A meeting was held in Smieton’s Inn on 18th November, 1867 when it was decided to form a Bowling Club in Coupar Angus. Originally the green was situated in Campbell Street. The green was officially opened on the 5th July, 1868 and the first inter club match took place on 14th July, between Strathmore Bowling Club and Blairgowrie. Strathmore won by 32 shots. Just prior to1882 the club were in dispute with the ground owner and this resulted in the club moving and building a new clubhouse and green at the club’s present location.The new green was constructed at a cost of £350.

In 1903, the green was in terrible condition and a decision was taken to relay it at a cost of £332. Moving on, in 1967 Strathmore Bowling Club celebtrated its centenery with a match against the Scottish Bowling Association.

In 1907 the Club won the Barclay Cup and they received a tremendous welcome on their return to Coupar Angus. They were met at the foot of Tullybaccart by a party of Scouts and on reaching Baldinnie they were piped into town by a Pipe Band, cheered on by bowling club members and locals. At Queen Street, the carraige was stopped, the horses taken from the shafts and the carraige drawn by the members to the Clubhouse where a celebration commenced. The club joined the Perth, Forfar and Fife Bowling Association in 1907 and the Perth County Bowling Association and the Scottish Bowling Association in 1908. The Strathmore League was formed in 1920 of which Strathmore Bowling Club was a founder member.

In 1971 the club built a recreation room and bar, which adjoined the old clubhouse. This venture proved very successful, so much so that a decision was taken in 1971 to demolish the old clubhouse and replace it with a locker room/kitchen/dining area. The bar area was extended and the facia altered to allow large patio type windows to be installed which give excellent viewing facilities. This extension also allowed for carpet bowls, pool table and darts.

In 1976 a new automated sprinkler system was installed, which would allow the green to be watered as and when required at the push of a button.

In 1984 a Special Meeting was held on 19.04.1984 to discuss the possibility of purchasing adjacent land from the then Major General Wimberley, It was agreed to purchase the whole area amounting to just over 2 acres. An agreement was reached and the ground purchased. Also in 1984 a car park equipped with floodlights was installed at the south east end of the new ground, giving the club ample car parking space for 40 – 50 cars and space for Bus Parking if necessary.

In 1987 a Special Meeting was held on 25th September,1987, to discuss a proposed extension to the club premises. It was agreed to extend and estimates were sought from local tradesmen. Also in 1987 a further special meeting was held on 17th March,1998 to further discuss the proposals. A loan of £16,000 was secured from Tennent Caledonian Brewers as part funding for the project.

In 1990 Originally the proposed extension had been intended for the re- location of the locker room /games room. After much deliberation it was decided to change the extension use to provide a new function room with bar plus new kitchen. A special meeting was convened and permission given forthe proposed changes.

In 1991 the New Function Suite was completed and fully functional for the end of the season. The AGM of the club was held in the new function suite for the first time. In 1997 a special meeting was held to discuss the proposed changes to the Constitution and Rules, which for the first time in the club’s history would allow men and women to be equal members within the club. The changes were approved and the new Constitution & Rules sent to the Clerk of the Courts for approval. This was duly approved.

The 1998 bowling season started in turmoil, with the access to the car park being blocked off by our near neighbour, Mr Bannerman. Temporary car parking was sought and kindly provided by East of Scotland Farmers. The club are presently embarking on a project which will provide a new car park on the north east side of the club. Plans are drawn up, a lottery grant of £21,600 has been allocated and work should start on the project early 1999.

THE CLUB & ITS BUSY CALENDAR

Strathmore Bowling Club is one of the most successful clubs in the Strathmore League and over the years have won numerous trophies and honours.

The most notable and one which no other club in the area can match was achieved in 1948, at Queens Park Bowling Club in Glasgow, home of the Scottish Bowling Association National Championships, at that time. James Barclay competed in the singles championship that year and brought the coveted trophy home to Coupar Angus. A feat which has sadly not been repeated since.

Strathmore Bowling Club is a forward looking club, with a bright future.

It is situated at the western edge of the Strathmore Valley, hence the name and located on the A94 Perth to Forfar Road, within the town of Coupar Angus. Visitors are made very welcome.

“It’s an old mans game” will be the response from many of you reading this page! Nothing could be further from the truth!

At Strathmore Bowling Club, we strive to encourage youth and it is paying dividends. A long time ago, in the early 70’s a gentleman by the name of Lawrence Wood was President and actively encouraged a group of about 12 local youngsters to take up the sport. Three of the twelve went on to win the Green Championship in subsequent years. One has been President and another holds the post at present. The youth policy remains in place today.

Read on!

The first tournament of the new year (1999) was held on Sunday’s 23rd & 30th May and 6th June. It recieved an excellent entry with many of the areas top singles players involved. The final was contested this year by two of Strathmore Bowling Club's players, namely Craig Leaver, a previous winner of the tournament and Brian Duncan. After a fairly close run affair, Craig made the winning post and collected the first prize of £300. The prizes were presented by the sponsors, Bells 8 year old whisky, who were represented by Louise Fenwick.

Smiths Coaches Top Mixed Six Tournament,was held on Sunday, 18th June, 1999 and saw Strathmore League Teams,namely, Alyth,Blairgowrie, Boyle Park, Burrelton, Meigle, Newtyle & Rattray compete for the trophy. The holders, Strathmore played Rattray in the final, with Rattray scraping through by the narrowest of margins. Our grateful thanks go to Smith & Sons Coaches, Coupar Angus for again sponsoring this event.

