Dixon of Dock Green

Meetings began again in 1957 and 7 clubs were in favour of restarting and another two joined, as well. It was during this season that one of the most controversial and far reaching changes was made to the rules of the League. At a pre-season Meeting on 25th April 1957 Addison Park asked if ladies could be alllowed to play in a team as some clubs had difficulty in fielding a full team especially in mid-week when a number of men were at work.

Brancepeth objected, but others did not when it was realised games could be played where before they would have had to be postponed. Only one lady per rink was allowed and she had to play at first wood. Sacriston raised an amendment that one lady be allowed to play in any position. This change was agreed and the League became a mixed league.

The Beatles

In 1958 the number of clubs playing was again 6 and this number increased to 9 in 1959. The 60s began with the League starting to appear more settled. 1961 saw the League expand to 12 clubs and these were split into two divisions League A and League B. At the end of the season the winners of both leagues played each other to decide the championship and league A winners won.

With 3 more clubs joining in 1962 the League reverted to a one division format and over the next few years the membership fluctuated on and around the 16 mark.

Into the 70s it had become a large stable body having grown to a total membership of 21 clubs. This caused problems fitting 20 matches into the short outdoor season. Further expansion was not possible until 1984 when the League was again split into two divisions with a maximum of 10 teams in each. Each club playing each other twice - home and away. Now the problem was not one of shortage but growth. In 1988 two became three divisions. Although not always consisting of 30 teams this has been the format ever since.

This is a far cry from the early days and the fifties when there were only 6 clubs or worse, none at all. In 2009 there are 28 clubs and at the 2009 AGM 3 prospective new members will be appplying to fill the 2 outstanding vacancies. This means that 2010 will herald in 3 divisions of 10 clubs each. With promotion and relegation opportunities the league is a lively and interesting competitive scene. Matches are restricted to Saturdays only. A good quality club in terms of the skill of its playing members can enter the league and quickly progress until it reaches its level of competence.

There are some clubs which have set notable records. Glenholme has won the Championship 17 times since joining in 1971 including a straight run of 7 wins. This achievement was beaten by Leeholme with 8 consecutively wins - a record - although its total of 10 Championships between 1996 and 2007 is less.

Durham Cathedral 2009

The future of the League is presently secure. With an expected membership of 30 different clubs it is one of the larger and more importan bowling bodies within Co Durham.

Falling membership numbers at many clubs is a concern for their continued well being. The age profile is steadily rising and more needs to be done throughout the area to attract younger players to this fine sport which encourages sportsmanship, discipline, good behaviour and the development of skill and talent.

Nowadays, it is not only bowls which is suffering from a lack of interest. There are far more alternatives available to the modern generation than earlier in the League's history when the World was a much larger place and visiting another nearby town or village was a rare occasion.

With the attractions of TV, travel and computers amongst many alternatives there appears to be a reluctance to engage in club and group activities. Pubs once a social centre for a community are disappearing as people spend more time at home where they have so much entertainment at their finger tips.


Historical list of clubs