The Bowen Bowl-Boat Club v. Leamington Spa inaugural match

A trophy similar to the Venus Rosewater Dish presented to the winner of the Wimbledon ladies' singles title each year will be raised aloft for the first time at Leamington Tennis and Squash Club on Sunday by the captain of the winning team of an inaugural match between two of the leading tennis clubs in South Warwickshire: Leamington and Warwick Boat Club.

The contest, starting at 1.00 pm, will celebrate their long history of rivalry and the founding of one of the first lawn tennis clubs in the world. The Leamington club can trace its history back to 1874 to a court next door to the old Manor Hotel in Avenue Road, Leamington. It was founded by Major Harry Gem, a solicitor, and his friend, Augurio Perera, and two doctors from Warneford Hospital.

The match is intended to promote tennis, the history of tennis in Warwick District, and bring the two clubs closer together in sporting competition and social harmony. It also recognises the Bowen family's contribution to tennis over 70 years and is sponsored by 3DFS, the Birmingham wealth management company, run by Boat Club member Jon Isaacs, who has looked after the family's affairs for many years.

The Leamington Tennis and Squash club has gone from strength to strength in recent years with significant investment in amenities and a record membership. It has top class facilities on and off the court. Janette George, Chairman of the club, says “We are delighted to be hosting the first Bowen Bowl competition. Both clubs have a long-standing reputation for being the best clubs in Warwickshire for both competitive and social tennis. The match will bring together players across a range of abilities. The hope is that this will encourage a friendly rivalry and a fun afternoon.”

Peter Bowen (84), who inherited the gold plated bowl on the death of his father, John Vincent, says the piece is a significant antique as it represents the start of the electroplating industry in Birmingham. Elkington manufactured a limited number of rose bowls but few survive. There are examples in the Victoria and Albert Museum; The Louvre; Cutlers Hall and of course, Wimbledon.

“I looked for an idea that was both practical and make a difference concerning the future of the Bowen Bowl rather than it being melted down, sold at auction or left gathering dust on a shelf. The family is delighted that both clubs have agreed to play for it it year on year and keep our association with local tennis alive,” he added.

The rose bowl “Seasons” by Elkington, similar in all respects to the Venus Rosewater Dish with its silver inlay, differing only in that it is gold in its entirety. It has been in the family since 1924 when it was presented to “Honest John” Bowen, the noted Birmingham builder, and his wife Kate, on their 50th wedding anniversary.

“My father John was treasurer of the Leamside Tennis Club in 1962 when the courts were sold. He was the driving force behind the move to Leamington Tennis Club. He later became treasurer at the club, and together with his wife, Mary, was a member for many years,”explained Peter, who is a life member of the Boat club.

Warwick District has a close association with tennis.

Major Harry Gem lived in Leamington, playing tennis in the 1870's. The Leamington Club was founded in 1874.

In the very first edition of the Morning News, dated June 20, 1896 (the town's daily paper until its closure in February 1991) there was an advertisement calling for players to enter the Leamington Lawn Tennis Tournament in the Jephson Gardens in July where gentlemen played for “The Open Challenge Cup.”

The famous Renshaw brothers, who dominated the Wimbledon champions throughout the 1880's, lived in the Spa town, and played in the Jephson Gardens tournament, which was contested until the late 1920's.

The Warwick Boat Club, where tennis was introduced in 1895, was the venue for the Wimbledon Plate played for by the losers of the Championship first round proper. American Grand Slam winner, Helen Wills Moody's name appears on the trophy, now the ladies singles cup.

Warwick also played host to the international match between England and Ireland in 1961. Roger Taylor captained the England side. It was also the venue for the clay court national championships in 1974 when Christine Truman, former winner of the French Championships, played for Essex