At Mowbray, we pride ourselves on our camaraderie and friendliness.
While we are always trying to win our games, we know that life is more than just the results so we have fun no matter what.
Why Mowbray?
We welcome bowling and social members, irrespective of your level of experience, or complete absence thereof.
Build your confidence
If you want to try the sport of lawn bowls join us for some coaching. We will loan you some bowls and all you need are flat shoes.
Join us
We have a variety of membership options to suit anyone and everyone. We welcome experienced bowlers, complete newcomers to the sport and social members who have no interest in bowling.
Come down to the club, make some friends and join the gun.
The history of MBC
Mowbray Bowling Club started shortly after the First World War, with a number of informal meetings organised by Messrs. A.B. Reid and P.J. Doherty, at which it was decided to form a bowling club. Steps had been taken by an informal committee to secure a suitable site with an adequate water supply.
A public meeting was called for the 15th May 1919, in the Mowbray Town Hall, at which MOWBRAY BOWLING CLUB was formed with donations totalling £200, received from three foundation members. The Cape Times and Argus Newspapers were informed of the formation of the Club.
Some highlights from over the years:
One month later, on 30th July 1919, Mowbray Bowling Club became affiliated to the Western Province Bowling Association.
During January 1920 Mowbray Bowling Club became affiliated to the South African Bowling Association
During October 1920 the Ladies’ Section was formed, with the agreed subscription being 1 guinea compared to the Men’s subscription of 3 guineas per season. The ladies were to be allowed to play on Mondays and Fridays with the option of Saturdays after 3:30pm, should rinks be available.
A spiked roller was purchased and better security measures proposed, following a spate of three burglaries in as many months, towards the end of 1936.
During February and March 1950 the clubhouse was painted, inside and out, and the floor was stained. Two directing boards were made and erected, one at the intersection of Chapel and Main Roads and the other at the corner of Rhodes Avenue and Cecil Road. (These disappeared at some stage and were replaced in 1992 – but those have since disappeared as well.)
In January 1958, the first fines-box was introduced and during March the Club’s sewerage system was connected to the water-borne system in Chapel Road.
In 1963 three burglaries were experienced within a comparatively short period of time and security measures came under discussion.
In 1965 the new clubhouse section was opened by Councillor G. Ferry.
Still during 1965, the maximum membership for the Ladies’ Section was increased from 50 to 60 and a Scott-Bonnar mower was purchased at a cost of R572.
During the 1985/86 season a new soil shed was erected and extensive repairs done to the roof of the clubhouse.
In March 1991 the extension of Chapel Road to the Clubhouse, from the intersection with Cecil Road, was completed, as was a new , expanded parking area.
An important stage in the club history was reached in March 1992 when a Special General Meeting voted to allow Lady Members fill membership with equal voting rights. The constitution was amended and the General Committee structure amended and these changes were approved at another Special General Meeting in May of that year. A lot has certainly changed in the last 30 years!
The 2021 fire
The 2021 Table Mountain fire (also known as the Rhodes Memorial fire or Cape Town fire) was a major fire that started on 18 April 2021 in and around Table Mountain National Park and the neighbourhoods of Newlands, Rosebank, Mowbray and Rondebosch in Cape Town.
The damage to sites in the Table Mountain area included the Rhodes Memorial, where a restaurant burned down; the upper campus of the University of Cape Town (UCT), where the Special Collections library was gutted; and Mostert's Mill, a historic windmill that burned down. In addition, five firefighters were hospitalised.
And our club was not spared either.
WP Men’s Trips playoffs were held at the club on that Sunday morning and members and guests were relaxing over a drink after the game when the smoke starting getting thicker and the danger more apparent.
The Club was evacuated by 13:10 and the first report of the Club House being on fire was received at 14:44, less than two hours later.
In a lucky twist of fate, a fire engine had taken the wrong road and noticed that the Club House was on fire so responded quickly and prevented the entire building from being destroyed. There was extensive damage to the Club House and other buildings.
We are not only thankful to the wider bowls community for helping us rebuild, find a temporary home but also to our members who rallied and worked tirelessly so that we could once again to take our greens.
Honouring Terry Almond
The late Terry Almond was a much loved figure at Mowbray Bowling Club and his support to new members over the past few years was much appreciated.
Terry’s passing left a void in the club and it was quickly resolved to honour his status as a true MBC legend by re-naming the club’s A green.
At the 2022 season-opener, Terry’s wife, June, was invited to join in the celebration of the new Terry Almond green at Mowbray Bowling Club.
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