HOW IT ALL BEGAN...
In 1983 two Bowling Meetings, organised by the Meon Valley Sports Council, under the Chairmanship of Peter Gwynn took place to discuss the proposed development of a bowling green and club site.
A steering committee - consisting of Frank Harrison, Godfrey Pink, Peter Gwynn, Tim Witcher, Fred Clay, Sam Pascoe and Jessie Spencer - was elected, together with Anne Horn, a member of the Sports Council.
The committee's brief was to research a suitable site in the area for bowling facilities but in the meantime keep the interest and enthusiasm going by starting up a small indoor club. Under the chairmanship of Peter Gwynn, with Frank Harrison as Secretary, various clubs utilising indoor mobile mats were visited. The use of mats longer than the 45' by 6' "Short Mat" was decided upon because it was considered that better training would be provided for future activities on full-size bowling rinks.
Of the venues examined Swanmore Village Hall was felt to be the best option. Two 60' by 9' mats were purchased, together with the necessary ancillary equipment, and on March 22nd 1984 the Club was officially launched with bowling being available between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Thursdays; further sessions were provided frequently.
Later in the year, the President of the Southampton and District Bowling Association, Brian Brouard, accepted an invitation to bring a District Team to play in the Swanmore Hall - the result of which was the acceptance by the SDBA for Meon Valley BC to register as a member of the District organisation.
Personal loans from members of the Steering Committee were underpinning the club but available grants were being sought
