HISTORY OF BATCHWOOD HALL BOWLING CLUB 

Batchwood Hall Bowling Club came into existence in 1966 as a result of the compulsory purchase of land occupied by the Conservative and Unionist Club in Waddington Road where you will now see the Drovers Way multi-storey car park and the Marks & Spencer delivery bay. The men's bowling facilities there were known as the Conservative and Unionist Club and the ladies' as Spencer Park Ladies.

As part of the negotiations the Council agreed to build a Green and Clubhouse at Batchwood Hall on land that was then an old orchard. At first 3 rinks were for the Club, and 3 for the public and the Council were to have an employee to issue tickets to the public No doubt due to cost, this arrangement did not last and the duty was soon passed to club members. Later the council allowed the club use of four rinks and more recently this has been increased to five, with dispensation to use all 6 on pre-agreed special occasions.

Originally we were not a mixed club, but one with lady and men members, each with its own committee, separate matches and accounts, and conduct of its own affairs. There was also a Management Committee on which both sections were represented to conduct matters of concern to both sections, liaison with the council and its leisure services, and arranging social events such as Charity Days, Opening Day, Annual Dinner Dance, and mixed matches, played normally on a Sunday.

Over the years cooperation between the Ladies' and Men's Sections has steadily improved and at the AGM on 22nd February 2000 it was agreed that the finances of the two sections would be merged under the Club Hon Treasurer so we are now effectively one mixed Club. However the organisation of Bowls at District, County, and National level makes it expedient to maintain the two sections together with a Management Committee as hitherto.

Whilst many members, both men and ladies, still prefer single sex matches, the number of mixed matches has gradually increased and at last years AGM it was agreed that all roll ups would in future be mixed We also introduced a mixed day triples league.  And more recently, a club open evening on Mondays, to which friends, family, and prospective members are invited.

In December 2005 the clubhouse extension was begun which comprised of new toilets block  (including disabled facilities), a bigger, modernized kitchen and a larger social area. This work was completed in march 2006 in time for the new bowling season.