Formerly Members of the Scottish Bowling Association, Portland still retain the Scottish Custom of playing for the Silver Jack. The competition was started in 1879 and winner's names were inscribed on the Jack and in 1966 a new Silver Jack was presented by Stuart Elliot in memory of his father William who was also a great stalwart of the Club.
A new Silver Jack was started in 2005 and the tradition of engraving the winners names on the jack continues to this day.
From the 1920's onwards the Club continued to progress and extensive alterations were carried out to the Clubhouse - the enlarging of the Tea Room and a new Locker Room - which were opened by the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Gilbert Oliver, on the 11th June 1938.
In 1958 the Clubhouse was heightened and extended with much of the credit for this work going to Ambrose Yardley, a former Club and County President.
Further work was carried out by a band of willing workers in the Club's Centenary Year 1974, who transformed the old Tea Room into a panelled lounge in time for the visit of the E.B.A President, E.T Marsh and his team for a match as part of the celebration of the Club's 100years.
Portland also played a big part in the formation of the Northumberland County Bowling Association in 1922 and since then have provided the County with a number of Presidents over the years:- Tom Eyton 1923, William Watson 1929, Walter Molineaux 1941 - 1944, Professor Norman Hodgson 1955, Ambrose Yardley 1962, Tom Cook 1979, C.C. Lawson 1988, Ian G Story 1991,and Tom Ord 1992.
Over the years Club Members have also gained some success in the County Championships (see Honours Board) and have provided the County Middleton/Muras Team with a number of fine players. Current notable Club Members being:-
Alan H Johnson:
Appearances: 229 (2nd highest record in the County)
First appearance: 1964
Tom Ord:
Appearances: 174
First appearance: 1967
Colin Boyle:
Appearances: 102
First appearance: 1990
Richard Dougal:
Appearances: 91
First appearance: 1987
Bill Blyth:
Appearances: 44
First appearance: 1987
John Taylor:
Appearances: 24
First appearance: 1996
Bob McAvelia:
Appearances: 12
First appearance: 1988
Although no longer turning out for the County Team they are all still keen competitive bowlers.
In addition to the Bell and Oubridge Cups, each season the Club has a full fixture list comprising of friendly matches against other Private Clubs in both Northumberland and nearby Counties, and the more competitive league and cup competitions of Bowls Northumberland. Members also enter the County knockout competitions, i.e. singles, pairs, triples and fours which lead to an appearance at the English Championships for those who are successful.
A Club is only as strong as its Members and Portland has been blessed with some outstanding personalities both past and present, a list of which would be too long to mention. However, as in years gone by, today we also have some Members well into their 70s, 80s and even 90s who have not only given admirable service to the Club but who still enjoy playing bowls.
Portland Bowling Green Club is situated only a few minutes from the Newcastle City Centre in what we consider to be a little serene oasis on the outskirts of the city.
The Club has a large car park (resurfaced in 2009) for the use of our Members and also the County Teams when travelling by coach to away fixtures so that they can leave their cars in safety.
We pride ourselves on our hospitality to all who visit Portland, as well as our history, clubhouse, green and surrounding gardens and offer our Members and visitors an enjoyable bowling experience.
