A LINK with Darwen’s early 1900’s heyday disappeared with the closure of the Central Subscription Bowling Club, at Belgrave, in 1955, due to dwindling support.
To older Darreners, it was also known as the The Gentlemen’s Club.
For its founders were prominent residents in the area and, for a long period, the town’s leading businessmen were among its members.
The club was formed in 1910, the original subscribers being builder Robert Shorrock, works manager John Heald, wholesale grocer Richard Whittaker Holden, and architect John Berry Thornley. There was also rope-maker James Tomlinson, wine and spirit merchant George Briggs, and coal merchant Harry Leach.
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