Team players celebrate on outdoor lawn at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
An open day at Erdington Court Bowls Club (ECBC) is hoping to attract new members to the sport and “defeat the killer armchair” that stops too many people from enjoying regular exercise – according to a club spokesperson.
Held on Monday 26 May, the free to attend event will give Erdington locals the chance to have a go at lawn bowls on a full sixed indoor pitch, with the hope they will take up the sport as a regular activity.
EBCC boasts a wide range of facilities, with both indoor and outdoor lawns, enabling people of all ages and abilities to take part in the sport – whatever the weather.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic alone, over £150,000 has also been fundraised by ECBC to allow people with a range of physical confidence to take an active part in the club and encourage a variety of new members.
Support has come from funds including the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS), facilitated by Witton Lodge Community Association on behalf of Birmingham City Council and partners.
Fundaraising at Erdington Court Bowls Club – with Paulette Hamilton MP (centre left) and Ray Woods (centre right) holding a cheque / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
The longstanding club also hosts a range of social events and activities for the local community, hoping to challenge social isolation through a healthy and interactive pastime.
The clubhouse has a bar and lounge area, and regular events such as the club’s popular Bowl for Health programme – which combines an hour of bowls on the indoor court with a social event afterwards – have been providing extra sessions for people living with Parkinsons diseases and brain injury.
The Erdington club was also recently shortlisted for two awards in the prestigious Bowls England National Awards 2025, sponsored by AVIVA.
ECBC, which was founded 100 years ago this year, was recognised for its work encouraging new members to the sport and supporting the wider community with a nomination in the ‘Diversity & Inclusion’ category.
The second nomination is for Club Charity Trustee and lead on community affairs, Ray Woods, who has been celebrated as an ‘Unsung Hero’ for his tireless work at the century old club.
A collage of members and activities at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
A spokesperson for ECBC told Erdington Local: “The open day a part of our campaign to defeat the killer armchair and celebrate our centenary at the same time. It is a chance for people of all ages to try a new sport and meet other people at our club – which is open the whole year round.”
They added: “Too many people now spend hours sitting in armchairs watching sport or flicking through mobile phones – but not being active themselves. We want to reverse that trend and offer local residents of all ages the chance to try bowls for themselves in our full size indoor arena.”
The Erdington Court Bowls Club open day on 26 May is part of the nationwide Big Bowls Weekend, where over 800 bowls clubs across the country will be organising events to promote the sport and encourage new members.
Erdington Court Bowls Club is situated on Bowling Green Close, off Goosemoor Lane, in Erdington.
Club members on outdoor bowling green / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
Celebrating its centenary year, Erdington Bowls Club is a cornerstone of community life in Erdington.
Founded as a multi-sport club, the group introduced bowls in 1925 and has since been an integral part of the local community. The club is a welcoming space for all ages and abilities, serving as a hub for health and social connection.
The roots of Erdington Bowls Club trace back to the Erdington Methodist Youth Club, which originally established the organisation. In 1976, it moved to its current location on Bowling Green Close, becoming a self-standing charity. Since then, the club has remained dedicated to improving the lives of local residents, and its role as a community asset has only grown.
The club’s mission, outlined when it became independent in 1976, is to ‘provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation and other leisure-time occupation for the inhabitants of Erdington and the wider neighbourhood.’
Club members on indoor bowling green / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
As a charitable trust, Erdington Bowls Club is run entirely by volunteers, focussing on creating an inclusive environment, ensuring everyone can benefit from its facilities.
It has become more involved in the community in the recent years. It now offers two ‘Warm Welcome Spaces’ where people can come to relax and meet others. There are also ‘Bowl for Health’ sessions that take place, which help people with Parkinson’s disease, people recovering from brain injuries, and adults with special needs.
These sessions help people to stay active and socialise, improving their mental and physical health in a supportive environment. One-on-one coaching is available to anyone who would like to try playing bowls for the first time.
Club members with Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
Erdington Bowls Club also has several mobility aids available to help people with physical challenges take part in the club’s activities. It has even received national praise for its efforts to making bowling available to everyone. Looking ahead, the club will be the new home of the Aston Unity Cricket Club in 2025.
