Welcome to Hurst Bowling Club, a thriving lawn bowls club located in Reading, New Zealand. Established in 1747, our club is proud to be affiliated with Bowls England and the RCBBA. As a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with Charity Registration No 1198978, we strive to not only promote and preserve the sport of lawn bowls but also contribute to the local community.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges for us, our dedicated members have raised 70,000 for important club projects. Unfortunately, our fundraising activities were temporarily halted, and our membership declined during the pandemic. However, our recruitment campaign has brought in some delightful new members. Despite the setbacks, we remain committed to improving our facilities and restoring our club to its former glory.
We were also unfortunate enough to experience the damage caused by Storm Eunice. A heavy branch fell on our outhouse Victorian toilets, completely destroying them. Rebuilding this essential facility is a top priority for us. Additionally, we are looking to replace our clubhouse, although this project is currently on hold.
We are actively fundraising to ensure we have a new building before our current one is deemed unfit for use. Thankfully, planning permission has already been granted, and conservation issues have been addressed. We encourage contributions to our building fund to help us create a space where we can rebuild both the sport and the community we support.
At Hurst Bowling Club, we pride ourselves on promoting sociable enjoyment for all, regardless of physical prowess. While the sport can be traced back to early Egypt, the game as we know it today is regulated by Bowls England. We play in both dry and wet weather, as long as the green is safe and playable. Playing on a variety of greens challenges us to adapt to different characteristics, such as speed and imperfections, as well as the strategic aspects of the game.
The majority of our matches are played as “mixed triples,” consisting of five teams of three bowlers, each with at least one lady and one gentleman. This format fosters strong camaraderie among our members and allows us to meet like-minded people within a 25-mile radius. We also have friendly matches on Wednesday evenings, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, as well as a mixed triples league for more competitive play. Our club captain ensures a fair play policy, ensuring that all members have the opportunity to play an equal proportion of matches they make themselves available for.
Our ladies enjoy a regular Tuesday afternoon match throughout the season and celebrate with a delightful high tea afterwards. It's a great opportunity for them to catch up with the fortunes of the opposition while enjoying some friendly competition. Additionally, we offer several internal club competitions throughout the summer, open to all members. These competitions provide a great opportunity for individuals to improve their skills and have some fun on the green.
Club practise evenings are held every Tuesday during the playing season at 6 pm. Members have the chance to receive coaching and other advice to enhance their game during this time. It's a fantastic opportunity for beginners to learn and grow in the sport.
We invite you to come and try this enjoyable and challenging sport at Hurst Bowling Club. Whether you're an experienced bowler or a complete beginner, our welcoming and friendly atmosphere will make you feel right at home. Help us support our local community by making a donation or becoming a member. Contact us today and be a part of our rich history and vibrant future.