News
This is where you will find all all our Club news. The latest news is always at the top.
2022
7th April - The Downton Bowling Green is opening on the weekend of the 16th & 17th April so please come along and support our Club.
Join us on Saturday, 16th April starting at 2pm for the Charity Fun Day and again on Sunday 17th April starting at 2pm for the Captain v President game.
All are welcome, mix and match teams.
Dress code for Players: Club or White shirts and Greys.
Spectators - the more the merrier. Please come along and join the fun.
24th March - Two dates for your diaries. The Club will be holding two open days in May. The first is our own Open Day and the second is part of the Bowls England weekend (which covers Friday 27th - Sunday 29th May). The details are:
Club Open Day - Sunday, May 1st, 11am - 3pm.
Bowls England weekend - Friday 27th May, 5pm - 8pm (as it's a club night) and Sunday 29th, 2pm - 5pm
Over the Winter we have managed some social events - including the normal fortnightly coffee mornings on Wednesdays, our Short Mat bowls in the Sherwood room on Thursdays, an excellent fun Race Night and a Quizzy Quiz.
A note for your diaries: We have our Club Open Day on May 1st and we are joining in with the Big Bowls Weekend on May 28th. These are both days where you are welcome to come and try bowls at the Club. Bowls will have a high profile at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this year, and this is your opportunity to try it out at a local Club.
Join us on Saturday, 16th April starting at 2pm for the Charity Fun Day and again on Sunday 17th April starting at 2pm for the Captain v President game.
All are welcome, mix and match teams.
Dress code for Players: Club or White shirts and Greys.
Spectators - the more the merrier. Please come along and join the fun.
24th March - Two dates for your diaries. The Club will be holding two open days in May. The first is our own Open Day and the second is part of the Bowls England weekend (which covers Friday 27th - Sunday 29th May). The details are:
Club Open Day - Sunday, May 1st, 11am - 3pm.
Bowls England weekend - Friday 27th May, 5pm - 8pm (as it's a club night) and Sunday 29th, 2pm - 5pm
Over the Winter we have managed some social events - including the normal fortnightly coffee mornings on Wednesdays, our Short Mat bowls in the Sherwood room on Thursdays, an excellent fun Race Night and a Quizzy Quiz.
A note for your diaries: We have our Club Open Day on May 1st and we are joining in with the Big Bowls Weekend on May 28th. These are both days where you are welcome to come and try bowls at the Club. Bowls will have a high profile at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this year, and this is your opportunity to try it out at a local Club.
2021
This will be the last time I update the website. I am stepping down after doing it for about 5 or 6 years and hope you have enjoyed visiting it......Marie Clarke
20 Nov - Jenny Tanner became a Life Member for being the Ladies treasurer for 30 years and all her unstinting help through the years, always with a smile.
Don't forget the coffee mornings run at the clubhouse every other Wednesday fortnight, the next one will be 1 December.
19 Nov - the end of season presentation of awards for the club competitions took place in the Sherwood room with another great catering success, a very enjoyable meal in good company. lots of raffle prizes. A few pics of the evening are on the gallery page, press the red lettering to take you there Gallery and Rogues Gallery
Shortmat bowling has been successful in the clubhouse and may move to a bigger hall in the future'
7 Oct Shortmat bowls start at the clubroom (for Now) at 2pm. which of numbers are viable will continue each Thursday. Bring your normal bowls and tea and biscuits will be included in your entry fee of £2 per session
Sep the Friendly with the Downton football club was a jolly affair and we made over £200 on the raffle, the weather was great too.
mid Sep Club competitions, not so many categories, but it has been a weird year. Fortunately the weather was wonderful for the Finals days. Results click here
une A more normal year this time, all the leagues have been played but none accepted any promotion or demotion. we had a few Friendlies, always a nice atmosphere. Alan and Marie got as far as the quarter-finals of the New Forest Mixed Pairs, beating some quite elite players, but succomed in the end to the really skillful players at the top.
Bob and Marion won the Ralph Bentley trophy. A full report of the popular club comps to follow
Bob and Marion won the Ralph Bentley trophy. A full report of the popular club comps to follow
28 May - Big bowling weekend 11am and 2pm also 30th at 2pm
15 May - The season is truly started. with A successful open day. All the leagues are ready and started now
9 May - A very nice bench was presented to the club by some ex members in memory of their bowling Family, pictures of which are in the gallery.
