Almshouses Bowls Club History

Phil Drewitt, a gentleman who lived at the Almshouses, along with John Roberts and Joe Pinchin who were also residents tried to play bowls amongst the trees in the orchard with Martin Higley. Eventually the Trustees were persuaded to allow a bowls green to be made opposite the school (now residences), on the grass where some of the current members played as children. It was a painstaking project, rolling, cutting and treating the existing grass but with the help of Martin it grew to the three rink green ready for its first match in May 2002. Richard Abbott, Frank Rogers and Ian Smith and some other bowlers got together over a pint in the Red Lion and the Almshouses Bowls Club was formed.

During the 2009 season, it was noticed that the green was suffering badly with the grass in a number places dying off. Following discussions with green keepers at other local clubs, Avonmore Associates were invited to attend the green and offer their expertise. Over the Autumn/Winter of 2009/2010 the green was scarified, spiked, slit, dressed, de-wormed and fertilized. The official opening of the green for 2010 was held on 23rd April; attended by Bowls Club members and Trustees of the Goring Heath Charities. It will take some years for the green to improve, but already (May 2010) it is looking better than ever. The rinks still have their own idiosyncrasies but the playing surface is much improved.

With around twenty members, we enjoy our friendly matches with other local clubs.