Winslow Bowls Club

The present Bowls Club, situated adjacent to the Winslow Public Hall, is in fact the third Club to be established in Winslow.

The first was located in the churchyard of the Parish Church of St. Laurence, in Vicarage Road, where the modern cemetery now is. Records go back to 1914. This was a private Club which was reputed to have been in existence before 1861, having a flourishing membership for many years.

The Club was eventually wound up in 1935 due to falling membership. During its existence the Buckinghamshire County Bowls Association records show that the Winslow Bowls Club won the Bucks Cup in 1920.

A second green was constructed in 1922, as part of a sports complex named The Winslow Sports Club and these facilities were situated at the top of Park Road, where the Library now stands.

That Club unfortunately did not survive for many years and was wound up at the commencement of the Second World War.

The present Club was formed as a result of a meeting called on 13th July 1981, by a number of Winslow residents. The Founder Members of the existing Club were:- Harry Phillips, Bert Lambourne, Jean Midgley, Margaret Langley, Reg Langley, Peggy Noy, Audrey Clancy and Dot Briars. Having formed the Club, a site for the new green had to be sought and acquired.

The owner of Winslow Hall, Sir Edward Tomkins, generously offered to allow the new green to be constructed within the grounds of Winslow Hall and with monies raised by the members together with grants from the Local Authority, work commenced on the construction.

The principlal contractor in the construction of the green was another well-known Winslow resident - Ray Spooner.

On May 17th 1984, the green was completed and officially opened by Sir Edward Tompkins and Lady Mary Tomkins. That event was recorded in the pages of The Advertiser, dated Friday 25th May 1984. Sir Edward held the position of Vice President until his demise.

The Club not having a Clubhouse or any facilities, the Sports Club Pavilion was used in the beginning, and later, the British Royal Legion kindly made their premises available for the Club's use. A small changing room was constructed, which over time has been extended and still exists.

The Club needed a  purpose built Clubhouse. Sufficient funds were raised with financial support from Members and grant aid, planning applications were made, and the present Clubhouse was completed and opened on 19th May 1996, by Tony Allcock MBE, a World Singles Champion and later the Chief Executive of Bowls England.

Playing the game - What are the basics?

• The jack is a small ball - usually white, but sometimes yellow, used as the target in the game. One is required for a game of bowls.
• Two mats are required, one at either end of the green.
• A coin is tossed to decide which team bowl first.
• The first bowler places the mat centrally and squarely in line with the rink markers, with the front edge of the mat being at least 2 metres (6ft 6in) away from the ditch. A 2 metre white stick is available to ensure compliance.
• The first bowler rolls the jack to whatever distance they like. However It must be in the centre of the rink, at least 23 metres from the mat, and a minimum of 2 metres from the ditch, again the white stick can be used to ensure this placement.  The jack now becomes the target.
• Teams alternate taking shots. Each member of the team will take all of their shots before the next team member takes over.  When playing any shot the player bowling must always have one foot on or over the mat.
• Any bowls that are in play can be moved by another shot, and they stay active where they finish.  This includes the jack.  Any bowl that finishes in the ditch, except a bowl which touched the jack when it is first played, is considered out of play. 
• Once all players have played all their shots the game is scored. The winning side gets one shot for each bowl that is closer to the jack than the opposing team's nearest bowl. 
• The winning team starts first on the next “end”, places the mat and rolls the jack.
• WBC has identified a series of helpful articles at https://www.jackhighbowls.com/: See link  provided.

Do you want to learn how to play bowls or how to improve your game?

• WBC has 2 qualified coaches who are ready give help and advice. WBC intends to train and appoint an additional 2 or 3 club members.
• Buckingham Bowls Association promotes training videos from Bowls New Zealand where Lawn Bowls and indoor bowls are very popular.

 Are you interested to know how bowls are made?

•  There are a number of well known manufacturers of bowls. Popular brands are Drakes Pride, Thomas Taylor, Henselite, and Aero.
• See our links to Taylor Bowls and Aero Bowls videos.