constitution as the original Stornoway Bowling Club, and that a copy of the original Constitution was proving to be hard to find.

A trip to play Grantown on Spey was discussed at the AGM as well as purchasing Club jumpers and indoor bowls carpets. 

On 12th February 1990 it was announced that the Club's application for membership of the Scottish Bowling Association had been accepted.   At the AGM a month later it was agreed after much discussion that the three principal singles championships should be a Gents, a Ladies and an Open.  The visit to Grantown had gone down well and an invitation was made to them to cross the Minch to defend the trophy they had won the previous year.  It was also hoped to have a return match with Beauly Bowling Club and to visit the Southern Isles Indoor Bowling Club with a view to a game in Benbecula.

Aspects relating to the Green included Green etiquette, scorecards, scoreboards, bowling shoes, grass cutting and the replacement of a "Keep Off the Grass" notice.  At a further meeting in April it was reported that the Council who looked after the upkeep of the Green had deemed that a figure quoted in excess of £7,000 would be required to improve the facility to a good standard.  It was resolved to look for grants to do this.

Throughout the summer there was discontent regarding the standard of the Green which drew meetings with the Council which had submitted an in-house winning tender.

It was also agreed to ask the LRC for permission to use the front door rather than the side door.  The operation of a 200 Club to raise monies was also on the Agenda.

On 26th July there was a meeting to discuss two time lapsed ties where the first drawn bowler had an onus placed on him/her to contact the opponent to set the time and day to play.  A trip to Conon Bridge on 25th August 1990 with a dress code stipulated in representing the Club.

There were complaints relating to car parking in front of the Lewis Retirement Centre but the end result was an apology from the LRC.

On 29th January 1991 a meeting was convened at the Council Offices between the Vice-Convener, Director of Architectural Services, Clerk of Works for Bayhead and the Sports Development Officer with seven representatives of the Stornoway Bowling Club.   Proposals were put forward by the Club regarding the possible purchase of the Bowling Green by either the Club or the Council plus the potential of converting the Putting Green into a second Bowling Green.  The maintenance aspect was also raised. 

At the AGM a total of 34 members were present and a sub-Committee was formed to explore avenues down which the Club should travel to facilitate a future.  This included looking at new sites within the town and how to raise monies to build a Club House.   The six Members chosen were: Jim Scobie (President), Theresa Anderson (Vice-President), Donnie Petrie (Green Committee), Allan Macritchie, Angus MacIver and George Macarthur.    The AGM was pleased to learn that Scottish Bowling Association coaches and umpires were to visit Stornoway in the summer and this transpired to be on 2nd-3rd July with the visit of Bob Sutherland.   Bob was also able to give an exhibition match with Scottish International bowler Richard Corsie who had accompanied him.   A grant of £120 was forthcoming from the Council to subsidise the costs incurred.   Family membership for the year was set at £15 with adults at £11, OAP, Unemployed and Juniors at £5.

During 1991 inter-club matches against Grantown, Nairn and Benbecula had taken place, fostering relations and helping to raise standards of play.  At the 1992 AGM the President announced that a 5-year tenancy agreement had been confirmed with the LRC.  It was also intimated that Alan Mackinnon as Club champion would represent the Club in the SBA Championships and that a triples and a pairs be entered.

At a meeting on 5th November 1992 Sportswork had delivered quotes to repair/improve/upgrade the Bowling Green at £8,798 and the Putting Green at £10,838. The former option was preferred by those present.   At the AGM on 4th March 1993 the President mentioned the progress made in acquiring a Club House and improving the Green.  The meeting also discussed as to who would open the Green on 6th May. The Minute states that, “some weird and wonderful names were suggested ...... after the Pope and Lord Lucan were discounted, Theresa Anderson was granted the honour”.

At a subsequent meeting of the Committee the question of the green upgrade or Club House arose and those present agreed to go for both.

The President's Report at the 1994 AGM stated that in his four-year tenure the Club had made considerable progress in relation to the sport, especially in terms of correct equipment being used and etiquette being observed on the Green.  The Treasurer's Report highlighted that income for the year had increased by the considerable sum of £1,500.  Inter-Club matches continued with a trip to play Benbecula fixed for the 23rd of April 1994 followed by fixtures versus Grantown on Spey at home, Craig Dunain at home, Conon Bridge away and Dingwall (venue not specified) - all in June.  Moray were due to come to Stornoway on 5th August.

