Bowlers look forward to the next 50 years

The Methil based club is currently celebrating its 50th year at the heart of the community, having continued to grow despite various challenges.

Starting as a private club in a converted bus garage, the current state of the art facility boasts not only one of the best surroundings for the sport in the Kingdom, but has nurtured countless current and former internationalists.

But it’s not always been plain sailing for the club.

Not long after opening, the club faced stiff competition from similar facilities in Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes.

Fife bowls expert, Bob Dick, explained: “There was a gross over provision in the local area.

“It became survival of the fittest and it’s only because of East Fife’s strength they pulled though with both Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes closing.”

As time went on, East Fife switched from being a company into a members club which helped continue its steady development.

Proudly, the club boasts of the quality of its female membership and the international caps picked up, with 15 members given international recognition down the years.

From the male side, former junior, Christopher Stein, showed that national honours can be picked up by members of the East Fife Club

Bob added: “The first 50 years have not all been plain sailing, but the club has been helped along the way with dedicated officials and volunteers throughout the years.

“The club has co-operated with all sections of the bowling fraternity and, as well as all the normal club activities, has encouraged disabled bowlers to the stadium.

“The dedication shown will need to continue in the future because there will be fresh challenges ahead in an era when numbers in bowling are in general decline.

Memberships are available for those keen to be part of the next stage in the club’s history.