Ray Woods, Marketing Officer and Trustee at Erdington Court Bowls Club, told: “What makes the club particularly special are its facilities. It has both an outdoor green space for bowling and a large indoor arena, which is the only one of its kind in North Birmingham.
“The indoor space allows the club to host games and events all-year round, regardless of the weather. Over 150 people enjoy playing bowls in this facility, for either fun or serious competition.”
Birmingham Council Leader Cllr John Cotton at ECBC / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
Ray added: “We welcome both new members, and anyone who would like to get more exercise, learn a new sport, and meet new people.
“Spending too much time at home, or sitting down, is not the best for health, so why not pop along and have a tour?”
Watch out for more COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT features from Erdington Local, online and in our monthly newspaper.
If you are from a community group or an active volunteer anywhere in the Erdington constituency then we want to hear for you. Please email our Community Reporter Hema Chumber at: [email protected]
Erdington Litter Busters community litter pick / Pic by Ed King
50% of adults across the UK will be volunteering and giving their free time to local endeavours this year, according to a survey conducted by the National Lottery Community Fund. And Erdington is heavily supported by a widespread array of community groups – bolstering the constituency with everything from litter picking to providing mental health care services.
But the line between Birmingham City Council’s civic duty and the goodwill of local residents has never been thinner, with several longstanding volunteers feeling the city should be more involved.
With Volunteer Week 2025 just over six months away, Erdington Local kickstarts a series of stories, features, and profiles celebrating our local volunteers and community groups.
One of the silver linings from the Coronavirus pandemic was the rise in people volunteering and setting up constituted groups, supporting their community with everything from food distribution to art therapy, domestic violence outreach to keeping the High Street safe. Amidst the fear and suffering, the brightest side of human nature also shone – with many individuals and groups continuing their community work well after the masks came down and the High Streets opened back up.
But beneath the altruism and community spirit that brought so much good over recent years, with half the UK population now looking at volunteering and 14% of them doing so for the first time, there is a growing argument that mismanaged local authorities are pulling back on their statutory obligations as prominent community groups pick up the civic slack.
Kaleidoscope volunteer at Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Volunteer Week 2025 starts in June 2025, where people across the country will be encouraged to throw their hat in the ring and get involved in local agendas for free.
Launching a series of articles on the build up next June, Erdington Local asked some existing volunteers and community groups – many of whom rely on the free time given by others – if they felt their support work was properly appreciated by the local authorities.
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Lemia, The Shed – Elim Life Church: “We are running a community outreach activity which has invited several volunteers and we still need more to function fully. Therefore, we do appreciate the presence of the volunteers.”
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The Recovery Foundation exhibition at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by The Recovery Foundation
Emma Sitole, The Recovery Foundation: “Here at The Recovery Foundation we have seen first-hand how charities and voluntary, grass roots organisations are working hard to support our local community. An already overstretched NHS is struggling to cope with the rise in referrals for mental illness and so the third sector steps up. We see this as a privilege, but it’s not without its challenges.
“To be able to support our community is something we love doing. The Recovery Foundation is built on hope and, to end on our favourite quote ‘Hope, the only thing that by giving away, you get more of.”
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Portland Jones, InkWell: “We provide writing sessions for people in recovery from addictions, trauma or life-changing events. What we offer is a different way of meeting people; it is recreational but with additional benefits. It’s a new hobby, a new outlet. Our byline is sharing strength through writing.
“Do we pick up the slack left by other providers? I think what we do is supplement what others do. This is almost a continuation of the recovery process, meeting with people with the same lived experience, who fully understand what you are going through.”
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Adam Khan at LGBTQ+ rally in Mexico / Pic supplied by Adam Khan
Adam Khan, LBGT+ activist: “Volunteering helps empower communities to overcome barriers and inaction from other providers and institutions creatively.
“Volunteering helps with community cohesion as it builds trust within the community, and often provides the catalyst needed to provide much-needed provisions for communities, especially for those who feel that they have been left behind due to austerity or lack of commitment from local authorities and the government.”