The Ladies open pairs was held on Sunday, 29th August, 1999 and receieved a full entry of 48 pairs. This event was again sponsored by Lamb & Gardiner Ltd, our local Ford Dealer and Clydesdale Bank. The winners were Marie Milne and Irene Smith of Burrelton Bowling Club.

The event which has had the biggest impact within the club in recent years is the Strathmore B.C. Junior Challenge which is open to Junior bowlers from the age of 10 - 16 years. This is held over two week-ends starting on Sunday, 5th September, 1999. With vouchers to the value of £50 for the winner it is a competition which is always keenly contested. This year our Scottish Director of Coaching, Graham Robertson has agreed to attend to present the awards.

Ellis & Everard, another locally based company have agreed to sponsor this event.

Enquiries in relation to any of the above events can be directed to either Craig Leaver or the Secretary, Ron Anderson c/o RonAK9 @ aol.com

IMPORTANT DATES & FIXTURES

This year saw the Scottish Bowling Association District Finals (District 5) played at Strathmore on Monday, 21st June. Two of Strathmores rinks, namely Craig Leaver and David Hutcheson in the pairs and Brian Duncan, Ken Pirie & Ged Traynoe in the triples qualified for the National Championships at Ayr. Unfortunately, both were beaten in the first round

The Semi Finals of the Perthshire County Championships were held at our green and also near neighbours, Rattray on Saturday, 17th July. The triples entry from Strathmore, namely Gordon Milne, Ken Pirie and Jack Still reached the final but unfortunately went down to the Auchterarder triple at the last end. Sponsorship was provided by BELLS 8 YEAR OLD WHISKY.

On Saturday, 11th September,the semi finals of the Scottish Youth Bowling Association will be held at Strathmore and Rattray. This event starts at 11am, with the finals being played at Rattray and the third and fourth place play off's taking place at Strathmore.

We look forward to hosting those events!

CLUB COACHING FACILITIES

The club boasts two official SBA coaches, Doug Yeaman, who is also the area coach and Jim McKinnon. Regular Saturday morning coaching sessions are held throughout the season.

This year sees the start of the Schools Bowls Project, an SBA generated initiative, which is a welcome addition to our programme. A very successful addition it has been too, with junior membership rising from 6 last year to 26 this year. The club are holding their first Junior Championship's on Saturday, 4th September, 1999, with the juniors contesting singles and pairs.

STRATHMORE BOWLING LEAGUE

Strathmore Bowling League was founded in 1920. Strathmore Bowling Club are founder members.

Presently, there are eight teams compete in the league, namely, Alyth, Blairgowrie, Burrelton, Boyle Park(Forfar), Meigle, Newtyle & Rattray. Each Team field 3 rinks of four players.

Games are played on a home and away basis on Wednesday nights, throughout the season.

Rattray Bowling Club are the current League Champions.

Strathmore Bowling Club have won the Strathmore League Championship on ne fewer than 15 occasions, namely;

1921 1923 1925 1932 1936

1937 1938 1967 1968 1970

1972 1976 1981 1993 1998

OFFICE BEARERS

PRESIDENT - Hal Leaver (36 years) is part of a family “steeped” in Bowling. His Late Father and Mother are both Past Presidents and well respected within the Club. Hal’s brother Craig features on this web site as our Tournament Organiser and his son, Haldane Jnr is also a member having recently been selected for the Perthshire U25 County Team. A keen bowler, curbed heavily at times through work committment, Hal is committed to encouraging the younger element within the club. They are the “blood” and “Committee members of the future”! Member of Green Management Committee.

VICE PRESIDENT - Sandy CURRIE has been part of the club for many years, having recently completed 21 years as Secretary. Although recently retired, Sandy could be described as having a young head on oldish shoulders. Sandy is a former Green Champion and in 1998 was part of the Senior Fours Rink which reached the last eight of the National Championships at Ayr.

JUNIOR VICE PRESIDENT - Mrs Denise RODGER is another of the young element in the driving seat at the club. Recently appointed to this new post, Denise was Vice President of the Ladies Section prior to being appointed. She also has responsibilty as the Junior Convener, a post created this year to make sure that the young bowlers needs are well looked after within the club setup.

SECRETARY - Ron Anderson (39 years) is the Immediate Past President and took on the position of Secretary this year. He is also involved in the future developement issues within the club, which involves the construction of a new car park. Member of Green Management Committee. Ron is the current Green Champion. Plays third for the Perthshire County Team! Ron is also Editor of the recently published Newsletter, which is circulated to the members on a monthly basis.

MATCH SECRETARY - Ada Fotheringham is the former Ladies Section Secretary/Treasurer and Match Secretary. Ada has been a member of the club for many years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience relating to club matters. Recently appointed to this position and a valuable addition to the committee.

TREASURER - Dennis Chambers has been a member of the club for many years and is a Past President. Took on the Treasurers job in 1997 and is a wizard when it comes to figures. That you might expect, he is a retired Bookmaker! A very competent bowler to boot, he was part of the Senior Fours Rink, which reached the last eight of the National Finals at Ayr in 1998 Perhaps best described as “A Young Head on Old Shoulders”

THE REST OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE & THEIR INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Kenneth PIRIE - Bar Revue Committee Elizabeth IRELAND - Green Management Committee Mary ROBERTSON - Competitions Committee David BEATTIE - Competitions Committee Joan EASSON - Catering Convenor John McCANN - Buildings, Fabric & Furnishings Ian McLAREN - Buildings, Fabric & Furnishings Barbara GREIG - Publicity Official Robert EASSON - Social Convener

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