History

Bickford Smith bowling club was formed in 1931 as a works green on a complex at Tuckingmill, which also included a putting green, tennis courts and a pavilion. These facilities were for the use of the employees of the local fuse factory, whose directors were brothers W. N. & J. C Bickford-Smith. 

 

The fuse factory was brought out by a division of ICI around 10 years later, and the club then played under the name of their new owners until the closure of the factory in 1961. 

 

In 1962 the club resumed playing under the original name after the green was handed over to the local district council for the use of the local residents. 

 

In 1974 the top pavilion stopped being used and so it was decided to build a clubhouse next to the bowling green for the use of the club members and visiting players. Soon afterwards a toilet block and the changing huts were added to the site. 

 

The club took over the lease from Kerrier district council (now Cornwall county council) and now runs itself. 

 

In 1978 the ladies of the club, along with the help of the men, organised an inaugural 'ladies tournament week' which continues to this day. This competition includes a ladies singles and ladies pairs. In 2011 the club added the mixed triples competition to the week. 

 

Of the past players, Nigel Richards was only the second Cornishman to be capped by England from the western division (now known as group 1) in 1986, 1987 & 1988. Nigel also played alongside Howard Strutt in more Middleton cup games for Cornwall than any other club member and both were winners of individual and team county competition titles. 

 

In 1947 the manager of Climax Holmans (J. G. Young) and the manager of ICI (M.G Bickford-Smith) presented the inter-factory cup, which was named the Young cup. Each season Bickford Smith and the Holmans bowling clubs would play for the cup, one year at Holmans, the next at Bickford. This competition continues to be played to this day and is followed by a pasty supper.