Welford on Avon Bowls Club was formed in 1933 and, like so many village clubs, played on the vicarage lawn. Then a ‘three rinker’ became the new site in Mill Lane. A ‘three rinker’ was normal for a village bowling club in this area, only larger clubs in the locality, such as Bidford on Avon or Stratford upon Avon, would have had a six rink green.
Over the following years the green improved. Like most other village bowling greens it had idiosyncrasies which offered terrific home advantage. Woods running against bias, bouncing into the air or mysteriously moving after coming to rest due to unseen tree roots, being a relatively common experience.
With the move to the ‘three rinker’ Mill Lane site, the only facility on offer to visitors was an old pigsty at the top of the green. Changing and toilet facilities were somewhat basic. This was subsequently replaced by a wooden shed, a distinct improvement on the old pigsty.
During this time any refreshments before or after the game would be taken at the Bell Inn, Welford, which was about 300 yards from the green on the main road.
As the Club and the game of bowls increased in popularity, a fourth rink was added and at the same time the whole green was levelled. Gone went the 7″ to 9″ slope and with it the big ‘home advantage’.
It was decided within a couple of years, to make the green a full six rinker, so that the green could be used in both directions; this had the benefit of saving undue wear and tear on the ends of the rinks.
Subsequent later improvements included rebuilding ditches, and a walkway around the green.
With the extension of the green to six rinks, plans were drawn up to extend the club house, and this came to fruition in 1981. This extension gave the club improved changing and toilet facilities, a function room, skittle alley together with a further bar which can now be booked for private functions.
In 1997 a 6 rink Indoor Bowls Hall was added giving Welford on Avon Bowls Club the advantage of being able to bowl all year.
To get in touch with Welford Bowls Club call 01789 750531 or email welfordbowlsclub2@outlook.com