Drakes Pride

The Company's history can be traced (through a series of company's acquired by EA. Clare & Son Limited) as far back as 1820 to Darlington's of Liverpool who are believed to have used the Drakes Pride name throughout their history, evidenced by the Company's registered trade mark as shown on the right. In the 1960's, the family business of EA. Clare & Son took over Darlingtons and in the early 1980's decided to expand into the manufacture of Lawn Bowls. The wood being turned to produce bowls (Lignum Vitae) was disappearing at that time and the industry turned to Phenolic Thermoset to produce composition Bowls. These events resulted in the relaunch of DRAKES PRIDE in 1982, at which time the company was using the new material together with the modern machinery such as computer controlled turning centres, to produce bowls which were, individually and in sets, more accurate and consistent than ever before. Over the years, DRAKES PRIDE bowls have been used in winning competitions in all classes all over the world. We pride ourselves on listening and adapting to the needs and requirements of the 'grass roots' player, without whom the game would not survive. The company offers all bowlers requisites to the trade, including Bowls, Bags, Carpets, Scoring accessories, Waterproofs, Clothing and Shoes. Our full range of products is continually being reviewed and improved.