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Bowling Club

 

Oakley Bowling Club

Formed in January 1978, Oakley Bowling Club played initially on a green at Carpenter's Down in Basingstoke, which it rented from the Council.  It moved in 1984 to its present picturesque home looking out over the Hampshire Downs on the Malshanger Estate.   In 2009 a lease for 25 years was agreed with the Malshanger Estate, following which an additional piece of land was, provided for a new pavilion on the north side of the green.   A huge fundraising campaign followed and after grants from Sport England and the District Council, work on this new pavilion began on 19th April 2012.  The project was completed in time for the start of the 2013 season.  On the 4th June that year the Club received a visit from the Friends of English Bowling and, on 5th July, from the Bowls England President's team when Sir Michael Colman, accompanied by the Club President and the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, cut the ribbon to open formally the new facilities.  The ultimate accolade came, however, in the October of that year when Bowls England announced that the club had won the prestigious Bowls England/Drakes Pride National 'Club of the Year' Award.

Oakley contributes a great deal to the bowling community.  Members have been President of the English Women's Bowling Association (EWBA);  Bowls Hampshire;  Hampshire County Women's Bowling Association (HCWBA);  the North Hampshire Women's Bowling Association (NHWBA) (twice);  the Basingstoke and District Bowling Association (BDBA) (3 times) and the Whitchurch League (twice).

In playing terms, Oakley has been very successful with members having lifted 21 county titles and being runners up in three national finals and with 10 members having represented Hampshire at top level.  There have also been numerous successes in District competitions and Leagues.

Despite its prowess in administration and competitive bowling, Oakley is as well known for its friendliness.  Its members range in age from 15 to 99 and social bowling is enjoyed by players of all skill levels.  The Club plays many "friendly" games each season, both outdoors and indoors, has toured every year since 1982 in either England, Scotland or Wales and strives always to promote the game.  The club has a varied social programme, comprising BBQ’s, Quiz Nights, Theatre trips and much more.  Full details of all the Club does can be found at www.oakleybc.org.uk