It was agreed to elect a sub-committee to deal solely with the Green and Club House.  Those appointed with their specific remit were:  Allan Macritchie (Legal Matters), Jim Scobie (Finance), Donnie Petrie and Alex France (Building).  It was unanimously agreed that £10,000 of Club funds be transferred into the Building Fund.   It was estimated that the cost of the Club House would be £85,000.  A series of fund-raising events were planned to be held throughout the year. Macdonald Maciver & Co were to act as lawyers in respect of leases and land acquisitions.

Grant applications were to be made to:  Foundation For Sports & Arts, Western Isles Enterprise and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.   In addition, Donald Morrison (Scalpay) was asked for assistance to raise funds from other bodies.  Charitable status had been applied for but had not been granted at that stage.

The meeting of 20th April 1995 recorded that work on the new Club House had begun and that all the funding was displayed in the local paper.  The winning contractors were Lewis Builders.  Work on a new Green and ditches at an estimated cost of £25,692 was awarded to Sportsworks, Inverness, with a start date of 28th August 1995.  A 3-metre high protective fence was to be added on completion.  Three weeks later it was revealed that Sportsworks had gone into receivership.  Nevertheless, much testament was due to the doughty workforce as the old Green was uprooted and the new turf laid despite rain and gales.

Club members worked like beavers to ensure that all went well for the opening of the facilities with widow cleaning, floor mopping and the hanging of the club badge over the entrance.   With Autumn leaves lying everywhere, Jimmy Legge's efforts to gather leaves and make them 'sit' like a sheepdog while he 'bagged' them caused much mirth to members watching on. 

After nearly five years of intensive planning, the new Club House was handed over in early September and was opened by Grattan Endicott, Secretary to the Foundation of Sports and the Arts.  The date was Wednesday 25th October 1995 at 2.30pm.    It was a cold and blustery October afternoon and a large number of Members and guests gathered.  The President, Malcolm J. Macleod welcomed everybody and set about introducing the special guests and speakers.   These included Robin Mackenzie, Charlie Nicolson, Jim Scobie, Boyce Macleod, Neil Mackinnon (WIE), Donald Mackay (Convener CnES) and the final speaker was Mr Endicott who was presented with an Uig Chess set by Theresa Anderson.   After the official opening at 3.30pm a buffet provided by the ladies of the club was enjoyed by those present.  An evening ceilidh dance was a huge success with music provided by Iain "Shocky" Mackenzie, Morris "Feedo" Macleod and Alex Murdo Macleod.   The part-time comedian was Geordie Glackin whose 'Glasgae' humour kept the party swinging. The non-appearance for Iain Crichton was due to him having taken a tumble off a chair as he swung the minute hand backwards to change his clock to winter time.

Following the opening it was revealed that the Club had a shortfall of £5,000 from a total of £120,000 expenditure and it was agreed that Club funds should meet the shortfall if and when necessary.   At that meeting it was agreed to write a letter to Mrs Pamela Eliott of the LRC regarding a small extension to the Club feu to provide car parking.   Discussions were also held as to how best utilise the Club House over and above indoor bowling.   Darts, Dominoes, Pool, Quiz Nights, Whist Drives, Baling & Tea, Talks and Aerobics were amongst the suggestions.

A very severe frost in the Winter brought two serious water bursts in the loft and it was fortunate that the damage was limited by the timely interventions of Donnie Petrie and the President.   In early 1996 it was agreed to purchase carpets in the region of £1,200 and to procure a President's chain of office.

Prior to the AGM in 1997 it was stated that a number of Members, old and new, were guilty of foot faulting when delivering their bowls.  It was agreed that such bowlers be told so that the fault could be rectified.

At the AGM on 14th February 1997 the Membership Fee went up to £32, this to include the fee for ongoing competitions.  In addition, Members had to pay £5 and £8 respectively for visits made in the Summer by Benbecula and Craig Dunain Bowling Clubs.   Conon Bridge's visit appears to have had no surcharge.  Trips were also made to Grantown on Spey and North Kessock.

The President's comments made in February 1998 AGM included the comment that numbers at Club Nights during the season were up in the thirties.   The Club membership stood at 80.  This was a maximum number and there was a waiting list.  A quote for £1,089 excluding VAT was made by Lewis Builders Ltd for an Implement Shed, this requiring the delivery only with Members constructing the shed.  The shed was erected following receipt of a grant from Awards For All (National Lottery).

