About Us

For information on club honours, Presidents, champions etc plase vist the club honours section

History of the club:

June 20th 1904 was the date of the club'c inception. On that date a challenge match was played between the glue and gelatine departments of J. and G. Gox Ltd., Gorgie mills, commonly known in the area as the "Glue Works".

The initial game so motivated the workers that forth with they embarked upon the formation of the club. The cockerel, the trademark of the parent firm was adopted as the Club's emblem.

Works clubs played on the public greens at that time but the pioneers of Gorgie Mills were unanimous that a private green was essential for their future development.

Ever mindful of their employees welfare J. and G. Cox co-operated generously, providing thegreen at the cost of Â£1,000 the first firm in the city to do so.

The construction of the green went ahead with the utmost rapidity and it was formally opened on May 20th 1905 when Miss Cox performed the opening ceremony delivering the first jack, a sliver one.

At that opening date the club membership consisted of 52 factory workers and 19 associated members.

Throughout the years the link between the firm and the club was strong and intimate. When J. and G. Cox were merged into Bryant and May (Holdings) the firm was so concerned that the Club should have continued occupancy of the green that a Trust was formed with that end in view.

The uncertainty surrounding the Club's future shelved projected plans for a Clubhouse but a fund was established in anticipation that the green might one day be purchased.

In 1969 Bryant and May announced the closure of Gorgie Mills and that severed their link with Edinburgh. The interests and welfare of the club were not forgotten and negotiations between the club and Bryant and May were successfully completed in 1971. They were most generous in their offer and the green was purchased for Â£5,000.

Now the ambition a modern Clubhouse and ancillary accommodation could be fulfilled. To enhance the project an additional strip of ground was acquired from the then Edinburgh Corporation.

The planning, construction and supervvision was undertaken by a Club member on the principle of direct labour with members contributing according to their talents. The Clubhouse ia a tribute to the labours of dedicated workers who have erected one of the finest social establishments in the Edinburgh area.

The splendour of the social amenities does not detract from the need to have a bowling green second to none and consultants have been permanently engaged to ensure that the lawn emulates the other facilities.

The names of members past and present who have brought honour and credit to the club throughout its history are too numerous to catalogue. Sufficient to state they shall never be forgotten as indeed neither will brothers J. and G. Cox who made it all possible.

One final sentence in this brief resume of Gorgie Mills Bowling Club. It stands for all that is best in bowls, sportsmanship, fellowship and hospitality.