22nd February, 2021 by Matt Wordingham
Today’s roadmap for the easing of lockdown restrictions enables Bowls England, counties and affiliated clubs to prepare with confidence for the 2021 outdoor season. The Prime Minister’s announcement confirmed that outdoor affiliated bowls clubs will be able to open from 29 March.
Our overriding objective is for as many bowlers as possible to enjoy our sport in a safe manner this summer. Bowls is a naturally socially-distanced, non-contact activity and plays a key role in the mental and physical health of many across the country. The positive prospects for the new season provides a great boost to bowlers and the sport in general.
Whilst the overwhelming majority of existing bowlers are eager to start playing and are likely to have received their first vaccine, we understand there is a degree of nervousness about returning to the sport. We will be working alongside our development partner, the Bowls Development Alliance, to support affiliated clubs across the country to create Covid-safe environments, building on the fantastic efforts of many club leaders last year. This work will include:
NATIONAL OPEN WEEKEND
Downton Bowling Club will be participating in a National Open Weekend on 28th-31st May. This is supported by Bowls England to encourage recruitment.
Our National Open Weekend planning will continue and we believe there’s a good opportunity to encourage people, who are looking for a new fun, family outdoor activity, into our sport. We will be working with affiliated clubs who sign up to empower them to deliver Open Weekend events that are Covid-safe and give new players a fantastic first experience.
Today’s roadmap for the easing of lockdown restrictions enables Bowls England, counties and affiliated clubs to prepare with confidence for the 2021 outdoor season. The Prime Minister’s announcement confirmed that outdoor affiliated bowls clubs will be able to open from 29 March.
Our overriding objective is for as many bowlers as possible to enjoy our sport in a safe manner this summer. Bowls is a naturally socially-distanced, non-contact activity and plays a key role in the mental and physical health of many across the country. The positive prospects for the new season provides a great boost to bowlers and the sport in general.
Whilst the overwhelming majority of existing bowlers are eager to start playing and are likely to have received their first vaccine, we understand there is a degree of nervousness about returning to the sport. We will be working alongside our development partner, the Bowls Development Alliance, to support affiliated clubs across the country to create Covid-safe environments, building on the fantastic efforts of many club leaders last year. This work will include:
- ‘Return to Play’ guidance for affiliated clubs
- Resources and best practice to support the safe running of clubs
- Online rink booking and cashless payments
- Promotional material and funding advice
NATIONAL OPEN WEEKEND
Downton Bowling Club will be participating in a National Open Weekend on 28th-31st May. This is supported by Bowls England to encourage recruitment.
Our National Open Weekend planning will continue and we believe there’s a good opportunity to encourage people, who are looking for a new fun, family outdoor activity, into our sport. We will be working with affiliated clubs who sign up to empower them to deliver Open Weekend events that are Covid-safe and give new players a fantastic first experience.
3 Feb - We wish (belatedly) a hopeful new year and that we all stay safe.
The green opens on 10/11 April. All the league games are in place if the situation improves, and hopefully we will have an open day on 9 May and a special nation wide couple of open days organised by Bowls England on the Bank Holiday weekend of 28-30 May.
At the moment we are still in lockdown, so we don't know how things will go. We, as the committee must remind our members that if face masks are sill required but not out in the air as last year, then we will be more strict about social distancing, last year it was very apparent that folk were not taking this seriously. this is the law and you should obey it for everyone's sake. of course this may all change hopefully, then we can again have a game standing next to each other as per normal. Lets hope so. (Ed).
The green opens on 10/11 April. All the league games are in place if the situation improves, and hopefully we will have an open day on 9 May and a special nation wide couple of open days organised by Bowls England on the Bank Holiday weekend of 28-30 May.
At the moment we are still in lockdown, so we don't know how things will go. We, as the committee must remind our members that if face masks are sill required but not out in the air as last year, then we will be more strict about social distancing, last year it was very apparent that folk were not taking this seriously. this is the law and you should obey it for everyone's sake. of course this may all change hopefully, then we can again have a game standing next to each other as per normal. Lets hope so. (Ed).
2020
22 Sep - On Sunday the Finals of our Singles Competitions were completed.
Lynda Hale beat Barbara Davies and Alan Waters beat Bob Dymott. Both were very tight games.
Lynda and Alan will now be entered into the Bowls England Champion of Champions Competitions.
Thanks for everyone who turned up to watch the Games.
Lynda Hale beat Barbara Davies and Alan Waters beat Bob Dymott. Both were very tight games.
Lynda and Alan will now be entered into the Bowls England Champion of Champions Competitions.