During 1998 away matches were played at Benbecula, Conon Bridge and Craig Dunain.  A trip to cross the Atlantic to play indoor bowls on Great Bernera was organised for Wednesday 27th January 1999 and it was envisaged that a return fixture would be arranged.   It was intimated that a flag and flagpole were to be procured.   The quotes received were £234 +VAT for a 6-metre pole and £275 + VAT for the flag.  The provision of a trophy cabinet was also discussed.

At a Special General Meeting of the Club on 10th February 1999 there were changes to the Constitution including that the club be named the "Stornoway Bowling Club" with "Outdoor" being dropped, especially as the Club incorporated both indoor and outdoor bowling.

At the AGM the Treasurer revealed that income for the year was £9,217 and expenditure was £6,284 leaving the Club with funds of £7,359.  The annual membership fee was £32 with £10 for the indoor season.

A letter signed by each member of the Executive was sent to two bowlers warning them of their future conduct and threatening expulsion from the Club if the Committee have any future problems from either of these two members who had been under the influence of drink during an indoor pairs competition and had shouted and abused each other during the match.

The meeting of 1st December 1999 reported that the access road and car park was due to commence on the 16th at a cost of £8,020.79 going to Fyfe's.  Fencing materials for the roadway boundary were on order.  Grants for £2,000 each from CnES and Western Isles Enterprise were awaited.  Seasonal lighting was fitted to the Clubhouse over Christmas to herald in the new century.

At an Executive Committee meeting on 4 July 2000 five applications were accepted, taking the membership up to 105. The threshold for the maximum number of members was 100 and it was decided to close applications for membership until 2001.

The 2000 season saw fixtures being arranged with Benbecula, Grantown on Spey, North Kessock,  Conon Bridge, Craig Dunain and Back.  In addition Kenneth Macleod (Sy) had participated in the Singles at the SBA Championships in Inverness.  Those members living in Bernera were given a key for the access gate and clubhouse as they occasionally wished to play outwith the normal playing times.  It was reported that 'strangers' had been using the Club car park and that a sign should be attached to the fence indicating that it was a private facility.  The first intimation of having floodlights installed was made on the 19th of September.  The two quotes that eventually materialised were for £7,519.15 and £9,946.87. Eventually, funding of £2,250 was received from CnES and a National Lottery grant of £3,750 offset much of the cost.   At the other end of the spectrum was a hand operated bingo number machine to help make competition draws.  It was priced at £7.

There had been a saga regarding the legal title appertaining to the access road and it was in January 2001 that this matter was concluded. 

A total of 100 new metal lapel badges were ordered at £2 each and a supplier of wire embroidered blazer badges had been sourced via the Craig Dunain BC at a cost of £5 plus VAT each.

The Christmas Function and Prize Giving had become a tradition and on 7th December 2001 it was no different, with Jackie Wilson and Isabel Linklater organising the catering.  The music was by Channon & Co with Angus Murray decorating the Clubhouse and Kenny Macleod (Tolsta) arranging outside Christmas lights.  The maximum 70 tickets were all sold, with a waiting list showcasing the popularity of the event.

A total of 41 Members were present at the AGM on 27th February 2002 with the Club in a very healthy state.  By 13th June the floodlights had been installed after a hold up regarding planning consent.  It was a noted achievement when the Club triples entry at the SBA Championships progressed to the quarter finals where it was narrowly beaten.  The team was Duncan Maclean, Ivor Ferguson and Allan Mackinnon, with the substitute being George Glackin.

Four folding tables and 24 folding chairs were procured in the summer of 2002 and in the early summer of 2003 a loudspeaker system was installed in the Clubhouse and the Green edges were to be rebuilt at the end of the season following a 50% grant from Western Isles Enterprise.  The purchase of a bowls gatherer was to be undertaken on a trial basis to see how effective they were.

The Green was at this time maintained by Mitchell & Struthers and the Committee had met with Mr Les Jolly of that firm and were encouraged by his helpful approach.  Trips to North Kessock and Alness were most successful and fund raising like the annual car boot sale helped to defer travelling costs to members.  The cost of indoor bowling was highlighted as there had been a financial loss playing in the Assembly Hall of The Nicolson Institute.  The downturn in overall income meant that a plan to extend the Clubhouse towards the Green was shelved.

On 23rd June 2004 it was reported that Membership was made up of 59 gentlemen and 31 ladies, all active players.  Home matches against Back & Bernera and North Kessock were both won.  Away matches were arranged to play Craig Dunain and Conon Bridge.  The results were, a win and a draw.  Duncan Maclean was appointed by the Club as Team Manager for the Islands Games in Shetland in July 2005.  This was the first entry by a Western Isles team to the Games.

