A Boost for the Barnwood Bowling Club

Barnwood Bowling Club, as one of the oldest and most established Clubs in our Community has completed the re-development of its Club House in time for the start of the Bowling season on the 11thin April.

A brand new extension to the current building has been erected to enhance the facilities of the club and includes: a Ladies changing room, Disabled, Male and Female Toilets and a Bar Store / Cellar. As a result the whole building has doubled in size and is a tremendous credit to the many volunteers (club members), who have helped to make this project such a success!

Following a successful bid for a Lottery grant, the club was awarded £48,000 by Inspired Facilities, as part of the National Lottery Fund. Building costs totalled £81,000; therefore, the Club was expected to find, a further £33,000, to satisfy their benefactors. However, as the Bowling club is a non- profit making organisation, additional funding was an essential factor in completing this objective. A Building Fund was established and the target sum was achieved by organising Club Activities and Functions which were supported by some generous donations from the Club Members themselves. Although the main frame of the building was erected by Broadview Timber Contractors, all of the internal work has been completed entirely by members. Chairman Clive Worrall is delighted with the results and feels, justifiably; proud of the fantastic effort made by the Club Membership in creating and completing a development that starts a further chapter in the history of Barnwood Bowling Club.

It should be remembered how the club originated , as it was in after the First World War in 1922, that the grounds and pavilion were purchased from the War Office and that in fact, the first pavilion was fabricated from two Army huts which had been used as Hospital Wards! From those humble beginnings, the club was totally re-built in 1977, from which, a sound club foundation has been firmly established.

Today, the Bowling club play both league and friendly matches during the week from April through to the end of September with teams for Men and Ladies and a mixed team also. Players of all abilities are included and junior players are beginning to feature in the club teams also. In–House tournaments open to all members; supplement the season’s fixture list. And over the winter months and regular sessions of Carpet Bowls are organised for players to maintain their touch. This together with several social events maintains club interest and provides a Social outlet for its members. There are significant events held annually and include: A Gala Bowls Tournament held in May, which has been running for 20 years and attracts a total of 96 entrants from all over the South West and as far away as Humberside!

On the 30th May, the Club hosts the prestigious Ladies Johns Trophy, on behalf of the Warwickshire and Somerset Bowling Associations. This will be the fourth consecutive year that this event has been staged at Barnwood, which is testimony not only to the Club’s hospitality, but also the excellent Bowling Green, considered by many to be the “best green in the county! Perhaps, this is not surprising as the green is cut on 6 days of each week during the season! Barnstable in North Devon is the location for the Clubs Annual tour which takes place in September, a Club outing that always proves to be an enjoyable and successful venture.

The Club Lounge is a most welcoming feature and although the bar is the main source of income for the club, none the less, very reasonable drink prices are always maintained. At this time there is mixed membership of around 90, however, the new partnership with Inspired Facilities, means not only does membership need to be maintained –it is expected to increase.

The Club will start this new membership initiative on the 10th May, commencing at 10am when a ” Come and Try” day is planned. This Bowls Taster Session will allow newcomers to play the game of bowls and also experience the club’s enhanced facilities. Already invitations have been circulated to the residents surrounding the club including the new estate at Sawmills. A warm and friendly welcome awaits everyone. So don’t miss this opportunity, as it could provide that new activity or experience you may be looking for? Finally, let’s congratulate Clive, the Committee and the Members whose drive energy and commitment has resulted in a Bowling Club to be proud of in Barnwood!

For further details contact: 01452 618589 or visit the web site on www.barnwoodbowlingclub.co.uk