Oldham and District Veteran Men's Bowling League

When did the Vets League start? The first name on any of the trophies currently contested for is Alexandra Park in 1942. It appears that they and Copster Park played for the J Clayton Cup (pictured right) in 1942, which Alexandra won. Presumably the cup was presented to raise funds for war relief as it is inscribed "In aid of the Mayor's Distress Fund" as there were usually big crowds in those days to watch events such as these.
The following year two other Parks joined to form a mini league which Alexandra won again.
The following is a copy of an article that appeared in the Oldham Chronicle Green Final paper on Saturday June 12th 1943 and gives an interesting insight into the beginnings of the League.
I've typed it in as the original is a little dark but if you are interested in seeing it click here.

Note: J (John) Clayton was the President of the Parks Amateur Bowling League

Veteran Bowlers

At the age of 64 you are too young to play in the most exclusive bowling league in Lancashire- Oldham Parks Veterans League. To qualify you have not only to trundle a nifty wood but have to produce evidence that you are 65 or over.
The age limit is strictly applied and yet the League has 185 registered players. Their average is just over 70.
The veterans organised themselves last season when teams representing Alexandra Park and Copster Park competed for a handsome trophy given by Mr J Clayton who takes a very friendly interest in the Veterans' sport. This season there are two more teams, Limeside and Stoneleigh, and they are playing each other home and away in the cup tourney. The League officials are Mr Harry Sykes, chairman, and Mr David Knox, who is acting as secretary

Playing at 88

When Alexandra played Limeside, at Alexandra Park last week, the combined age of the twelve Limeside players came to 852 years and the combined age of the Alexandra players was 851. But they carried those years nonchalantly.
One of the visitors, Mr C Charlton apologised for being a little late. He had missed a bus and had walked up from Limeside rather than wait for the next. This 88 years old commando of the bowling green had an ovation when he went straight on to the green on his arrival.
In the league are some of the best known players in Oldham, old timers who can still hold their own with the best. Some of them are ex professionals. Scouting is keen and there is some competition just now for the services of a well known professional who will shortly be old enough to play.
There are George Leach, a Blackpool sweep winner, Tommy Monks, Joe Wilkinson, the former Oldham F.C. player, Steve Chapman, still bowling with the woods he had fifty years ago, and Joe Cash, one of the first players in Alexandra Park and still playing at the age of 84. Many of them play regularly in A section of the Oldham Parks League, so you may judge of their talent.

Craftsmen Still

I watched them in action one afternoon this week, and perceived the wisdom of the proof-of-age rule, for few of them looked like veterans and all bowled like craftsmen. They are men who have come from all walks of life- moulders, miners,minders and managers- most of them grandfathers.
They do not bet or shout. They keep their collars on and their caps on, and very few of them think it necessary to take of their jackets. Occasionally some excitable junior member, not yet seventy, will break into a trot as he follows a wood across the green, but mostly they are calm bowlers who tread their beloved turf with upright dignity.
Last season members of the Alexandra Park team got black walking sticks from Mr Clayton when they won the cup. They carry them like swords of honour and if you join any one of them in a game on the bottom green at Alexandra Park you will son find that they do not need those sticks to walk with, and if you let them have the jack they will bowl you from corner to corner throughout the afternoon.