Bowls City legend marks milestone birthday
BRISTOL bowls legend Peter Brimble celebrates his 90th birthday today and puts the secret of his long life down to his enthusiasm for Bristol City and desire to see the Robins reach the Premier League.
Peter is one of the country’s most decorated bowlers having been first selected to play for the England Outdoor team when he was just 28 before winning the England Indoor Singles Championship in 1963 and captaining his country in both the indoor and outdoor disciplines of the sport.
Born in Ashton and raised in Eastville, Peter names when he led England out as skipper in 1972 at the Imperial Ground in Bristol as his proudest moment in a sport in which he achieved everything.
He also served as BBC Radio Bristol bowls correspondent, was England Indoor Bowls team manager for 21 years and was president of the English Indoor Bowling Association and the World Indoor Bowls Council in the 1980s.
“The word legend is overused but that’s exactly what dad is, he’s known the world over within the bowling community,” daughter Ann Wherlock said. “He’s recognised wherever he goes. He’s pretty philosophical about turning 90, he survived his house being bombed in World War Two so I should think he feels it’s a bit of a miracle he’s
❝ He’s known the world over within the bowling community
here! But’s it’s definitely a proud moment for him.”
Peter’s career is almost intrinsically linked with his beloved Robins having first picked up a wood at the age of 13 at Greville Smyth Park
Bowls Club, rolling it expertly against the jack, and he has been a season-ticket holder at Ashton Gate for more than 40 years in the Dolman Stand.
That part of the ground is also dear to Peter because it was there when he first persuaded the late Harry Dolman to build a facility inside the stand which housed the Bristol Indoor Bowls Club.
Bristol City A were Peter’s team and although he unfortunately had to retire from playing 10 years ago, he still runs the team to this day having moved location to South Liberty Lane in Ashton Vale.
Peter will celebrate his birthday today alongside family and then sit down to watch England’s final group game of Euro 2020 against the Czech Republic.
And although he’s achieved all he can possibly do in his first love, Peter’s burning desire is to see the Robins earn promotion and return to the top-flight of English football.
“His love and passion for Bristol
City has never stopped, we’ve come back from holidays early because of City games,” Ann adds. “Obviously he’s had to make do with streaming home and away games on Robins TV since lockdown but, trust me, he’s still just as passionate spending most of his time complaining about referees!
“Last season was pretty dreadful but he holds out hope that City will be back up there again. Hopefully once Covid restrictions are lifted he can get back to Ashton Gate.”