Club History

The green was first laid when an area of previously unused land was developed to create Troedyrhiw Park and War Memorial grounds in 1921. The Club was formed in 1925 by people drawn from the local mining industry and village shop owners. The local business interest led to the Club not only playing on Saturdays but also fielding a Thursday team during shops half day closing.

The Park and War Memorial grounds, including the green were maintained by the Municipal Borough of Merthyr Tydfil (later to become through several metamorphoses Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council). Maintenance was of a very high standard with the park and green in immaculate order. The green had been laid with Cumberland turf, famous for its fine quality and for many years the greenkeepers tended the green with love and care and established its reputation as a fast and fair playing surface. The first greenkeeper was Mr Hogan whose grandson Eddie Hogan was an excellent player and famous character who represented the Club for many years. Other greenkeepers over the years include Arthur Walton, Bill Jones, Bill Bundy and Terry Lewis who all upheld Hogan’s legacy.

The Club competed in the Merthyr Tydfil Bowls League (and still do to this day) and in Miners Welfare tournaments with some success. In 1988 the Club entered the Cardiff and District Municipal League. The Club enjoyed many successful years in this high quality league and established itself as the premier municipal club in South Wales. The Club has been a member of the Mid Glamorgan Bowling Association since its foundation in 1974 and in 2000 were thrilled to be crowned unaugural champions in the newly formed County League.

In 1982 something special occurred, two local lads from Troedyrhiw, Robert Morgan was selected for Wales and Wynne Richards for England at the British Isles Bowls Championships in Ayr. This event was repeated again in 1983 and 1984 and is something which may not be repeated again. To celebrate this event an International Representative team played against the Troedyrhiw Club, with the News of The World Bowls Trophy on display.

As local authorities saw financial constraints starting to bite the Club lost its greenkeeper and maintenance standards of the park and green began to deteriorate. In 2016 the Club decided to take over the ownership of the green, pavilion and car park from the local authority. The local authority supported the transfer and since that time the Club has been run as a private club with members cutting the green and maintaining the surrounds and employing a specialist green keeper.

The Club currently play in the East Wales League of the Private Greens association, the Mid Glamorgan League and the Merthyr Bowls League.

Retired Men’s section

Formed in 1963 by long term member Cyril Piggot with a view to playing similar clubs on a friendly fixture basis. The Retired Men’s is now a vibrant and friendly section who play over 35 games across Wales and the English Marches.

Ladies section

The Ladies section was formed in 1929. They play in the PenyGlyn league competing against teams from South Wales. A new mixed South Wales League was formed in 2021 and is proving very popular. The Club reached the league play offs in the inaugural season.