The Bohemians were formed in 1910 with the aim of creating "a spirit of neighbourliness and greater sociability" and to provide facilities for bowls and indoor games.

 

The Bohemians' green was officially opened in 1910 in an atmosphere of gloom. For King Edward VII had passed away a day earlier on May 6.

 

 A report in the Yorkshire Evening Post  said the monarch's death had  caused an awkward dilemma for the club. "A meeting of the committee was hastily summoned," said the newspaper, "but although the opinion was expressed  that a postponement was desirable, it was found impossible at such short notice to cancel the arrangements. It was therefore decided that the green be duly opened but in as quiet a manner as possible; the smoking concert being, of course, abandoned."

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Bohemians' secretary Andy Braid has unearthed the history of the early days  by trawling through local newspapers - the Evening Post, Yorkshire Post and Leeds Mercury. His research revealed that a municipal green for Roundhay Park had been mooted but the city council could not provide the funding. 

 

However, the council was supportive when Bohemians members  expressed a wish to build a green at their own expense.They were granted a 10-year lease on the field which became the green with a clause prohibiting Sunday bowling. But it was then pointed out that the nearby golf club did not have such a restriction and so a meeting of the city council voted 22 to 14 to permit Sunday matches. 

 

Bohemians secretary, Mr W A Craven, said at the time that members were not contemplating playing on Sundays. "But," he added, "no one knows when changes in public sentiment and recreative requirements  may take place before the expiration of our lease."

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Newspaper cuttings reveal there was a waiting list to join the club and that the green measured 40 yards by 40 yards with a crown of 9ins.

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The club held a handicap competition for the Owen Cup  which was perhaps named after Councillor Leslie Owen who had officially opened the green. He was chairman of the council's Parks Sub-Committee which had authorised drawing up the lease.