Finchley Bowls Club

History

Finchley Bowling Club was established in 1922.  Its fine facilities have often been used to host the finals of Middlesex county and Finchley & District competitions.

In 1921 A.W. Smith offered a parcel of land 150 x 180 feet for sale for the creation of a private bowling club.  The land was within Smith's own Etchingham Park Estate and was offered for £750.  The deal was completed on 24th December 1921, whereupon Smith became one of 104 founder members of the bowling club, and was subsequently President for two years, in 1926-7.

In the 1960s Leslie Atkinson was one of Middlesex's top players, earning a place in the county's Middleton Cup team for 13 consecutive years between 1955-67, including the Cup winning squads of 1962 and 1965.

Various improvements were made to the grounds, facilities and clubhouse over the years, with the current clubhouse being completed in the mid 1980s.  In 1978 members voted in favour of creating a dedicated ladies bowling section.

Moving forward to the early 1990s, John Morley became Middlesex singles Champion (1991); he and Len Rutt also featured in Middleton Cup squads of the era, and collectively the pair of them qualified for the "all England" finals at Worthing seven times.  During the same period Mrs C Clark became a leading female Middlesex player, and a 'Champion of Champions' singles winner (1993).

More recently, whilst Middlesex-level successes have been more elusive, the club has recorded a number of successes in the last five years in various Finchley & District competitions, and since 2012 further Middleton Cup caps have been gained for the club by Ian Ellis.

Affiliations

Facilities

In addition to the bowling green, inside the club boasts the following facilities for members to use:

- fully licensed bar

- kitchen

- full sized snooker table

- darts and board games. 

During the winter months there are various social / entertainment evenings laid on for members.

The clubhouse and facilities are also available for hire, to both members and non-members (enquire for details).  Email contact@finchleybowlsclub.co.uk to find out more or to arrange a visit to the club.

New Members

New members are very warmly welcomed and can choose to involve themselves in as many or few bowls games as they wish.  The club has a number of officially trained coaches and FREE COACHING sessions are available to any new bowlers.  Sets of bowls and other equipment will also be provided free of  charge whilst you work out what size bowls are suitable for you.  Furthermore, the club has a relaxed dress policy for informal 'roll-ups', so there is no need for you to rush out and buy any special clothing!

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