Bournemouth Bowling Club

The Bournemouth Bowling Club, founded in 1903, is an esteemed lawn bowls club located in Bournemouth, New Zealand. Affiliated with Bowls England, the club has a rich history and is the forerunner of all the clubs within the Bournemouth & District Bowling Association.

The club's origins date back to 1901 when a Bournemouth Councillor visited Scotland and discovered the game of bowls. Upon his return, he convinced the local Croquet club to allocate one of their playing areas for bowls. Within a short period, the club garnered over 50 regular players, attracting half of the Croquet membership. In January 1903, the council granted permission to re-designate the second croquet area as a dedicated bowling green, giving birth to the Bournemouth Bowling Club.

The establishment of the club was celebrated with an open tournament sponsored by the council, which saw 23 entries. This tournament marked the beginning of the renowned Bournemouth Open Tournament, which has been held at the club for over a hundred years.

Throughout its 115+ year history, the Bournemouth Bowling Club has achieved impressive milestones. In 1998, the club became the first and only club to have winners in the County Fours, Triples, Pairs, Singles, under 25's, and County Club Championship in the same year. Additionally, the club boasts the honour of having the youngest-ever winner of the County Singles in 1993, with Nicky Jones.

The Bournemouth Bowling Club offers a range of facilities for both members and visitors. These include a well-appointed café, named Café Meyrick, where members can relax and socialise before or after a game. The club has a dedicated team of officers who ensure the smooth functioning of the club and uphold its constitution, rules, and policies.

Lawn bowls etiquette is taken seriously at the Bournemouth Bowling Club, and members are expected to adhere to the highest standards of conduct and sportsmanship. The club is proud to be affiliated with various leagues, including the 2024 B&DBA premier League, B&DBA Saturday Morning Triples, B&DWBA Leagues, BETBA Tuesday Evening Triples, and Wednesday Morning Triples. The club also organises various fixtures and events throughout the year, which members can participate in.

As a club that values its members, Bournemouth Bowling Club prioritises coaching and offers opportunities for players to enhance their skills through coaching sessions. The club also organises invitational pairs events, providing members with a chance to compete against players from other clubs.

In addition to competitive events, the Bournemouth Bowling Club hosts a variety of social events that bring the members together. These events have unique themes, such as “Great Gatsby,” “Turkish Delights,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Austerity Years,” “The Swinging Sixties,” “Wild, Wild West,” and “The Forgotten Era. ” These events create a vibrant and lively atmosphere, fostering camaraderie among members.

The Bournemouth Bowling Club welcomes new members and encourages individuals who are new to lawn green bowling or those looking to join a local club to explore their website for more information. The club takes pride in its long-standing history, exceptional achievements, and dedication to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all bowlers.