By Tenpin Bowling Proprietors Association President John Ashbridge
Excel Bowl Canterbury Avenue Bradford 5 Yorkshire
The 36-lane Excel Bowl in Bradford was the 8th centre to open in the Excel chain. The centre was equipped with AMF lanes and pinspotters and enjoyed the distinction of receiving the 1,000th lane supplied and installed by AMF in the UK. It also enjoyed another milestone by having all 36 lanes installed together on one floor – another UK first. The centre opened 10th December 1963 and during the opening ceremony Mr G M R Lord, AMF Managing Director presented Mr W J Straker-Smith, Excel Bowling Chairman with a plaque to commemorate the instillation of the 1,000th lane.
Little more is known about this centre but the advert above is believed to be from sometime during 1966.
