Headley Bowling Club

Following WW2, along with housing, there was a need for more recreational facilities. A Bowls Club was established in Headley and the
official opening of the Green was marked by a fete on Whit Monday. The Green was in continuous use throughout that Summer and happily for
the next fifteen years. Each year, competitions were keenly contested amongst a healthy membership. There was even a groundsman in 1960,
paid the princely sum of £15 for four months work.
 
Unfortunately, by 1965, membership numbers had fallen to crisis level and play was discontinued during that Summer. It was to be nineteen
years before a bowl was delivered at a Green in Headley again. Those dark years brought increasing neglect and shameful misuse. On
at least two occasions, bonfires were held on the Green.
 
Frank Smith, who was to become our founding President, led a successful campaign to revive the Club in 1980. On 7 November 1980 Headley Bowling Club, in its current form, was formed. We were up and running! Club formed, bowling green on the way. But, as in all of life there were to be many obstacles and much hard work before finally achieving the 'Holy Grail' four years later. On Sunday 8th July 1984, twenty members gathered and the first bowl was rolled on the Green, which was opened on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, until season’s end on 16th September.
On 21st November, membership of Hampshire County Bowling Association and of English Bowling Association was approved. On 9th December the Club was accepted into the 3 Counties League. In between, on 20th November, the Club held its first AGM. The main business of the evening was to adopt the club rules. We operate today, using basically those same rules. Just one example of the sound legacy our predecessors left us.

The Club had mixed fortunes on the Green during the second half of the 80’s following its entry into the bottom section of the 3 Counties league in 1985. In the first season the Division 3 title was gained in some style and with it, promotion to Division 2! Unfortunately, this was the start of a yoyo period of promotion and relegation. The Club continued to thrive with a healthy membership, with several members competing well in external competitions and some receiving County Recognition. An internal Mixed Triple League was established in 86. The success of the initiative can be judged from the fact that it is still a fixture in our calendar! A second team was entered into the 3 Counties league in 89, providing the foundation for the Yellow and Green teams we have today.
A touch of luxury was added in 86 when a patio was laid through the support of members.

During the 90’s the Club continued to develop. On the Green the Club continued to compete in the 3 Counties League with two teams. The Yellow team continued to experience mixed fortunes with promotions and relegation a regular feature. The Green Team continued to fulfil its purpose by providing newer, less experienced, players with a taste of competition. The 90’s saw the Club benefit from 2 major developments, with the introduction of the automatic watering system and the opening of a new Pavilion.

The new century arrived with a splash, literally. The weather that year was particularly wet. During the noughties the Club continued to hold an active programme of internal competitions and friendlies. The Yellow and Green teams continued to compete in the 3 Counties League, with the Club  becoming Division 4 Champions in 2004. Off the Green the Club was a hive of activity with numerous social events and enhancements to improve the surrounds of the Green to match the playing surface. Additional patio areas laid, benches constructed, a seat installed and awnings erected for the main patio. Access to the Green was improved with steps and a walkway provided from the lower car park. This accessed a new rear gateway, which also
provided an outside weather and kit shelter. It was much welcomed by members and visitors. The sides of the Green were raised and given a paved edging, safety fencing and gates provided, additional seating areas and a number of flower beds created.