Overstrand Bowls Club
History
The origins of Overstrand Bowls Club are lost in the mists of time. Certainly the Bowls Green has been in its present location for over a hundred years and it is thought that the club has existed since the laying of the 'Green'. Photographs of past members/teams date from the 1920's, but no records of the Club and its members pre-exist this date.
Location
The 'Green' can be found in the north-east corner of the Overstrand sports ground, situated in the heart of the village and adjoins both High Street and Harbord Road. A more delightful setting to enjoy a game of Federation Bowls on a summers day would be hard to find. The sports ground surrounds on two sides whilst on the other two sides mature trees and the wooden club building adjoin.
Purpose of the Club
The club exists for the primary purpose of playing Federation Bowls. (The 'Green' is not big enough to play English Bowls Association rules.) Playing purely for the social aspect of playing the game (roll-ups) with like minded people and playing competitively against other clubs. We compete in five different North Norfolk leagues, two in the afternoon, and three in the evening. So it can be expected that there will be some competitive games played at 'home' every week during the season. However every Tuesday and Friday afternoons are kept free for 'roll-ups'. However on a few occasions these roll-up days are used to play Club Competitions.
Bowling Season
The season this year starts at the end of April and weather permitting will finish at the end of September.
Membership
The Club has currently 55 members. Most of the members live in the village, but a number do live in the nearby seaside town of Cromer and other close by villages. There is a very friendly atmosphere within the club, but as with other bowls clubs in the North Norfolk area the age profile of the membership is high and spans from 50 years to 90 years. Holiday visitors are most welcome to visit the 'Green' on roll-up days and join in with members for a game. Membership for the 2010 season will be £25.00p, with a fee of £1.00p per game played. (Roll-up or competitive match)Visitors are asked to pay £2.50p ( Includes tea & biscuits)
Charity Fund Raising
One such Club Competition, the R & D Lomas Pairs, is our yearly charity fund raising event and we regularly raise over £200 on this day. We support Macmillan Cancer Support one year, followed by the Priscilla Bacon Lodge Continuing Care Fund the following year. This year is the turn of the Priscilla Bacon Lodge.
Times of Bowling
Roll-up games start at 2.15pm prompt every Tuesday and Friday, weather permitting, and members and holiday visitors are asked to be on site by 2.00pm so that team numbers and rinks can be organised.Competitive games start times vary with the different leagues and it is best to contact one of the below mentioned Committee members to ascertain individual game start times.
Club Contacts
Anyone wishing to either join the Club or holiday visitors wishing to enjoy a game with us on roll-up days are asked to contact either of the below named. Woods (Bowls) can be supplied but players must supply and wear their own smooth soled bowling shoes.
Honorary Secretary: Roger Smith
Telephone: 01263 576633 Email: roger@rogersmith18.fsnet.co.uk
Roll-up Organiser: Alan Randall
Telephone: 01263 579687 Email: alanarandall@yahoo.co.uk
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