Talking all things bowls with Wimborne Bowls Club

The Wimborne Bowls Club is just a stone’s throw from our Wimborne community where we also recently held an event to introduce some of our homeowners and tenants to the sport and encourage the community to try their hand at a game. We sat down with Peter Eldrett, Publicity Officer at Wimborne Bowls Club to talk about the club’s history and how people can get involved.

Could you tell us a bit about Wimborne Bowls Club and its history?

The Wimborne Bowls Club was founded in 1908 (with a joining fee of seven shillings and sixpence) using a green in the grounds of the Griffin Hotel, Station Road, Wimborne. The club moved to its present location, Redcotes Recreation Ground, in 1913 at a cost of £172. The first ever match to be played on the new green was between the club and members of the Wimborne Town Council where the game was luckily won by the club.

A club house was then built in 1925, extended in 1935 and again in 1961. The club house as it stands today was completed in 1989. It is quite remarkable to think that bowling in Wimborne has been continuous for the last 100 or more years, especially when you consider that we have also been through two world wars in that time.

These days the club has gone from strength to strength with competitive league matches in the Bournemouth and District League and the Dorset League for both men and ladies where last season both the men’s first and second teams gained promotion. The club also holds internal competitions and has a vibrant social section.

How can people get involved?

Open days for anyone who wishes to have a go at playing bowls (or even if they are already experienced players) are held annually and has been a good way for the club to recruit new members. At present, there are over 80 members of the club and each one has a chance of playing in the league or just having a game with other players.

Do you have any tips for those new to bowls?

Before you join the club, I would suggest going to one of our coaching sessions to see if the sport is for you. Don’t worry, it is actually fun and not strict in any way, where you will learn some of the rules and techniques involved in playing this interesting and enjoyable game.

Any new sport requires a certain amount of investment for equipment and clothing but you don’t have to break the bank. The club regularly has second-hand bowls for sale and we also keep a selection of club bowls that can be used until you have your own. Club shirts are also on offer.

Who benefits from bowls and how?

Everyone can benefit from the game, whether they are young or old. The physical aspect of playing the game is beneficial in many ways and it is also good for the mind.

Just by working out the way any game pans out, making sure you bowl the correct line and weight to get close to the target called the jack, can take a while to perfect. But just like any other sport it is practise, practise, and practise.

What plans do you now have restrictions are lifting to get back to the sport?

This season has been different from normal programming for obvious reasons! A lot of work goes on to make sure that everyone is safe and recently we have been allowed to play matches against different clubs. This is something we have all benefitted from and as an added bonus, the sport is held outdoors for which we are all grateful.

Do you have any recommendations for places to visit, shop or eat in Wimborne Minster?

There are many interesting places to visit in Wimborne and the surrounding area. The Minster itself is the main attraction, famous  for its chained library and the tomb of King Ethelred, the brother of Alfred the Great. There is also a famous model village that can be visited based on the town itself.

Places such as Kingston Lacy, Badbury Rings and Cranborne Chase are not far outside the town and well worth a visit.  The centre of the town has many shops, cafes, restaurants, and inns, as well as a wonderful theatre called the Tivoli where many famous acts have performed and still do. Also, there is the Museum of East Dorset to visit in the town centre.

What do you love most about Wimborne Minster?

Wimborne Minster is steeped in history. Not only the church itself but the many backstreets and buildings are something to see and admire. There are also green spaces in which to relax and the river Allen runs through the town. Wimborne is a vibrant place to both visit and live with new developments being built, and if you just want to stay a few days, there are also many places well worth a stay.

To find out more about the club or enquire about getting involved then visit: http://www.wimbornebowlsclub.co.uk/

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If you’re looking for a new home as part of a thriving community with a bowls club on the doorstep to keep active and create new social connections then get in touch to find out more about the homes available at our Wimborne community. Call our friendly team on 01202 618 052 or e mail [email protected].