Markinch Bowling Club was founded in 1863 and the Green was first opened for bowls in 1866. Markinch is one of the eight clubs who are founder members of the Fife Bowling Association, which was founded in 1879 at a meeting held in the Bethune Arms, Markinch. The Club is also a founder member of the 3 Counties, which was founded in 1893.

 The invaluable minute books, are kept safely locked up in the vault at the local bank and there are several entries which make good reading:-

23^rd May, 1870 “the Green be rolled every day at least 3 times, viz. up and down twice and across once until further orders” by order of the Committee.

1^st August, 1872 …”reported that they had examined the pump and considered that it was not worth repairing and that it would be useless to repair it as there was no water in the well!!!”

14^th May 1874. Mr.Wm.Henderson, mason was balloted (by 6 members!) as member, 2 voted for and 4 against. He was therefore blackballed.

18^th June, 1874. A good deal of discussion followed as to so many residents, not members of the Club, coming to the Green and playing and “not conducting themselves as gentlemen”. It was agreed to use every effort to put down the said practice.

26^th June, 1879 ..”to write to Constable Bisset complaining of cricket balls, stones etc. being thrown on the Green from the common.

28^th October, 1880. Closing Match – followed by supper in the Bethune Arms where for the first time the Fife Tournament Cup decorated the table, which was filled with wine at the close by President Mr.Wilson and a few others and handed round

20^th May, 1892. The Greenkeeper (A.Balderstone) was called before the Committee for neglecting his duties and was admonished. He expressed his regret and promised to attend on Committee meetings and as often as possible at closing times.

6^th April, 1897. Mr.Gold, Overseer, reported that Mr.Ramsay, Greenkeeper had failed to carry out the instructions given to him and had shown himself quite indifferent in regard to the Green. Decided to release him from the job and engage Mr.Pottie.

28^th February, 1898. There were 16 applications for Greenkeeper from all over Fife. Short leet of three were interviewed on March 5^th.

9^th August, 1900. The Green Ranger was requested to try and kill the worms on the Green by using lime water.

5^th June, 1902. Agreed “that the Committee recommend members to provide themselves with rubber or plain shoes to be worn during play on the Green”.

27^th October, 1902 – Committee Meeting Bethune Arms.

Recreation Room Rules.

Rule 8 :- No gambling allowed

Rule 9 :- No liquor of any kind to be brought or consumed on the premised from closing of the Green to opening of the Green.

Rule 10 :- No spitting on the floor. This will be strictly enforced.

13^th May, 1909. After considerable discussion it was agreed to purchase a new Shanks Bowling Green Mower 18’’ at £8-2/6d less 15% for cash in one month.

8^th March, 1916. Marching out inspection on Club house being given up by the Military. In a lengthy list of damage, mainly of minor nature, there was one startling item of damage caused by “12 bullet holes” in the walls.

7^th May, 1924 Bar prices – Whisky 8d (3p) per nip, beer 8d per bottle, stout 8d per bottle, Calders Ale 5d (2p) per bottle and port 6d per nip.

5^th August 1936. A letter was read from the Fife District Asylum inviting the Club to visit their Green with 4 rinks. It was agreed to accept the invitation.

17^th September, 1942. The Secretary was instructed to find out if a mixed case of rum, gin (and whisky, if possible) could be obtained outside our quota. Only noggins to be sold.

24^th December, 1943. The whisky being still in very short supply and with the prospect of another cut on 1^st January, 1944 the Committee recommended that no whisky be sold on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

24^th January, 1950. Gate at Curling Pond – Mr.White suggested that a new gate be erected at the old Curling Pond entrance as at this point sheep could get into the Green.

30^th January, 1962. A recommendation was carried by 8 votes to 4 to look into the matter of ladies membership.

14^th December, 1966. Mr.A.Cunningham Snr. moved the Green be opened for play on Sundays. The motion was carried by 10 votes to 7.

12^th February. 1975. Between now and the end of the year 78 ladies were admitted to membership. The notional figure for men was 122.

30^th December, 1975. After discussion it was agreed that the new Clubhouse would be officially opened on the 27^th March,1976.

 

There have been three male members who have been elected President of the FBA – A.H.Cunningham Snr (1970), W.A.Duncan (1979) and A.H.Cunningham Jnr (1992) and three lady members who have been elected President of the FWBA – Mrs S.Duncan (1984), Mrs A.Fernie (1992)and Mrs.A.Blackadder (2008). One of the oldest members of the Club, N.C.MacArthur, was elected President of the 3 Counties in the Three Counties Centenary year of 1993.