Evington Park Bowling Club was established in 1953 following the creation of a six-rink bowling green for public play at Evington Park. Since then, the club has developed through competition, community and the eventual unification of its women's and men's clubs.
Our members bowl together as a mixed-gender club rather than in separate sections. If you are looking for a hobby that is both social and active, bowls is an easy place to start.
Full playing membership is in the mid forties. Alongside league games and friendly matches, we run relaxed coaching on Monday evenings, Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, plus casual roll-ups so beginners can learn at a comfortable pace and meet other members.
Key moments from the club's first meeting in 1953 to its unification in 2016.
1953
At the request of the Leicester City Parks Committee, plans were made to establish a bowling club at Evington Park. The club would make use of a new six-rink bowling green, which was due to open for public play at the beginning of the 1953 season.
23 February 1953
On Monday 23 February 1953, a general meeting was held in the village hall. Draft rules were presented and contact was made with people interested in joining the new club.
1953
In the club's first season, membership required a season ticket costing thirty shillings and a club subscription of twelve shillings and sixpence.
1953
The club was affiliated with the LBA and the LCPBA.
18 April 1953
The six-rink green opened for play on Saturday 18 April 1953.
23 April 1953
The official opening took place at 6:30 pm on Thursday 23 April 1953.
Before the clubhouse
Before the clubhouse was built, the club was able to use Evington House as its headquarters.
1953
The club's first President was Mr H. Ellson. His family home was near Abbey Park, and his father, C. H. Ellson, was a member of Abbey Park Bowling Club.
1956
In 1956, the club expanded through the formation of a separate Ladies' Bowling Club.
Over the following years
Over the following years, the club provided Presidents for the LCPBA. Some members obtained county badges, and the club recorded victories in various LC&DPBA competitions.
2016
In December 2016, the separate men's and ladies' clubs agreed to adopt a new constitution and unify as a mixed club from the 2017 season. Most matches would be played as mixed fixtures, while some fixtures against ladies' clubs would remain ladies' fixtures.
From its beginnings beside the new six-rink green in 1953 to the adoption of a unified constitution in 2016, Evington Park Bowling Club has continued to bring people together through lawn bowls.
Send us a message about membership, the Monday beginner session or public playing times.
