Heyford Bowls club was founded in 1991, initially to play the Short Mat format in the Village Hall. In fact, Short Mat bowls continues to the present day, with sessions throughout the year on Wednesday afternoons and evenings still in the village hall. From the outset, however, it had been the intention to create an outdoor green on Heyford Playing Fields. Following a successful lottery bid, work started in June 1996, and the green was opened in October of that year. The official opening was conducted by world-famous England international bowler at that time, Tony Allcock MBE (see picture right).
The first outdoor season began in May 1997. Further updates o the facilities, from additional lottery funding in 2013, were the construction of brick built changing rooms. The envy of many clubs because of their roominess and facilities. The last major update was the extension of the clubhouse the following year, with a band of volunteer workers.
Our outdoor season lasts from April to September, with a full friendly fixture list against other clubs in the local area and surrounding villages. Sides are made up of both men and women. In addition, the ladies have their own midweek fixtures: about 12, while the men have their Monday Night, Northamptonshire Area, Triples League.
There are a number of internal competitions throughout the season. The Short Mat Club having the Presidents Cub (mixed) with Ladies Pairs and Mens Pairs also. The outdoor club has both Mens and Ladies Single and Pairs competitions as well as some further competitions such as Aussie Pairs. All competitions are keenly fought for their respective trophies.
For those wanting to play bowls more socially, there is our Friday night is a fun club night. That’s the night to come along if you want to try a sport that we are so enthusiastic about. Bowls is one of the few sports that men and women can play on an equal footing. One of the best bowlers we have in this county is under 25, so don’t leave it too late to try!