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First meeting on Save Short Heath Playing Fields campaign, on Short Heath Playing Fields / Pic by Ed King
Stephen Hughes, Short Heath Fields Trust: “We have only secured a one-year licence with Birmingham Education Department… under this licence Shirt Heath Fields Trust (SHFT), in partnership with FC Elite, now cut the grass, paint the lines and maintain the playing fields. But still, due to Birmingham City Council’s financial situation, we are waiting and fighting to secure the long-term future of Short Heath Playing Fields (SHPF).
“Local councillors Jane Jones and Amar Khan (Stockland Green, Labour) and neighbouring councillor Jilly Bermingham (Perry Common, Labour) say they’re supporting what SHFT are doing at Bleak Hill Park and SHPF, but what are they actually doing?
“The simple answer is nothing, while SHFT is working hard to develop sport and secure the future of SHPF and struggle to raise funding because we don’t have a long-term lease, these councillors have done nothing.”
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Rev. Emma Sykes by St Barnabas Church, Erdington High Street – Pic by Ed King
Rev. Emma Sykes, St Barnabas Church: “We are consistently seeing an increase in numbers of people accessing our community hub for support and signposting to other agencies and support services. There are several areas where we pick up the slack.
“We are constantly dealing with and supporting people with complex mental health issues. We provide a place where [addiction] support services can come and meet with their service users – we are able to provide a safe and free meeting point.
“We are often engaging with both the victims and perpetrators of anti-social behaviour and are able to liaise with the police to aid in reporting offences.
“We regularly are engaging with people who need help with poor housing – SIFA are based with us most Friday afternoons to offer housing support – and our Friday Warm Welcome attendance has increased significantly over the last few weeks and we envisage it will increase further as the colder weather sets in.”
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Harold MacDonald-Taylor (3rd right) with Erdington Walking Group (EWG) at Perry Common Library / Pic supplied by EWG
Harold MacDonald-Taylor, volunteer: “I recently volunteered to help out with ‘tarting up’ the outside of the old Erdington Swimming Baths, with Witton Lodge Community Association – who paid for all the materials, wooden planters, soil, bark, plants, shrubs, floor chippings, paint, brushes, etc.
“As well as enjoying the fresh air, exercise, and general banter with the other volunteers, I couldn’t help but notice just how many passersby would go out of their way to come over and say thanks for our efforts.”
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Cathy Crossley, Arts All Over the Place: “There are at least three volunteers working away each week, setting up, making tea, welcoming folk and clearing up. Some teach skills to others, from crochet, to how to manage their phone etc.
“The volunteers say it’s a great way of building their confidence and helping them gain experience which could be included on a job application.”
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Evening of Creativity live streaming at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Jobe Sullivan, Ceol Agency: “We’ve had some volunteers who have donated 100s of hours over the seven years I’ve been around. That being said, sometimes just one volunteer donating one hour, or literally donating resources, can give you such an incredible will and desire to keep going and can really rally the group.”
“Volunteers that come to mind are Rob Tanley for his tireless work setting up the Erdington Traditional Irish Music Sessions, Mig Braithwaite (sp) for extending this into another, first Sunday session, and Tamara Francis, one of our longest serving camera-volunteers. That’s regular, monthly graft for the community.”
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Zuzanna Kiewel, POMOC: “POMOC, a non-profit organisation that organised Eastern European migrants towards justice, safety and community cohesion.
“We have been slowly building our base of Polish migrants in Erdington, aiming to develop a campaign that would eventually involve all residents and create bridges for understanding between different marginalised groups.”
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Fundraising at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
Ray Woods, Erdington Court Bowls Club: “To me volunteers are golden nuggets. They should be treated with respect – and a thank you costs nothing.
“Our Club has no paid staff – we are all volunteers. Some do more than others, but every little bit of help counts when you have a large facility like ours to run.
“At a time when City Council facilities are being cut back, more volunteers than ever are needed in all sorts of ways in the community – including our Club.
“Volunteering can be a great way for younger helpers to build up their CV’s for future employment.”
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Erdington Litter Busters community litter pick / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Litter Busters: “Volunteering is not only good for the community but can improve a person’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. It encourages someone to learn new skills, to make new friends and above all to give something back to society.
“Getting out into the local area will develop a sense of connection to others, enhance one’s confidence, improve how things work for the better and above all, show commitment.”
