BLOG: Marking 100 years in Croxley Green

I had the pleasure of joining the Chelsea Pensioners to mark the 100th anniversary of the Croxley Guild Bowls Club in Croxley Green on Wednesday 5 August. It was very interesting to hear how the club first started – with John Dickinson & Co, which owned the paper mill in Croxley Green, creating the bowls green and the club in 1926 for the benefit of its employees.

After the paper mill closed in 1980, the guild sport sites, including the clubhouse, were given to Three Rivers District Council for sports and recreational purposes. This is when the club became Croxley Guild Bowls Club and later renovated the grounds for the benefit of its members.

Croxley Green and, indeed, the club may have changed over the years, but what hasn’t changed is the community spirit and enthusiasm club members show for the game and the area. I am delighted that Three Rivers District Council is able to support the club by approving the club’s nearly £50,000 CIL request recently, which will be used to improve the clubhouse and access to the bowling green as well as the provision of a shelter.

Also marking their centenary year was the Barton Way Allotment in Croxley Green. It was a privilege and a joy to open the celebration on Saturday 4 July and see firsthand the amazing produce and plants people grow. The management committee of the allotments, led by Dave Merritt, continues to do a brilliant job in keeping this valuable community facility in tiptop shape.

I wish the Croxley Guild Bowls Club and Barton Way Allotments all the best and here’s to another 100 years!

And to end my blog, I want to plug the Connecting Three Rivers Fundraising Quiz that I will be quiz mastering on Friday 2 October at the Sarratt Village Hall.

It will be a great night that will test your knowledge while sharing laughs and making a positive difference to our communities. All funds raised from the event, which is hosted by Watford & Three Rivers Trust, will be donated to the Connecting Three Rivers Fund, helping to support local projects and initiatives that make a meaningful impact across the district.

So, whether you’re a quiz expert or simply looking for a great evening, bring your teammates, challenge your brains, and help us raise funds for a fantastic cause. Tickets can be booked by clicking here.

Thanks to Neve and the Croxley Guild Bowls Club for supplying the top two photos.