When you gaze upon the Pollockshaws Bowling Club Bridge you are seeing more than just steel and stone. It is a testament to community spirit. It is a link to a legacy of friendly competition. The Pollockshaws Bowling Club, formed in 1854, stands as a pillar of local camaraderie.
The Pollockshaws Bowling Club Bridge is more than just a crossing. It is a symbol of the club’s journey through time. Imagine the bowler’s excitement. Think about their anticipation as they journey to the green.
Initially situated across from Pollokshaws West railway station. The Pollockshaws Bowling Club marked a significant milestone in 1954. It was the club’s centenary year. The club relocated to Pollok Park. Sir John Stirling Maxwell made this possible with rent-free access. This move placed the club in a beautiful country setting. Yet it remained in the heart of Glasgow South Side.
Throughout its history, the Pollockshaws Bowling Club has enjoyed success. They have won Scottish, Glasgow and Renfrewshire Bowling Association competitions. Nicol Cameron of Pollokshaws Bowling Club became the Glasgow Bowling Association’s first President in 1888. The honour was also bestowed upon R. Kerr in 1905 and J. M. Geddes in 1966.
The Pollockshaws Bowling Club has been honored with the Presidency of the Renfrewshire Bowling Association. R. Smith was president in 1884. M. Henderson in 1887. J. D. King in 1898. G. Lang in 1916. J. Nesbitt in 2004.
In 1892, the club reached the Scottish Bowling Association National Rinks Final. They lost narrowly to Kilmarnock 21-20. In 2014, Pollokshaws finally won the National Rinks. They defeated Bonnyrigg 17-15 at Ayr Northfield.
Thomas Wilson won the Men’s Scottish National Singles Final in 1909. He donated the Championship trophy. It is played for annually by the male members.
Pollokshaws won the J. B. Richardson Trophy in 1944. It is now the Scottish National Senior Rinks. The team included William Kerr, Peter Sinclair, J. McCulloch, and Neil Baxter.
The year 1937 was especially glorious. Pollokshaws won the Renfrewshire County Cup. They also secured the Gilmour Cup and the Nether Pollok Estate Cup.
In 2004, the club celebrated its 150th year with a civic reception at Glasgow City Chambers. Samuel Robinson was President and Marcus McGowan was the Men’s Club Champion.
The Pollockshaws Bowling Club continued to thrive. In 2005, they won the GBA Triples at Rutherglen. Jim Smith, Paul Good, and Alex Campbell were victorious over Mearns 14-10. They joined the GBA Glasgow League. The club was promoted from Division 6 at the first attempt.
In 2006, Pollokshaws won the East Renfrewshire Cup for the first time in 32 years. By 2008, they recorded their first win in the Hillpark & District Fours Championship. Marco Pellegrini, Joe Ferrier, Stevie Summers, and Brian Kerr beat Crookston in the Final. That same year, Pollokshaws were Division 4 Champions of the Glasgow League and won the Renfrewshire County Cup for the first time in 71 years.
Many achievements followed in later years. Including retaining the Invitation Fours in 2011. Winning the East Renfrewshire Cup. Winning promotion to the Premier Division of the GBA Glasgow League.
The Pollockshaws Bowling Club Bridge invites everyone. Cross it to discover not just a game. Find a community. Find a story etched in every bowl. See dedication in every meticulously kept green. It is a journey through time. It is a celebration of a club that has gracefully aged. It has remained a vibrant part of Glasgow’s South Side.