Market Overton Bowls Club is situated in the heart of a small village, having been founded in 1945. At this time the government was encouraging the formation of such clubs due to the ‘holidays at home’ theme of the VE celebrations, but bowlers in the village had been playing on a number of greens in the village long before then. Thanks to the generosity of a gentleman who had been born in the village, Alf Atkinson, who left his bowling green to the club, the present site has been our home since the late 60s, in the aptly named ‘Bowling Green Lane’. We are lucky to have a proactive group of members who are anxious to encourage the sport, which can be enjoyed by a wide section of the population, regardless of age, gender, or physical ability.
2024 will see a few changes at our club as we have a new portable building housing the men's changing room and store, thanks to a Sports England grant. Our magnificent green-keeping team and our winter contractor have ensured our green will be in excellent order for the forthcoming season.
All are welcome, whether experienced or not - we are but a phone call away. There are lots of opportunities for anyone who fancies "having a go". No equipment is needed - we will supply bowls etc. Just telephone the Secretary. We also have apparatus available for those not so fit to help them enjoy the game, as well as some interesting ways to introduce young people to the sport. Flat shoes or bare feet are all that is required.
There is always a full calendar ahead and a better idea of our activities can be followed on our website at marketovertonbowlsclub.org.uk.
We are members of the Stamford League and in 2024 our Tornadoes team will compete in Division 1, having moved up from Division 2 last year, and the Harriers will participate in Division 3. 2023 was a very successful year for the club as, in addition to the promotion to Division 1, Richard Lambert and Jonny Abbott won the new competition organised by the league, the Secretary’s Pairs competition; the Club team made up of Richard and Jonny, Annette Oliver and, in the final round, John Mitchell, also successfully brought home the Duncomb shield. Our bowlers also participate in the King's Cup competition and the Melton Triples League. Continuing the winning streak of the 2023 season the team, made up of Liz Dyer (Club Captain), Jonny Abbott, Tony Ansell, John Cox, Liz Hosmer, Roy Hosmer , Jeannie Hutton, Coleen Laker, Richard Lambert, John Mitchell, James Murphy, Annette Oliver and Jack Warner, brought home the Triples trophy.
Bowlers also enjoy many Friendly Fixtures with other local clubs.
Our Club Captains do tend to ‘think outside the box’ and we play a number of club competitions in fun ways, encouraging experienced and novice bowlers among us to share fun times on the green.
A Triples Gala is arranged for Sunday 14th July 2024 which is already fully subscribed with 24 teams.
During the winter we provide social entertainment for ourselves and the local community - carpet bowls, quizzes, race nights, plus some fund raising activities. There is never a dull moment.
Our venue is also available for functions to members of the community. We are proud of our super green, pretty gardens, smart clubhouse and bar, plus plenty of parking.
Come and join us for FUN, FITNESS AND FRIENDSHIP
Green:
Bowling Green Lane, Market Overton, LE15 7PH
Hon Secretary:
Annette Oliver : 01572 812233/ 07969 785683, annetteoliver63@gmail.com ,
West Chantry, 20 Stamford Road, Exton, Rutland LE15 8AZ
President:
Dave Edwards
Senior Vice President:
Annette Oliver
Team colours: White shirts with club logo
Updated: March 2024.
