Chatham Bowling Club, one of the oldest and largest bowling clubs in Kent, was opened for the 2009 season on Saturday 18th April. The opening ceremony was conducted by Honorary Vice-President, John Cheetham, and attended by over 40 members and guests, including Medway Councillor Howard Doe and his wife, Lesley, and Manjit Sohal of the Kent Community Foundation.
 
President, Sylvia Pidduck welcomes Manjit Sohal of the Kent Community Foundation
Chatham Bowling Club was formed in 1865 and it was 100 years ago, in 1909, that the Club moved to its present site in Palmerston Road. During that 100 years there have been many improvements and adaptations to the green and its facilities. At the beginning of 2009 the clubhouse was fitted with a new roof, largely funded by a Kent Community Foundation Grassroots Grant. Marjit Sohal, on behalf of the Foundation, officially re-opened the clubhouse for the 2009 season.
Manjit Sohal cuts the tape to reopen the club house
  
Cllr Howard Doe was then invited to bowl the first wood and officially open the green.
 
Cllr Howard Doe bowls the first wood of the new season
In the opening address John Cheetham thanked the Kent Community Foundation and Medway Council for their support of Chatham Bowling Club.
John Cheetham delivers the opening address
  
Following the photograph of all those present, the members of Chatham Bowling Club then played the first match of the season, a traditional game between teams representing the Club Captain and the Club President. This year it was the Presidents team which won, 94 shots to 64. An enjoyable afternoon was had by all.
Chatham Bowling Club is a private bowling club and welcomes visitors and new members. Application details, news of events, match fixtures, and information about open tournaments can all be found on its web-site: www.chathambowlingclub.co.uk – or just drop into the club on Palmerston Road. You can be assured of a warm welcome.