Long Stratton Bowls Club

 LONG STRATTON BOWLS CLUB

A bowls club has been in existence at Long Stratton since before 1925 ? the earliest record available is in respect of 1925 when there were  16 members who each paid 10 shillings subscription a year.

In the earlier years ? possibly until the new green was prepared a grounds man was paid.

For those who can remember any of the older inhabitants of the village, names listed were;- Potter, Harrison, Grimble, Weller, Wade, Reeve, Bowden, Dunthorne, Sneath, Stott, Foulsham, Talbot and Woodcock. Perhaps anyone with memories of any of these people may have some tales to tell, if so perhaps they would like to share them with us all.

Some of the names have already been mentioned in Judith Baker?s s articles in The Sexton?s Wheel ? watch the pages!!

There have been at least three venues for bowling greens ?  at the Guild house garden area, at the old Vicarage area (the house just beyond Reeves Terrace going towards Norwich on the east of the A140), and then in 1970 preparations for a new green at the then new playing field on Manor Road were commenced and the new green opened in 1973 ? a lot of the work having been done by volunteers.

Much of the work of looking after the green and surrounding area has been dealt with by the grounds man and their helpers of the time on a voluntary basis and many, many hours have been put in. Before the automatic watering system it was a case of being at the green a midnight and at 5 am in the mornings to see that it was adequately watered in the hot weather.

Prior to 1985, although ladies played in their own league ? the Norwich and District League that played a roving jack? game ( or ?cot? as it was often called)  ladies took no part in the running of the club, but things then changed and ladies were brought into the administration of the club and still are.

Currently there are  40 plus members, four of whom are Life Members  - there are however, more men than ladies and  as the Ladies Norwich and District League folded up some years ago they now have no Ladies League that they play in, hence they  take part in the mixed leagues that the club is affiliated to - these being The Upper Waveney League and The Border League .

The men play in the EBA league.

The club is  also affiliated to the Norfolk County Bowls Federation  and  the Norfolk County ( EBA ) Association and  through these associations to the National bodies.

Members have the opportunity of entering county competitions, and the club itself enters various ones.

Socially there are open drives and BBQs, unfortunately an annual tournament has not taken place in recent years - it is hoped that this can be revived.  There are also opportunities to take part in the competitions and tournaments organised by other clubs.

 Bowls can of course take up as much of ones time as one wishes  and indeed happy times can be enjoyed by all,  provided that the necessary rules and regulations are complied with.

The subscription for the next year is £20 for adults and £10 for Juniors ( those in full time education)  Social membership is £1.

Rink fees are paid at each match and travelling arrangements to away matches are made as players cars are available.

Anyone who would like to consider taking up the sport -incidentally this is an ideal sport for anyone who is on their own)  can come along and try the game  for one month  before they have to decide whether to become a full member  - some bowls can be provided until such time as that decision is made.

Second hand bowls can usually be purchased  information as to where from can be provided.

To obtain further information contact  the Club Secretary Charlie on LS 532681. or the Chairman Tom Hubbard on LS 530631.The green usually opens in April each year with an open drive.

This is an excellent time for prospective new players to come along!!