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Bowling club members celebrate 125th anniversary in style
A bowling club in Carlisle has been celebrating its 125th anniversary with a special event.
Courtfield bowling club first opened its doors on June 7, 1900 and has been a fixture in the city's sporting scene ever since.
On Saturday, June 7 more than seventy members and friends attended Courtfield Bowling Club to celebrate the special event in the club's history.
Members of the club got in the sprit of the event and arrived wearing Victorian era style clothes to help celebrate the anniversary.
Club members in Victorian dress (Image: Supplied) Just before the end of the 19th century there had been a growing demand to increase the number of bowling clubs in the city.
Discussions had taken place about forming a new club at least two or three years prior to the actual opening.
The land on which it is built had previously been occupied by market gardens, owned by the Duke of Devonshire, and these extended from Courtfield Crescent all the way down to the river Eden.
Permission had to be granted by the Duke and then passed through Parliament before construction could start.
Opening day at the club in 1900 (Image: Supplied) Despite some bowls clubs around the country struggling, Carlisle remains a hot bed of the sport and Courtfield is still 'thriving' with around 100 members.
'We're a very welcoming club,' said club member Tony Jackson.
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'The club prides itself on fostering a warm welcome and inclusive environment where both beginners and experienced players can develop their skills.
'Other clubs are struggling a bit but I think some of the Carlisle clubs have increased the membership this year and we've increased ours slightly which is good.
'It's a great little community and we do attract people in just to come in and have a drink or come and watch a game and it's a lovely environment to be in.'
