Bowling Alleys

[SOSL]

In the '70s and right up to the '90s quite a few RAF Stations had bowling alleys:

St Athan; Wyton;Leuchars; Leeming; Coningsby; Akrotiri; Henlow (I think); Marham; Valley andothers.

The bowl managers all used to keep in touch with each other and they used to share information, ideas, equipment and tools, as well as organizing tournaments.

They were a bit of a secret society and they had cottoned on to the concept of sharing bestpractice at a time when that was not so fashionable as it is today.

The bowl managers were paid a pittance but they worked long, hard hours. As well as 10 pin bowling, they provided a unique, all ranks venue for all sorts of functions, drinks and in some cases eats. I can testify that at least one of the bowling alleys hosted a wedding reception. Some of them used to stage an annual barbeque and a Christmas event.

The fact is that these guys( often retired SNCOs) were underpaid and overworked but they provided a service which, at times, was central to the life of the Station.

So from me this is a salute to the RAF Station bowling managers. Let's see your stories about the bowl on your station.

Rgds SOS

[Wander00]

ISTR that at least some, maybe all, were provided from grants from the Nuffield Trust for the Forces of the Crown. I remember staffing one or two applications when I was the non-Publics desk officer at Brampton in the 80s

[SOSL]

Right you are Wander00. The managers were subsequently paid by the local NONPAS. My point is that they did so much for so little.

Rgds SOS

[Wetstart Dryrun]

Does this count? The post has reminded me of a skittle alley up in the attic of the lean-to hangar buildings above, what used to be in the seventies, 1 sqn accommdation at Linton on Ouse.

..it was a quite magic and surreal place to pass a black-flag afternoon.

still there?

wets

[SOSL]

Of course it counts!

Dunno.

Rgds SOS

[SOSL]

Just remembered, back in the day, someone had to submit a case to NONPAS to increase the managers pay quite significantly when the minimum wage was introduced.

I repeat they did a brilliant job and were paid FA.

Rgds SOS

[airpolice]

St Athan; Wyton;Leuchars; Leeming; Coningsby; Akrotiri; Henlow (I think); Marham; Valley andothers.

Coltishall had a nice one as well. I don't remember one at Valley.

[smujsmith]

Lyneham Bowl

As a Ground Engineer, and SNCO, our arrival back at Base after a long and often arduous route or deployment (:rolleyes:), ended as we went our merry ways. Due to the make up of the crew, a mix of Officers, SNCOs and sometimes JNCOs, Airmen (SVCs and MAMS chaps) and even the lads from 47 AD, the Lyneham Bowl offered the chance to have a few beers together before "coming back to earth" so to speak. I had the good fortune to fly with several Captains, who, on return would ask if anyone would like to join him at "the bowl" for a wee beer before heading home. None of the Lyneham Messes offered a scruffs bar for all ranks. It was always a nice place to wind down, and most valued by all ranks in my opinion. In my later days, Lyneham Bowl was a great place to get our whole servicing team together to celebrate promotions etc. again a chance to informally have a laugh, get some feedback and put the world to rights, without airs and graces. I'm sure many ex Lyneham Aircrew will back up my statements here, and probably in a more lucid way.

Smudge

[Martin the Martian]

There was one at Brawdy. I went to it on ATC camp back in 1985. First time I'd ever had a chance to go ten-pin bowling. I'm not much better at it now.

[Wander00]

SOSL is not wrong - Bowling Alley managers were not well paid and worked very long hours ISTR. Is the Nuffield Trust still making grants?

[Sun Who]

The skittle alley at Saxa Vord. there were some things happened in there that would have got people locked up had they been made known.

Sun.:oh:

[goudie]

There was/is a bowling alley at Brize, courtesy of the USAF. Good place to take the kids or leave them to play with friends.

[teeteringhead]

There was the "Rose Bowl" at RAF Aldergrove (the Station badge had a rose on it).

