LLANBRADACH BOWLING CLUB

Llanbradach is a small village less than 3 miles north of Caerphilly with under 5000 residents. The village's coal mine was opened in the 1890's, achieved its peak in the 1930's, but closed in 1961. Some the mine buildings can still be seen behind the village.

The village boasts several pubs, a primary school, local shops, recreation ground, library, doctor's surgery, a youth centre and a bowling club.

The landmark day for Llanbradach Bowling Club came on Monday 13 June 1904 at 1 o'clock p.m. when the new green was opened at its present site. This momentous occasion came on a typical bowling day-wet and windy-very little has changed in the game of bowls since that day. The green was opened by Mrs Gregory the esteemed wife of Mr S Gregory the Manager of the colliery and Chairman of the executive committee of the bowling green. Miss Clara Thomas was unable to attend. After the ceremony a grand luncheon was prepared by Mr and Mrs Fussell, of the Llanbradach Hotel and was well partaken of and enjoyed. Luncheon over, the members and guests played a game of bowls in the rain until it became too wet to play on. The green consisted of 5 rinks and fees were 2/6 per annum.

June 12th 1914 will always be remembered as one of the saddest days in the history of Llanbradach as a bowling club and Llanbradach as a village with the announcement of the death of Miss Clara Thomas the benefactor of the ground which is now Llanbradach Bowling Club. This great lady was well known for her gifts to charity, Cardiff Royal Infirmary and many other institutions, she will be sadly missed.

Photo Source : llanbradachbowls.com