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Welcome
Downton Bowling Club was established as a mixed club in 1980 by Ralph Bentley, a past President of the English Bowling Association, with the help of 53 villagers who each paid £5 inauguration fee when the club’s bowling green was on the playing field to the rear of the Downton Primary School.
The Club moved to Wick Lane in 1983 after securing a long lease from the Downton parish council who in turn have an enduring lease with the Longford Estate – it is said the bowling green is on land which had been originally been a chalk walled enclosure for sick farm animals.
The Green is full size which enables seven rinks to be played at one time and in common with most clubs allows the playing direction to be rotated on a regular basis to ensure even wear to the playing surface.
We are a very varied collection of individuals who are members, several of whom travel some distance passing other clubs to specifically play at Downton Bowling Club, because of it’s friendly and convivial atmosphere. Whilst the teams and matches are competitive the most important attribute of the membership is that everyone enjoys themselves and plays with integrity, good grace and good humour. The friendship and offers of assistance, advice and tips extended to novices and newcomers is exceptional and enduring.
In common with all other well run clubs Downton Bowling Club has a Child Protection Officer who has been C.R.B. cleared.
As a Mixed club we have the usual Mens, Ladies and Mixed teams, competing in local leagues.
We are always pleased to host touring teams from around the country, where there is the opportunity to meet new people from far and wide with a similar passion for the game.
The outdoor playing season runs from mid April to the end of September – although the beginning of the season does show up the fact that some of the players are a bit rusty after the winter lay off and the “heads” are more open and wayward shots more numerous. Please see the Fixtures pages for teams played and the leagues matches.
Friday nights are usually Club Night when members are able to have non-competitive games or coaching with fellow members and then enjoy a drink at the bar in the social club.
Periodically, throughout the year there are “Race Nights”, “Skittles evenings” and “Fish Suppers” when members get together, have a few drinks, and more often than not there will be a raffle to raise funds for charity.
We welcome new members – both novices and experienced players of all ages, and as an Open club there is no barrier to membership – other than paying the membership fee!!!
Perhaps you’ve enjoyed sport in the past but for whatever reason have given up, why not consider trying your hand at bowls. An example of this is a local couple who had moved into the area a few years ago and decided to come along to one of the open days as he was a keen and active sportsman but was prevented through injury from continuing his chosen sport, since his wife (not particularly sports minded) had little going on she decided to join him. Many years later they both regularly play lawn bowls at Downton in the summer and enjoy Shortmat bowls during the “off season” elsewhere.
The Club also welcomes Associate /non-playing members who enjoy a good chat in a relaxed environment. As a member of the Downton Bowling Club you are also automatically a member of the Downton Sports Club with use of the facilities it has to offer with the licensed bars and function rooms.
Equally, you may have been playing for years and recently moved into the area so are looking for a local club, or have become are disillusioned with your current club.
If you would like more information about joining us at Downton Bowling Club please contact any of the following:-
Geoff Warr (President) – 01425 653609
Neil Gillespie (Hon. Secretary) – 01794 399885
Mike Hallam (Mens Captain) – 01725 513359
Janet Prince (Ladies Captain) – 01725 511419 |
