There has been a Lawn Bowls Club in Earl Soham since the latter part of the 18th century and the Club has occupied its present site in The Street for many years. In 2019 we celebrated our 230th birthday! The Club provides the opportunity for people from Earl Soham and the surrounding villages to enjoy playing bowls both socially and competitively. The Club is affiliated to the English Bowling Federation and the Suffolk County Bowls Association and is one of the smaller clubs who participate in both theSaxmundham League, the League’s Bob Wright Shield and their KO cup competition. The fixture list during the season, lateMay to September, involves match playing members in two and, very occasionally, three evening matches a week, either home or away. Throughout the season Saturday afternoon sessions for practice and social play are held and Club competitions and friendly matches are also arranged. The first Saturday in September is a big day for the Club when we host our Annual Tournament and players from a wide area participate. This event has, for the past few years, been generously sponsored byLongstaff Transport and Mini Digger Hire, Suppliers of all Aggregates and Equestrian Surfaces, Redwood, Earl Soham (01728 685770).

The current postholders are as follows:

President - Lucy Murrell (Earl Soham)

Chairman – John Bater (Kettleburgh)

Captain – Michael Carter (Earl Soham)

Vice-Captain & Greenkeeper - Allan Chenery (Cretingham)

Treasurer – Rachel Carter (Earl Soham)

Secretary – Martin Dorey (Earl Soham)

Committee Members – Ann Lloyd (Framlingham), Francis(Mac) McBurney (Saxmundham)

Although the traditional “greys and whites” are worn for matches and Club competitions, dress for practice and social play is informal. However, bowlers do need to wear flat smooth-soled shoes on the green at all times. The annual subscription for full membership is £25 (Juniors £10). A rink fee of £2.00 is payable when participating in matches. Visitors and prospective members are welcome to join us at our roll-ups on a Saturday at 2.30 p.m., as day members, for a £1 green fee (first visit free), up to a maximum of 3 times in any one season.

New members and, in particular, beginners are always welcome. For more information about the Club, please contact the Secretary, Martin Dorey, Tel: (01728) 684880, e-mail:martin.dorey58@btinternet.com