It was requested to the contractors that the Green be cut daily and sprinklers used in dry weather.  This was accepted and the Green was top dressed and also treated to reduce clover.

A ban on smoking at the Christmas Function was adopted on a trial basis with that fact emboldened on the function tickets.  Smoking in the Clubhouse at that time was permitted at one end - that nearest the gents locker room.  By April 2006 a suitable ashtray was provided outside the Clubhouse.

The team of four travelling to participate in the Islands Games was Bob Ferguson, Duncan Macmillan, John Norman Macleod and Duncan Maclean (manager).  The cost to each individual participating was given as £250 as at April 2005.  At the other end of the scale ten potential new bowlers had attended a "Come and Try" night at the Green. It was agreed to schedule further nights.

The Clubhouse was used for Elections for the first time on 5th May 2005 as the Retirement Centre was closed due to storm damage.  The facility has been used regularly since then for voting at General & Local Elections as well as Referendums.

New indoor mats were purchased in April 2006 following grants of £3,275 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £800 from the Lewis & Harris Sports Council.   The Club indoor season of 2006/07 was the first held in the new Sports Centre, with the games played in The Nicolson Institute Assembly Hall fading into memories for all who had played there.

The Council withdrew from maintaining the Green with effect from May 2007 and, as a result, quotes were sought from Stornoway Golf Club and Mitchell & Struthers for maintenance.  A quote of £5,000 plus VAT was given by Mitchell & Struthers (new name being ISS Waterers Landscape).  A grant of £5,000 was awarded by the Council in respect of this work, to be paid in instalments.

Games over the summer included visits to North Kessock and Waterloo (both won) and Conon Bridge (lost) and Beauly (won) visited Stornoway.  One unsavoury matter from a Club competition was that a letter had to be sent to a Member who had disputed a decision of the Match Secretary in an abusive manner.  The letter requested that a full and sincere apology be given to the Match Secretary.

The Club enquired about the cost of an artificial playing surface.  Approximate costs were received in the region of £130,000 initially plus £50,000 for a replacement every ten years.   Also, regular maintenance to the surface would still be required.

The 2008 season commenced with two new benches situated in front of the Centre Car Park (old tennis court).  The Membership stood at 66 with 4 honorary Members.  The meeting of 4th June covered the suspension of a Member following an incident at an Inverness B&B.   The Club had paid the owner £200 compensation.   A letter that was sent to the Member requested that should the compensation sum be paid to the Club, re-admission would follow but that entry into competitions  was denied for the remainder of the season.  The player was also banned from representing the Club in any team match sine die.

At the AGM of the Club on 4th March 2009 it was reported that despite several endeavours to increase juniors there had been none.  This included the purchase of five sets of bowls.  The year had been dominated by a Council decision to stop maintaining the Green.  Eventually a grant of £5,000 for three years was awarded.   Donald Maclean, who had been appointed as Greenkeeper at the Harris Golf Club had intimated that he could be available at Greenkeeper at the Bowling Club on a part-time basis.

The Green was treated with fertilizer in early July with a repeat four weeks later.  Scarifying of the Green at the end of the season was agreed upon and discussion was made upon as to whether hiring or purchasing equipment to do so was better.  It was agreed that the Green would be seeded after scarifying and that aerating equipment costing £500 be purchased from Stornoway Golf Club.

The Club was represented by seven intrepid Members who ventured forth to the Inter-Island Bowling tournament held in the Isle of Wight.  Sadly they returned unsuccessful after meeting stiff competition.

Charity had benefited over the years from benevolent bowlers and the 2010 AGM reflected back on this with the Western Isles Kidney Patients Association and ProLife being presented with cheques for £160 each.  Club fundraising events had raised £735 in the past year, a sign of the hard work put in by the membership.

A total of 11 competitions (three pairs and two trophies) were played in 2010 with only Duncan Maclean, Dan Macmillan and Duncan Macmillan winning twice.  The prize giving dinner at the Caladh Inn on 22nd October cost £25 a head with music provided by John "Tonkan" Macdonald and Iain "Tosh" Macintosh.

A jumble sale at the clubhouse on 6th November raised £750 but it was later found that that night two gas cylinders at the back of the building had been stolen.  Cages to protect the replacements were ordered.