Other Sport / bowls
Residents reopen long-vacant bowls club
A bowls club and community centre has reopened after being vacant for several years.
St George’s Bowls & Social Club opened its doors on Wednesday following an extensive refurbishment led by a group of local residents, though the rain put a stop to a game of bowls on the freshly restored lawn.
The club closed in October 2022 due to rising costs and has been unused ever since.
It will now be run as a Community Interest Company (CIC), offering bowls, community events, a cafe and venue hire.
The inside of the clubhouse has been transformed
Its founders include Tom Paine, director of Team Love responsible for Bristol festivals Love Saves the Day and Forwards.
Club director George Sandilands said: “This isn’t about creating an exclusive members’ club or trendy venue.
“We want this to feel like a place where everyone of all ages is welcome, whether you’ve played bowls before or never even thought about it.
“For a lot of local people, this site has real history and memories attached to it.
“We’re trying to bring that spirit back while opening it up to a new generation too.”
Founding member Penny Warner emphasised their hope for providing an accessible and affordable space where those from different generations can mix, including those who are experienced bowlers but also those who have never tried before.
Another staff member told Bristol24/7 that the nature of bowls makes it the perfect sport for all to try their hand at, offering the chance for someone who has never played before to get lucky against a more experienced player.
It is hoped the space will become “community hub” for St George
While playing a game was impossible on launch day due to the wet weather, the clubhouse cafe was bustling with people keen to get a look inside.
The team revamping the clubhouse have sought to preserve the club’s traditional character, retaining the wooden results board and displaying historic bowls equipment the walls.
Further phases of redevelopment are planned, including the addition of a sauna and yoga studio.
Membership of the club is free, although members must pay to use the green. Non-members can visit as guests of a member.
Initially, the venue will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, operating during the day and into the early evening.
For more information, visit www.stgeorgebowlsandsocialclub.org
All photos: St George’s Bowls & Social Club
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