The club was formed in June 1856 by a dozen individuals who practised on Rose Hill (near East Downs Road). They soon obtained sufficient funds to establish a ground which is now the site of the Lawn Tennis Club on Stamford Road before they moved to South Downs Road in 1865.

On Saturday 18th April, 1874, between 12:30pm and 6pm, a game between married and unmarried members took place to celebrate the opening of a new pavilion and was attended by a large assemblage of friends. The total cost of the pavilion was £400 and was situated in Victorian fashion facing the North East away from the sun. Around this period, the Club also adopted many traditions that remain today, including the crest, the motto ‘Semper Paratus’ (Always Ready), and the Club colours of Oxford Blue, Cambridge Blue and Cheshire Regiment Cerise.

In 1939, Helen Bickham bought the South Downs Road ground from Lord Stamford and gifted it to the Cricket Club in memory of her brother Ernest Bickham. During this time, the subscription to the Club was a guinea and membership averaged around 150.

Bowdon reached Lord’s for the National Knock-Out Cup final in 1977, but their day was curtailed, with only half the match completed. The rearranged final was held at Edgbaston, where Bowdon, featuring a young fast bowler Paul Allott, were defeated by Southgate CC.

Bowdon’s most successful period to date came in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Club won seven Cheshire County Premier League titles in nine seasons (1996–98, 2000 and 2002–04), while also lifting the Cheshire Cup three times.

Today, Bowdon Cricket Club’s large and active membership enables the Club to field four senior weekend teams, a midweek Over 40s side and a casual team, alongside a thriving junior section ranging from Under 9s to Under 18s and a developing girls section.

Across the decades, generations of players, volunteers, and supporters have shaped the club into what it is today: competitive, welcoming and rooted in its community.

As we celebrate this landmark year, we also look forward. We are delighted to welcome and thank our sponsors for their support this season. Their backing is vital in helping us invest in our facilities, our junior section, and ensures the club continues to thrive for future generations.

Main sponsors:

Thinc
Brooks Macdonald
Price Slater Gawne

New sponsors:

The Alexandra Hospital
Butcher Bar, Hale
Einstein Tax
KeyTrak
Meadow Organics

More information on sponsorship opportunities at the club can be found here.

Finally, a thank you to all our members. Whether you play, volunteer or support from the boundary – you’re all part of our long history and our future.

Bowdon Cricket Club Committee