Don't know if it's still at JHCFS Aldergrove ......... (yes really, Joint Helicopter Command Flying Station no less ........:{)

[uffington sb]

There was/is a bowling alley at Wittering, and a skittles alley on Gan.
Great all rank places, but I expect they may feature in the 'Drinking culture in the RAF .......' Thread! ;)

[WhiteOvies]

Some happy memories of Hockey Club get togethers at the Bowling Alley at Wittering (still in working order as far as I know).

[barnstormer1968]

Not much of a tale, but I first heard the song 'when two tribes go to war' by Farnkie goes to Hollywood in the bowling club at Wyton. I was very young and very patriotic then, and thought it should be banned as it was too anti establishment (looking back it almost sounds like I wanted a war:}).

It has taken me about twenty years to hear it as a song and nothing else :)

[scarecrow450]

Cottesmore as well, many a very drunken all ranks ATC pi, er social gathering !

[Easy Street]

AFAIK the Marham Bowl was closed a couple of years ago due to "health and safety concerns" because the bowling equipment was getting dated and there was no money to bring it into line with whatever standard is expected these days. This was brought about through the arrival of PAYD - because the bowl, as a food and drink outlet, had to be handed over to the contractor. Who, it seems, was not particularly interested in branching out into bowling alleys... so it's now just a bar and cafe.

[NutLoose]

Yup Brizes was an impressive place, is it still on the go?, you used to struggle to get a lane in my era not being a Civilian, as they had several Civi clubs using the facilities..

[Wander00]

Interesting - "had to be handed to payd contractor" -as the bowl was provided by non-public funds, which had (and probably still have) charitable status under the Charities Act, and probably grant aided by the Nuffield Trust, another charity, I am surprised they were handed over free of charge to a "contractor".

[Cows getting bigger]

Don't forget the various RAFG Kegelbahn. Many a good hour spent in the one at Gutersloh.

[EngAl]

We had a 2 lane 10 pin bowling alley at Gaydon in 65. Great meeting place - expect it's gone now!

[4Greens]

Reference Linton on Ouse. There was a reunion some twenty odd years ago which was attended by the veterans of a Canadian Halifax squadron that was based there during the war. After a few bevies their CO suggested a game of skittles.

No alley said the Groupie - up in the roof said the Canucks. They had built one in the roof during the war. None of us knew about it. It has now been opened up with a drop down ladder to look at it.

[fergineer]

Was 2 I/C Lyneham lanes as a secondary duty. As Smuj says a great place for all ranks to have a drink.

[Al R]

I have many happy memories of Wittering Bowl.. not forgetting the Mally there of ourselves - and the Rugby club. Also, Leconfield.. that had a good bowling alley.

The best though, Greenham Common. Introduced to it 30 years ago this month.

[November4]

Lyneham bowl....the place I was introduced to alcohol. Didn't drink till I joined up and reached my first posting at Lyneham. In those days, the entire shift would hit the bowl on swing shift. Out of the Wessex after tea straight into the Bowl. Work hard, play hard was certainly the ethos then. I think there was some throwing balls at wooden things but never took part myself as the bar was far more interesting.

Being propped up against the juke box as the soberest man tried to round up the shift and herd them back to the block.

Sending the juniorest lad to the NAAFI on bop nights with some money then when the bowl shut heading up the road to continue drinking the beers waiting for you.

and many other hazy memories...

[Fishtailed]

RAF Weeton, 8 SOTT, had one 1960ish, four lanes, my dad showed me round 'this American idea' while it was closed, (he was a civvi worker, out of bounds)

[Tashengurt]

Leuchars bowl was a strange place. Full of locals with odd wrist guards on high fiving each other.
It was the home turf of two particularly large sisters too!


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[im from uranus]

Wildenrath Bowl was also a good place for an all ranks get together. I remember one night me and a mate went for a few games, ended up having quite a few Wobbly's and tried to play a whole game like the 'pro's'. We managed to swerve the ball quite well considering our state and scored more than we had the previous 'more sober' games! Never been able to repeat it since, the ball just heads straight to the gutter! :p

[AGS Man]

I remember some great all ranks gatherings in Cottesmore Bowl. IIRC it used to be a parachute packing shop before conversion to a 4 lane bowling alley. Honington was bowl-less but a quick drive up to Lakenheath was no problem followed by a few drinks in the NCO's Club.

