Holsworthy Bowling Club
Nestling in the top left hand corner of Stanhope Park sits the green of Holsworthy Bowling Club. A tranquil and visual setting with much that goes on both inside the club house and outside during the summer.
Club History
Established around 1938 the original green was situated on the site of the present one, but was much smaller and not exactly square. There were only four rinks going in one direction from East to West. During the War the whole area was overgrown with trees and bushes, it stayed that way until the late Mark Oke, who was Chairman, arranged for it to be cleared and used again from 1968, at that time the club had a membership of 16.
During the 1980’s the Green was enlarged to its present size and a wooden pavilion built to replace two small sheds previously used. In 2002/3 the Club obtained a Lottery grant, which together with financial help from members, enabled the present club house to be built.
The Present
Today the Club has a membership of 60 and welcomes new members of all levels. For more details on joining please contact our secretary via the link on this site or come and see us on Wednesdays at 2pm summer or Fridays at 2pm in the club house during the winter. The Club has two fully qualified coaches who are only too pleased to help new and established players alike. There is also a registered match umpire and five players who have been awarded their County Badge.
Lawn Bowls
From April to September Lawn Bowls is played and passers-by will often stop to view a game or match as there is so much to see. The Men’s Section in 2018 won division four in the North Devon Triple League and gained promotion to Division three. In 2019 they won division three and are now in division two, the highest a Holsworthy Team has ever reached. The Ladies reached the final of Top Club in 2017 and compete in the North Devon Ladies Triple League, The Stamford which they won in 2019 and 86 Shield. On Monday evenings the club play in The Dennis & Dorothy Veale Shield. This is an internal league played over the summer months.
During the outdoor season both the Men’s and Ladies Teams take part in a series of league, cup and shield matches against other clubs. The Club also arranges internal competitions for members and plays friendly matches with out of area teams. In July 2019 the club hosted Bowls Devon President Tony Howle and his team for an afternoon match followed by a ‘bowler’s tea’. The Devon Patrons also visit for a match each year. Social bowling events have been held with local organisations such as Rotary, Young Farmers and the local WI as well as French visitors from Aunay-sur-Odon Holsworthy’s twin town in Normandy.
Charity days and events are also held and the Club has raised over £13,750 in recent years for charities that include: R.N.L.I, Battens Society, Special Care Baby Unit, Parkinson’s Society, and local charities and groups. The annual Charity Challenge sees local companies and organisations compete for a ‘prize pot’ of £300 to be donated to their nominated charity.
Short Mat
From October to March Short Mat Bowls is played on two mats inside the Clubhouse. There are matches against other clubs in leagues, cups and shields as well as internal competitions. We enter teams in both afternoon and evening leagues. The Rio Competition is played over six months with team members rotating throughout but individually retaining and accumulating the score of each match. This gives everyone a good chance and can lead to surprise winners at the end of the competition. The Birdies is another competition where six or more teams play in a league format to produce two semi finals followed by the final.
Many of our players enjoy both lawn bowls and short mat. Whichever you prefer Holsworthy Bowling Club offers a relaxed atmosphere to make new friends, socialise, and to play bowls at whatever level you choose. Both new and experienced players are welcome.
If you are interested in joining or learning more, contact our secretary for more details.