PICTURE GALLERY: Community groups and volunteers from across the Erdington constituency
Fundraising at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
Evening of Creativity at Secret Art Space Studios as lockdowns ease-min
First meeting on Save Short Heath Playing Fields campaign, on Short Heath Playing Fields / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Local is looking to expand its network of COMMUNITY ANCHORS, volunteers, and community groups. If you are an active member of the local community we want to hear from you.
Please email our Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS correspondent, Hema Chumber: [email protected]
I hope everyone in Erdington, Kingstanding, and Castle Vale enjoyed the Easter break and could spend some valuable time with your family. Easter is a time of hope, renewal, and joy – a time for us to come together, reflect on what matters most.
This spring, it was heartwarming to see our communities come together for Easter, Eid, Vaisakhi and Passover, sharing festivities and traditions, and strengthening the community spirit that makes our area so unique.
These important bonds extend to our amazing local organisations, as was evident during my recent visit to Erdington Court Bowls Club. There, I had the pleasure of congratulating them on receiving the Shared Prosperity Fund from Witton Lodge Community Association.
This grant has funded a new bowls-friendly wheelchair, ensuring that bowling can be accessible to even more members of our community. This is a testament to the power of local organisations working together for the common good.
It’s this spirit that makes me incredibly proud to call our area my home and reminds me of how my own journey began, working as a district nurse in Kingstanding to serving our community as a governor at Yenton Primary School.
But there are so many unsung heroes in our community who work tirelessly, to help others and it is in that spirit that I would like to celebrate this Easter.
I will be finding unsung heroes across Erdington, Kingstanding and Castle Vale and telling them how much they mean to me. Why don’t you do the same.
Erdington Court Bowls Club (ECBC) has been given a grant of £6,453 to offer bowls sessions to local individuals and groups as part of its ‘Bowl for Health’ programme – awarded through the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS)
Each session, held weekly, will last an hour, with participants paying only £2.50 which will also include a drink and biscuit at the clubhouse.
All equipment and training is supplied by ECBS, a registered charity, and no previous bowls experience is necessary to take part. The Erdington based bowls club are keen for ‘all ages and abilities’ to join in on the sport.
Club Marketing Officer and Trustee Ray Woods said: “The news of this grant was fantastic. It enables us to build on the experience of hosting a ‘Bowl for Health’ programme last year – and also hosting groups of special needs school students and adults.
“Our ultimate goal is to provide 9-10 hours of fun bowls per week in our indoor arena.
“We have links with the North Birmingham Branch of Parkinson’s UK and they are already receiving their initial coaching. We also have other groups who are interested.
“We also plan to use the sessions to increase ethnic, disabled, and female involvement in bowls.
The grant has been awarded by the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme and Birmingham City Council, in association with Witton Lodge Community Association.
EBCS launched their ‘Bowl for Health’ programme in 2022, using the sport to encourage both social engagement and a healthier lifestyle.
Sport is well known for helping to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as building team dynamics and a sense of community. Bowls in particular can improve eye and hand coordination, as well as offering company in a sociable setting through the Erdington based club.
Ray Woods added: “The sessions aim to address loneliness, isolation, and depression, and this complements our three Warm Welcome Space events each week.
“Already, the grant has enabled us to buy more bowls to enable us to run the sessions to larger groups.”
Erdington Court Bowls Club was founded as a youth club around 1900 by the Erdington Wesleyan Methodist Church, with tennis and cricket preceding bowls – which was introduced in 1925.
In 1976, Erdington Court Bowls Club built one of the first six rink artificial greens in the world. In addition, a full length four rink indoor arena was built, approximately 30 metres long, which hosts both flat and crown green bowlers from clubs in the area.
Erdington Court Bowls Club is part of the Erdington Recreational Trust (ERT) – a registered charity whose aims are to provide recreational and leisure facilities for the people of Erdington and the surrounding area.
Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington said: “It’s absolutely terrific news that Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme has awarded Erdington Court Bowls Club £6,453 to deliver their ‘Bowl for Health’ programme.
“The club is doing some great work and during my recent visit, I learned about their amazing Warm Welcome Space events that are helping local people through the cost of living crisis this winter.”