[haltonapp]

There was a two lane bowling alley near the swimming pool and the Malcom Club in Muharraq in 68. No automatics, just locals to replace the pins! They were too quick to get hit!

[November4]

Gib had a similar bowling alley - 2 lanes and 1 man to sort the pins out. He had to be quick to get back to safety by sitting on the dividing wall before the next ball was launched at him.

[NutLoose]

I never realised so many bases had them, considering that off station there were so few about, it surprised me.

[glad rag]

Sadly NutLoose, another of those little items that make life good on a station that are slowly dying a death.

[Avionker]

There was one at Brawdy. I went to it on ATC camp back in 1985. First time I'd ever had a chance to go ten-pin bowling. I'm not much better at it now.

This was not actually on the RAF camp, it was a USN facility for NAVFAC personnel, which was also open to the RAF and their families. I remember the Chili Dogs well....

Ah glorious Brawdy, the best station I ever had the fortune to serve on. Four years of working less than a third of each year, on Seakings that were actually less then a decade old then.The same airframes still going strong now I believe.

Cosford had a Bowling alley last time I was there, about ´94 or so. Unfortunately it didn't exist when I did my trade training there, between ´84 and ´86.

[denachtenmai]

The 4 lane one at Wyton in the 60's had a good bar as well, which was a godsend to a certain MB, who was banned from the pigs bar for some mischief concerning the cops:eek:
It also stayed open later than the Naafia;)
Regards, Den

[Not a Crew Chief]

Brize bowl still going strong with a large number of civvies (including me) making up the 4 nights a week league teams. Recently refurbished and employing a full time manager and staff who are not ex SNCO's or indeed RAF of any description.
Was very lucky in my time to have bowled at Brize, Witttering, Laarbruch Scampton and again at Brize. First picked up a ball at Jardines in Aylesbury and still have the cup we won in my "things I collected over 30 years" box.
Scampton Bowl was the preferred night shift watering hole before duty supper as the F/S down to the FLM's could all drink together or be kept an eye on.

AFAIK there are still full RAF championships, and there was a postal league with a legitimate way to spend Thursday afternoons improving your handicap as you were "representing the station".

[Chugalug2]

There was a bowling alley at Fairford, courtesy of the USAF. Unfortunately when they quit the base HM Customs informed them that if they left it intact, even if it were for HM Forces, then previously waived import duty would be payable. So they didn't leave it intact...

[C4IONMYPC]

There was a bowling alley for USN and Marines and UK personnel based at RAF St Mawgan at the married quarters patch at St Eval. It was next to the Westwings all ranks club. I know because I was the manager there after the manager that was running it got posted. There was a meeting each year to share the "profits" which was not a lot as the upkeep of the bowl was quite expensive, especially when you had to get the lanes resurfaced as they were made of wood that was dressed with oil on a daily basis, not like they are nowadays and are made of laminate. :ok:

[NutLoose]

Chuga, similar happened at Brize i think upon USAF departure, contents of furnished quarters were bulldozed in a pit as they would have reqd duty paying... How the Bowl survived I do not know..


NaCC,

Glad to see it still is going strong, no doubt the Civi element taking a major role in that and ensuring it is permanently busy.


..

[zetec2]

Agree Wildenrath Bowl was good, (next to the motor club) went back for a nostalgic visit last year, building derelict, sad, Paul H.

[goudie]

contents of furnished quarters were bulldozed in a pit
Yes they were, somewhere alongside the runway apparently. Absolutely scandalous. Good to hear the bowling alley is still fully operational, had some enjoyable evenings there.

