History
In 1930 Exonia changed its old monogrammed ‘E.B.C’. Badge to the one we wear today. Several designs were submitted by members from which we fittingly selected the reproduction of the distaff side of Exeter City Arms Pegasus the flying horse, symbol of ‘Soaring Ambitions’. What better indication of the Club’s resolution! Oddly it seems, the Ladies Section, when officially affiliated to County and E.WB.A. in 1938, chose to retain the old monogram for both blazer badge and hatband, only adopting the Pegasus pocket badge in 1986, and a hatband in club colours of red, green, navy and white in 1992.
The limbo years of a Second World War behind us and with the D.C.B.A.
deciding to resume full activities in 1945, bowling really continued in
earnest. To mark this great year of resurgence Exonia introduced it’s
“Victory Cup” a Challenge Trophy still competed for annually amongst
invited clubs of this section. Our collective membership now comprised
66 Men and 22 Ladies (more comment on these later).
Competitions attracted record entries, fixtures were eagerly supported, and despite the rationing difficulties still prevailing into the 1950’s, our successive Ladies Committees continued to provide refreshments. Our Golden Jubilee Year 1951 was celebrated in grand style. A week long programme of special events was opened on the Monday by the Mayor and the Sheriff of Exeter, when a match was played against the E.B.A President’s team. On following days we played the local clubs, the County and City Police, the D.C.B.A. and the D.C.L.B.A. in Anniversary Matches, all culminating in a Gala Bowls Drive for the members on the Saturday.
The next two decades were a period of consolidation. Under the
administration of the Company the club continued to flourish, deriving
income from its green, its tennis courts, and its winter social
activities. The green was maintained to a high standard and the members
enjoyed most amenities. The purchase of our grounds was argued at length
when in 1955 the Company was able to secure the property for the price
of £1,500 plus £425, the outstanding balance of our mortgage. Ownership
established we forged ahead with our next plans. We dispensed with the
tennis courts and in 1959 sold part of that area for four building
plots. By 1962 we had also sold the outside strip of land to the City
Council, in exchange for a new wall and wrought iron gates, and moreover
received compensation on our rates, (all negotiated by the late Hugh
Bayley).
By 1967 we were exploring the idea of a new Pavilion to incorporate two
Indoor bowling rinks of E.I.B.A. standard. Encouraged by the promise of
a grant of some £2,500 from the Ministry of Education and Science, plus
a like amount from our own funds, the membership resolved to raise a
further sum of £2,500 by £5 shares and to proceed with more adventurous
plans for THREE full size rinks hailed by the press as “a wonderful and
ambitious scheme”. The City Council endorsed the project, approving a
loan of £6,000 towards costs and when the new building opened in October
1970, praised Exonia for succeeding where they themselves had failed. An Indoor green was undoubtedly something that Exeter really wanted for
its success was immediate. It was built to accommodate 350 members and
with its 3 rinks was, at that time, the largest indoor club in the South
West outside Bristol. It became a magnet for winter bowls players, its
members coming from as far as lifracombe and Seaton. Six years planning
had gone into the new building which ultimately cost £18,000. Even so,
the extra money needed to build it was raised by the members in just 12
months. Separate Indoor and Outdoor Committees were formed at an
inaugural meeting, and the Club Bye-laws re-drafted accordingly. Section
Subscriptions for 1971 were agreed. Outdoor (Men) £6.50, Indoor (all
members) £3, with an annual subscription of 5Op payable by all. Modest
sums indeed to pay for such year long pleasure.