Bowls England’s National Big Weekend – Bank Holiday Monday 26th May 2025
What a day it was at Denham Bowls Club! As part of Bowls England’s Big Weekend, we threw open our gates to the community — and despite a few surprise showers, the sunshine (and the smiles) more than made up for it. We were thrilled to welcome around 40 guests, many stepping onto a bowling green for the very first time.
The day belonged to bowls, and the green was alive with action from the first jack to the last. Whether you came out of curiosity, nostalgia, or ambition, every bowl rolled mattered, and every player was cheered on like a seasoned pro.
Guests were welcomed and guided by our brilliant club volunteers, but special praise must go to Coach Carol, who was ever-present with her blend of encouragement, patience, and precision. From explaining the basics of grip and stance to offering insight into weight, line, and reading the green, her expertise made the game accessible — and addictive — for all who tried it.
What stood out most was the sheer variety of players who joined us. We saw everything from juniors confidently stepping up for their first-ever roll, to seniors rediscovering a sport they hadn’t played in years. We had families playing together, smiling side by side, as well as individuals who came alone but quickly found themselves immersed in new conversations and a shared love of the game. That’s the magic of bowls — it bridges ages, abilities, and backgrounds effortlessly.
A real crowd-pleaser was our Fun Rink Challenge, where guests navigated a range of quirky obstacles on the green — designed to teach control, curve, and creativity. There were jacks hiding behind cones, routes around training aids, and some impressively calculated bank shots off the rink edge! It brought laughter, focus, and no shortage of applause from the sidelines. We were especially impressed by the natural ability on show, with a few guests drawing shots with an accuracy that had our seasoned members raising their eyebrows and asking, “Are you sure you haven’t done this before?”
Alongside the rising stars were those who simply soaked in the moment — embracing the relaxed pace, the meditative roll of a bowl across the turf, and the pleasure of learning something new in a supportive, welcoming setting. There’s something timeless about bowls, and it was on full display throughout the day.
And as always, the balance of fun and competitive spirit was perfect. We love that bowls welcomes the jokers and the serious players alike — and on Bank Holiday Monday, they shared the green in harmony, united by a good shot, a narrow miss, and a mutual cheer.
🏠 Around the Clubhouse
Inside the clubhouse, guests took the opportunity to explore what makes Denham Bowls Club more than just a sporting venue. Our pool table and darts board were put to good use, while others enjoyed a look around our history boards and championship honours — proudly displaying names from the club’s rich heritage. The clubhouse is a story in itself, and it was lovely to see visitors connect with the past, and maybe even picture their own name up there one day.
Of course, a little rain never stopped us — and with every passing shower came an excuse for a break with a cold pint or a warming cuppa, and chocolate gateau, which didn’t last long once word got out. 🍰
🌟 Special Guests
We were also honoured by the presence of several notable figures from the club’s past and present:
- Club President Brenda Anderson and husband Alan Anderson, himself a former Club President, were on hand to welcome guests and share stories from years past.
- The day was made truly special with the visit of Kirk Smith, a former Denham Bowls Club Champion and England Captain, who stayed throughout — offering coaching tips, encouraging new players, and spreading a sense of inspiration. We were also delighted to welcome his mother Mary Smith, also a former Denham Bowls Club Player (and Champion!) , adding to the strong legacy connection on the day.
🙌 Thank You
A huge and heartfelt thank you to all the club members who gave their time and energy to make this day a success — from preparing the green, setting up fun rinks, guiding new bowlers, running the bar, and distributing leaflets at the nearby Denham Village Fayre. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and pride in our club were clear for all to see.
💚 Want to Give Bowls a Go?
Couldn’t make it? Don’t worry — you haven’t missed your chance! We’ve already booked in follow-up sessions with those who visited on the day and wanted to come back, and we’re still welcoming new trialists with open arms. Whether you’re curious, competitive, or just fancy a friendly game in great company — we’d love to see you.
Click below to arrange your own trial session and discover what bowls at Denham is all about.