Thanks for everyone who turned up to watch the Games.
aug 22 - "Downton Bowlers lose in semis After a very good run in the New Forest Bowls Triples Knockout Competition Downton lost to Ringwood in the semi-final last Tuesday. The match is played with 2 Teams at Home and 2 Away. In their home games Bob Tanner won on his Rink and Bill Amey drew on his. However, at Ringwood Downton were beaten on both Rinks and Ringwood moved on into the Final where they play either New Milton or Waterside. The Club Members continued on the Green into August with hugely enjoyable Triples Sessions involving 24 players every Wednesday and Friday. As an end to the season the Club are hoping to arrange a knockout Ladies and Men Singles Competition.”
After a very good run in the New Forest Bowls Triples Knockout Competition Downton lost to Ringwood in the semi-final last Tuesday. The match is played with 2 Teams at Home and 2 Away. In their home games Bob Tanner won on his Rink and Bill Amey drew on his. However, at Ringwood Downton were beaten on both Rinks and Ringwood moved on into the Final where they play either New Milton or Waterside. The Club Members continued on the Green into August with hugely enjoyableTriples Sessions involving 24 players every Wednesday and Friday. As an end to the season the Club are hoping to arrange a knockout Ladies and Men Singles Competition.”
After a very good run in the New Forest Bowls Triples Knockout Competition Downton lost to Ringwood in the semi-final last Tuesday. The match is played with 2 Teams at Home and 2 Away. In their home games Bob Tanner won on his Rink and Bill Amey drew on his. However, at Ringwood Downton were beaten on both Rinks and Ringwood moved on into the Final where they play either New Milton or Waterside. The Club Members continued on the Green into August with hugely enjoyableTriples Sessions involving 24 players every Wednesday and Friday. As an end to the season the Club are hoping to arrange a knockout Ladies and Men Singles Competition.”
Aug 12 - "Downton Bowlers through to Semis.
In the New Forest League Knockout Competition Downton had an excellent win against Fordingbridge in the Quarter Finals. The overall total was 78 shots to 47. Each of the 4 Triples won with Bob Tanner, Dave Galpin and Ron Poore winning by the highest score of 15. Bill Amey, Dibbie Emm and Tony Musselwhite won by 9, Geoff Warr, Steve Le Moignan, and Steve Allen won by 6 and Dave Colgrave, Colin Morris and Paul Bromage won by 1. In the semi-finals Downton play against Ringwood on Tuesday at 6 o'clock."
In the New Forest League Knockout Competition Downton had an excellent win against Fordingbridge in the Quarter Finals. The overall total was 78 shots to 47. Each of the 4 Triples won with Bob Tanner, Dave Galpin and Ron Poore winning by the highest score of 15. Bill Amey, Dibbie Emm and Tony Musselwhite won by 9, Geoff Warr, Steve Le Moignan, and Steve Allen won by 6 and Dave Colgrave, Colin Morris and Paul Bromage won by 1. In the semi-finals Downton play against Ringwood on Tuesday at 6 o'clock."
Jul 10 - As with all establishments Downton Bowling Club has been going through the phases of Government Guidelines. We started limited play in June. With more relaxing of rules we are able to play safely, at the requisite distance, with more players participating at any one time. All procedures are in place for us to offer anyone a chance to come along and try Lawn Bowls at our Club in Wick Lane, Downton. An Open Day has been arranged for Sunday 26th July. All sanitised equipment will be supplied and the coaches will instruct from a 2metre distance.
To book a place please ring Alan Waters, 01725 512531, or email alan.j.waters@hotmail.co.uk. This a great way to get moving again.
To book a place please ring Alan Waters, 01725 512531, or email alan.j.waters@hotmail.co.uk. This a great way to get moving again.
Jun mid - there have been two games played. one being singles a sort of knockout and the other was pairs, using the strict government guidelines
Jun 1 - The green is opening just using watering, mowing, rolling, spiking and other manual things ,we will have to see what happens to the green with this regime hence we are saving money best we can. Please stick to the social distancing, cleansing hands and all the other conditions (of which a copy should have been sent to you by now) set by the Bowling Bigwigs for your own safety.
From today (15 March) the club will be closed until further notice. Obviously because of the dreaded Coronavirus.
Apr 24 - Club Competitions Draw and American Supper, don't forget.. Entering these Club comps and doing well gives you more chance of being picked for the leagues, (that is if you wish to of course). Postponed
Mar 27 - Hoy Bingo 6.30. Cancelled
May 3 and 8 June are the open days this year
Feb 21 - See the gallery for latest pictures of the new shed and with its brand new roof installed.
