Bowling Club Open Day
The Grove Bowling Club Invite You to its Open Day
On 26th & 27 May 2023
300 YEARS AGO – WHERE IT ALL STARTED ON MOUNT SION
AND STILL BOWLING IN THE MIDDLE OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS.
It probably began with Lord North’s challenge to the Duke of Buckingham, would it not be fun to play a game of Bowls. So, a suitable location was found on Mount Sion and the game was underway. The game took-off and became part of Tunbridge Wells.
Someone who greatly encouraged this was “Dick Pottinger”, who around 1714 did much to spread bowls in Kent and Sussex. A player of considerable renown, also Mine Host of the “Sussex Shades” and known to brew a good ale, with his encouragement the game flourished. The competitive element coupled with good fellowship, attracted people from every background. Bowls was firmly established.
Picking up on this legacy, in 1909 The Grove Bowling Club laid the first cut of Cumberland Green Turf at its site just off Claremont Road, thus creating a green of which Dick Pottinger would have been more than proud. Since then, the club can boast a good history of bowls played at every level, and even a National Champion, but the backbone has always been the “ordinary” members, the friendly games against other clubs, played at weekends or mid week, mixed teams of all abilities, the good and the not so very good, yet always competitive and in a spirit of fun.
In the 1930s the present and substantial clubhouse was built which, now, offers a welcoming atmosphere and a friendly occasion after matches and for various social events throughout the year, such as, the Annual Barbecue, Race Night, Quizzes and others, with the club bar being another incentive for some.
THE GROVE TRY BOWLING OPEN DAYS,
In conjunction with BOWLS ENGLAND BIG WEEKEND NATIONAL EVENT,
Friday 26th and Saturday 27th May, 2023
from 3.00 pm to 8.00 pm approx. at
The Grove Bowling Club, end of Norfolk Road, off Claremont Road
Tunbridge Wells. TN1 1SR. There is parking within the club ground.
Bowls is so often the game that people, including many youngsters, say “I’ve always fancied a try”. If that is the case, then the just turn up on the day with a pair of flat shoes (no heel essential, and trainers are ideal), and we will supply the woods (bowls), and the coaching. There will certainly be a cup of tea, some light refreshment and no doubt a tasty morsel to add to the occasion.
Try it on the Open Days or at any other time contact
Phil Boddy 07478 348373 for more information.
