Words by Hema Chumber
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.’
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.
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.”
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?”
For more on Erdington Court Bowls Club visit www.erdingtoncourtbowlsclub.org.uk or their Facebook page @ErdingtonBowlsClub
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]
