Bowls is often seen as a sport for the older generation - however as the World championships show, top players are not so. With Indoor world champions receiving prize money up to £50k, there is a great opportunity for the youth to take up the sport and hone their skills.
The recent Youth Bowls Competition was a fantastic display of teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill, bringing together 37 enthusiastic young players from various community groups. Participants included Scouts, Guides, Queensmen FC, Ampthill Cricket, and the Air Cadets, all eager to test their abilities in a spirited contest. The event was marked by a great atmosphere—everyone played with great enthusiasm. Parents and competitors cheered each other on, making it a truly enjoyable experience for all involved. After a series of exciting matchups, the final showdown saw the Scouts and Ampthill Cricket Club battling for the championship. . In the end, Ampthill Cricket Team emerged victorious, securing the title in a thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable event.
Overall, the Youth Bowls Competition proved to be a resounding success. The enthusiasm shown by all participants promise a bright future for youth bowls in the community.
Winners - Gary, Sally, Mike S
Presentation by President Ian
Pondering the head in the finals with opponents Mike W & Tony
Competition in full swing
Fabulous afternoon
Fabulous turn out on a beautiful day. Many people bringing families along to have a go at Bowls. Several new members signed up.
Ampthill Bowls Club work closely with the Gardens, making our clubhouse available for refreshments for their many visitors during their Garden open days. Ian and Martyn were delighted to be invited to represent our club at their award presentation by the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire.
The Volunteers from the Friends of Kings Arms Garden, were recognised for their work in maintaining and preserving the garden for the whole community of Ampthill, with The Kings Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). This is the highest award for volunteer groups in the UK, equivalent to an MBE. It recognizes the exceptional work of groups that make a significant impact in their local communities. WELL DONE !
Credit to Flowers planted by our club members that surround our green. Individual members have adopted a planter to nurture - AWESOME!
(various clubs from Buckinghamshire) who spent the past week touring Bedfordshire County playing a number of friendly games with various Bedfordshire clubs. All 6 rinks were played and in glorious weather, with many spectators just enjoying watching the games in beautiful surroundings with a refreshing cold beer or two.
Our own Pauline on bar duty for 50 players
Post match chatter with Buckinghamshire tourists
Ampthill Ladies Team vs Potton in the County 'Top Club' Competition - enjoying post match tea and cakes
Its full steam ahead for our members as over12 matches have been played already, as well as many in club roll ups, social cup matches and taster session.
We have had some glorious weather and the green is good. It is fabulous to welcome so many new faces who joined our club this season, and with further Taster sessions and Big Bowls Event it is anticipated more people will give Bowls a go. Whether you are 3 yrs, 33 or 83, you can play bowls.
Watch out for our new 2025 initiative - Ampthill Bowls Youth Academy - Details of this exciting new venture to follow ...
Learning to cast the Jack
Getting the stance correct
Take aim
Top tips from a professional
Well you bowled
Time for tea and cake & post match dissection
President Ian and Head Groundman Goff ring the bell for the start of the 2025 season.
Huge thank you to our expert Ground team who look after the Green all year round.
Well done guys its a huge amount of time and effort - much appreciated. ⭐
What could be better on a beautiful sunny afternoon, than a friendly game of bowls - followed typically in Ampthill Bowls Club by good company, food and drink. We certainly had that today with many members turning up to mark the start of the 2025 season. It was fantastic to see lots of new faces turn up to have a go or just find out more. We had 10 new member sign up to join our thriving club.
After signing on some of the guys were keen to see if they still had what it takes after the long winter break.
Looking good guys - practice, practice, practice
At Ampthill Bowls Club we encourage all ages to get interested in the fabulous team sport of Bowls.
It is a very sociable game and people of all ages and abilities can take part. Its simple rules mean that it's an easy game for first timers to understand.
Bowls is a particularly good sport for children because it's a low-impact, enjoyable activity that enhances physical and mental skills. It promotes social interaction and provides a fun, less physically demanding way to get exercise compared to many other sports.
As children improve their skills, they gain confidence in their abilities, and start to learn to think strategically and adjust to different game situations enhancing their problem solving skills.
Details of this exciting new venture to follow ...
The green getting a soaking in the sunshine - April season will soon be here.
Slabs weeded by Sally - under watchful supervision
Members of our Ladies team raised money for the club selling Tea and our famous cakes to visitors at the Kings Arms Garden Open day.
Our Greenkeepers are at it again. Keeping our fabulous Green in tip top shape takes cont|inuous care and expertise even out of season. Well done guys. Roll on April !!!
Our Greenkeepers never miss a chance to get out and nurture the Green. They undertook a very late cut on 16th December 2024 in the rare winter sunshine..... Looking mighty fine !