Feb 21 - News from the Westbrook Mixed Triples Section.
The Westbrook MTL Committee agreed that this season we would introduce a knockout competition between the league clubs.There will be eight teams competing with each team fielding two mixed Triples to be played home and away at the same time.The combined total of shots on the two rinks will be added together to decide which team(the one with the highest combined total) goes through to the semi final.In the event of a tie a sudden death end will be played at the club shown first on the list.
Our team will be called The Downton Puffins and our first Home and Away match against Salisbury Bowling Club will be held on Monday 15th June 2020 at 6.15pm. When we win this match a semi final match will be played in July at a date to be agreed by the two Captains.The final will take place on a neutral ground probably in September 2020.The winning team will be presented with The Harold Ford Cup in recognition of the late MTL treasurer.
If you wish to enter this competition and are a regular player in the MTL league please get on touch with Steve Allen for consideration by the Downton MTL Captain.
The Westbrook MTL Committee agreed that this season we would introduce a knockout competition between the league clubs.There will be eight teams competing with each team fielding two mixed Triples to be played home and away at the same time.The combined total of shots on the two rinks will be added together to decide which team(the one with the highest combined total) goes through to the semi final.In the event of a tie a sudden death end will be played at the club shown first on the list.
Our team will be called The Downton Puffins and our first Home and Away match against Salisbury Bowling Club will be held on Monday 15th June 2020 at 6.15pm. When we win this match a semi final match will be played in July at a date to be agreed by the two Captains.The final will take place on a neutral ground probably in September 2020.The winning team will be presented with The Harold Ford Cup in recognition of the late MTL treasurer.
If you wish to enter this competition and are a regular player in the MTL league please get on touch with Steve Allen for consideration by the Downton MTL Captain.
Feb 28th - Race Night with Fish and Chips - Sherwood room, probably.
Feb 2020 - some combined news.
Downton Bowls socialising.
We are pleased to say that our new Social Committee are producing the goods with some very successful events over the last six months and more planned for the future. At the end of the season The Finals Sunday was finished off with a very enjoyable supper. November saw the rewards of the Finals Weekend, with finalists being presented with their trophies after a superb dinner in the Sherwood Room.
Irish Bingo with F&C Supper was a different way of playing the familiar game with playing cards.
All through the closed season the Club has run an excellent Coffee Morning, and the Christmas Coffee Morning was a great way for members and friends to give their Yuletide wishes to one another. These Wednesday morning are increasing in attendees every fortnight.
Skittles and a Quiz combined for an evening of fun, with over fifty Mastermind Skittlers competing in both knowledge and skill.
February entertainment is a Race Night on 28th- Fish and chips a must.
Club Improvements.
Over the last twelve months visitors would have noticed how ambitious the Club is with projects in the Clubhouse and on the ground.
The Clubhouse has had new electric lighting installed. Amazing the difference as the room is amazingly brightened up.
Last winter fabulous new paving was laid, smartening up the approach to the Clubhouse. Integrated into this project was the installation of an irrigation system for the Green. This system really did pay dividends over the hot summer.
Again, our hard working members have been busy this winter with an ongoing project building a new storage facility. This structure is a substantial area that will have long term benefits for the Club
Downton Bowls socialising.
We are pleased to say that our new Social Committee are producing the goods with some very successful events over the last six months and more planned for the future. At the end of the season The Finals Sunday was finished off with a very enjoyable supper. November saw the rewards of the Finals Weekend, with finalists being presented with their trophies after a superb dinner in the Sherwood Room.
Irish Bingo with F&C Supper was a different way of playing the familiar game with playing cards.
All through the closed season the Club has run an excellent Coffee Morning, and the Christmas Coffee Morning was a great way for members and friends to give their Yuletide wishes to one another. These Wednesday morning are increasing in attendees every fortnight.
Skittles and a Quiz combined for an evening of fun, with over fifty Mastermind Skittlers competing in both knowledge and skill.
February entertainment is a Race Night on 28th- Fish and chips a must.
Club Improvements.
Over the last twelve months visitors would have noticed how ambitious the Club is with projects in the Clubhouse and on the ground.
The Clubhouse has had new electric lighting installed. Amazing the difference as the room is amazingly brightened up.
Last winter fabulous new paving was laid, smartening up the approach to the Clubhouse. Integrated into this project was the installation of an irrigation system for the Green. This system really did pay dividends over the hot summer.
Again, our hard working members have been busy this winter with an ongoing project building a new storage facility. This structure is a substantial area that will have long term benefits for the Club
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