[Big Hammer]

Many fond memories of the bowl at Wyton, Wittering also, Any one know what happened to a certain Hinsliff? Lost touch many years back/

[RedhillPhil]

We had a 2 lane 10 pin bowling alley at Gaydon in 65. Great meeting place - expect it's gone now!

Hah, you just beat me to it with Gaydon's Nuffield bowl.

[Chugalug2]

NutLoose:-
at Brize i think upon USAF departure, contents of furnished quarters were bulldozed in a pit
At Fairford, MQ appliances (Washing Machines, Fridge Freezers, etc) were buried by day in nearby quarry, and excavated at night by nearby residents. :ok:

[Sandy Parts]

bet they got a 'shock' when they plugged them in (after changing the funny plugs) - weren't the USMQ/BEQ/BOQ wired for 110V?

[jamesman]

I vaguely rememeber the Laarbruch Bowl, behind the NAAFI near the front gate I think. It was really small and a bit smelly, but every time I went I think that I was half away already!

Remeber going to the Daws Hill Bowl when at Striking Command, the food was great there, loads of chips, American beer and hot dogs.

The old Marham Bowl (which was a portacabin) was closed mid 2000s, but they did build a new Families Club outside the main gate and the Bowl moved into that building, been a couple of times, but must be couple of years since last there, can't beleieve that has closed already. I did think that the Families Club seemed very quiet.

I presume the Akroitiri Bowl now makes a pot of money from the Decompression folks as that is the first place you are taken to (or I was in Dec), bit of compulsory bowling to make you feel less stressed! Or try not to bash the ball on your mates head.....it was odd, because it was the first time I had bowled without a beer in the other hand!!

[Chugalug2]

Sandy:
weren't the USMQ/BEQ/BOQ wired for 110V?
You may well be right, but at that time these appliances were very expensive in the UK. By contrast a transformer was not and was the key to using USA electical appliances, not only in the UK but in other parts of the world using 240v.

[AR1]

I threw my first ball at St Eval Bowl. I think it opened while I was there but thats a bit fuzzy. One of our Cpls was trained on the AMF bowling kit and helped keep the place running. Great facility that my visiting family loved. They had no easy access to this sort of thing in 1980's UK.
Never used Wittering while I was there but did have a few trips to Lyneham bowl. Where I first got the tag as the Cpl who could outdrink his lads. Well what they didnt know was everytime i bought a round I availed myself of the alcohol free lager that they served. - If you can keep you head while all around are losing theirs, as someone once wrote...

[DON T]

Another one for the list, RAF Changi. We had a team there called Your Round Next.

[critter sized]

The USN alley at Brawdy was, no doubt, a great bowling venue but even better as a restaurant - superb burgers, pizzas etc. and a great range of American beer, sodas and candies. Also had the benefit of being within staggering distance of the Mess.

Fond memories of the skittles alley at Saxa Vord (the Penguin Club) as it was the first time I met the future Mrs Critter!

[Rocket2]

"RAF" Croughton had / has an excellent bowling alley & was used by us mere mortals based at RAF Bicester - even won the league when I was part of the "Abingdon detachment" team, only there because I was utterly useless & carried the maximum handicap allowed :\

[Torchy]

We had a Bowl at RAF Lindholme (STC Bombing School) back in 1970.......it was upstairs in the Airmens'Mess ISTR.

[Deepest Norfolk]

I remember many a happy night at Lyenham Bowl. Mrs Deepest Norfolk was one of the lane controllers.

Many a happy play fight between Jamie, our German Shepherd Dog, and "Baldrick" who would call him a mincing git and then push him around a lot until "Jimbo" would grab his arm and a rolling maul would ensue while both of them acted the dog's age (about 18 months at that point). Baldrick would end up black and blue and the dog would end up with a smug look. Our black labrador, Ben, would scrounge drinks from people and neither of the dogs would touch the non alcaholic stuff.

It was a great place with great people and a wonderful time was enjoyed by many. Mind you, LYE was a great place then and the best posting and one of the best jobs I had in the RAF. Loved it, sad to see the decline.

DN