The History of Cotswold Bowls Club
The game of bowls goes back many centuries and was once known as ‘The Game of Kings’.
It got that title as a result of a Royal Decree in 1319 by King Charles IV, prohibiting the game from being played by 'commoners', as archery, essential to the defence of the country, was being neglected.
From that point on the game was restricted to Kings and Noblemen only.
Cotswold Bowls Club in Stroud cannot boast a history going back centuries, but it does span well over 60 years!
Club Timeline
Cotswold Bowls Club started life in 1960, with twenty or so enthusiastic bowlers who played at the Vernon Turner Club in Worcester.
After eight years of travelling to and from Worcester, we affiliated to the English Indoor Bowling Association as the Stroud and District Bowling Club. This was a preliminary move to form an indoor bowling club in Stroud.
In 1971, a few dedicated members negotiated a lease for the old Brewery Buildings in Stroud, for conversion into four indoor rinks at an estimated cost of £20,000. So committed to the cause were they, that five club members re-morgaged their homes to raise the final £12.000 of conversion costs!
Once settled into their new building, Stroud Indoor Bowls Club became the first indoor bowls club in Gloucestershire, and only the 45th in the country.
Over the next 32 years the Club prospered and expanded to a membership of 550 players.
Cotswold Bowls Club's success as a sporting venue was replicated on the green, by providing several International players and National Champions – the most well known being Tony Allcock MBE, who won the National Singles Championship in 1985, and the World and UK Singles Championship in 1987.
Tony was also selected as an International Player, representing England from 1976 – 1988.
Mrs. Peggy Edwards was another star player for the Club, earning International status over seven years from 1981 – 1988. With success came increasing ambition to provide facilities worthy of its talents, something that could not be achieved within the limitations of its existing building and facilities.
The need to relocate and provide the facilities they needed became overwhelming, and so the search began for land to develop purpose-built facilities for the first time in our history. The Club eventually purchased a large tract of land known as Cope Chat Playing Fields in Dudbridge, Stroud.
The Club appointed Architects, drew up their plans and were ready to start building in 2005. The development was completed and ready for use the following year.
As a result of this massive investment, Cotswold Bowls Club now has the best facilities of any bowls club in Gloucestershire, with six indoor rinks and six outdoor rinks. This allows us to play recreational and competitive bowls all year round.
Additional facilities such as our own bar, café and function room were also added, providing the Club with a welcome income, and members and visitors with further recreational space. For the benefit of Club members and visitors we also run our own shop on the premises, offering bowling equipment and clothing for sale at very competitive prices.
New members are always welcome, and if you are new to the sport we have qualified coaches available to help you get started.
Life Members of Cotswold Bowls Club
A Alcock MBE
B Eley
L Hanley
R Powell
Mrs V Stratford
Miss A Wildsmith
R Gartan
T Webb
Our Facilities
Cotswold Bowls Club offers easy access on-site car parking for members and visiting teams, including space for buses and coaches, as well as disabled bays.
Our playing facilities include 6 indoor rinks, plus a large outdoor green that can be floodlit and can accommodate 6 rinks.
Club Structure
The Club remains a voluntary organisation without shareholders, and no Director receives remuneration for their services other than legitimate expenses generated in the service of the club.
All monies generated by the club are retained to sustain our costs and to promote future development.
Want to know more?
If you have any questions about the Club, hiring our conservatory/function room, or anything else, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
We're here to help!