Rowledge Bowling Club, founded in 1937, is a thriving and friendly lawn bowling club located in the heart of the village of Rowledge, to the west of Farnham, Surrey. The club has a rich history and is proud of its strong community presence. With approximately sixty playing members and twenty social members, Rowledge Bowling Club offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
The club's purpose-built clubhouse, constructed by its members in 2000, serves as a hub for both bowling and social activities. Members enjoy a wide range of opportunities to bowl at their preferred level, including participation in the Farnham and District Bowling League, the Three Counties Fellowship, and their associated Cup competitions. The club also takes part in the Midhurst Cup, which involves clubs from further afield, and hosts a full calendar of friendly matches against other local clubs.
Internal club competitions, including the Friday League, provide members with additional opportunities for competitive play, while twice-weekly roll-ups offer a more relaxed bowling experience. For those seeking guidance and improvement in their bowling skills, the club offers coaching sessions upon request from their qualified coach.
Beyond the bowling green, Rowledge Bowling Club is committed to fostering a vibrant social atmosphere. Throughout the year, the club organises various social events for all members to enjoy. These events include club outings, short mat bowls in the winter, friendlies against Chawton Park Indoor Bowling Club, a skittles evening, coffee mornings, and an annual quiz night. In addition to promoting camaraderie among its members, the club also actively raises funds for charity through fundraising events.
The club prides itself on its strong sense of community and welcomes new members with open arms. The majority of its members live within a mile's radius of the club, which sits at the corner of the Recreation Ground in Rowledge. The green itself, opened in June 1937, is self-sufficiently maintained by the club's hard-working green keeper and a team of dedicated helpers. Members also contribute to routine maintenance tasks, further fostering a sense of ownership and camaraderie.
Membership applications are encouraged, and prospective bowlers have the opportunity to meet with the club coach for a taster session. The club offers various membership options, including full membership, junior membership, and associate membership.
Competitively, Rowledge Bowling Club participates in two main external leagues, the Three Counties Bowling Fellowship and the Farnham League. Additionally, the club engages in regular friendly matches against local bowling clubs. Results and league tables for these competitions can be found on the club's website. The club also enters knockout competitions under the auspices of the Farnham & District Bowls Association, such as the Mixed Triples, Boyd Shield, Ken Britton Cup, and the Goolding Cup.
Other notable competitions include the Midhurst Cup and the Hunter Cup.
Overall, Rowledge Bowling Club offers a passionate and supportive community for lawn bowling enthusiasts of all levels. With its well-maintained green, welcoming clubhouse, and a range of competitive and social opportunities, the club provides an ideal environment for members to enjoy the sport of lawn bowling while forging lasting friendships.