Over the past 100 years, Wanstead Central Bowls Club on Nutter Lane has blended tradition with modern spirit, welcoming players of all ages to its renowned green. Colin Foster reflects on the club’s centenary
The club owes its origins to the Nutter family of the early 1900s. Richard Nutter was churchwarden of Christ Church. His family were great benefactors to Wanstead; in 1921, they gave the five-acre field opposite their house to the people of Wanstead for recreation and leisure.
A bowling green first appeared on the site in 1926. Initially, the club was known as Wanstead Churchmen’s reflecting its connection to the church, but later became the more general Wanstead Central. Cine camera footage from the 1930s has survived to this day. The men playing are wearing flat caps, fedoras or boaters, suits, blazers and raincoats. In the second half of the century, the game became increasingly popular. Clothing style was formalised to include the more familiar white trousers or skirt, white shirt and tie and club blazer. Bowls even started to appear on TV.
The 1980s saw an influx of players that spurred the club on to compete on a bigger stage. Wanstead Central began to have success at Essex level. The clubhouse became a second home to many members, who invested their time and money in improving the facilities. Ultimately, the members took over the maintenance of the playing area. Now boasting one of the best grass surfaces in the area, the club is regularly used as a venue for internal and inter-county matches.
When a team of our ladies reached the national finals, it started a tradition the members continue to strive for and achieve to this day. Winning through this far is the pinnacle of a club bowler’s sporting career.
During the 1990s and 2000s, bowling was popular in many Redbridge parks. Wanstead Central became a strong club and was recognised for its success. The 2010s saw a gradual reduction in local clubs. Wanstead Central bucked this trend and became the home to some very successful players, including at least one who has gone on to play at England level.
To appeal to a greater audience, the game has modernised by adopting more appropriate clothing, coloured team strips and coloured bowls. This has helped to reduce the old-fashioned view of the game. Wanstead Central embraced these changes. Amongst my favourite club pictures are the ones of members imitating Usain Bolt’s lightning pose from the 2012 Olympics, showing the great team spirit in the club.
Bowls is an ideal sport for all ages and abilities who need low-impact exercise, fresh air and social activity. Our current players range in age from teens to 90s. We would like to welcome locals to join in and continue the game on the green, green grass of Wanstead Central.
Wanstead Central Bowls Club is located on Nutter Lane, Wanstead, E11 2JA. For more information, visit wnstd.com/wcbc or call 020 8505 7806
