Market Overton Bowls Club
Bowling Green Lane, Market Overton, LE15 7PH
Market Overton Bowls Club is situated in the heart of a small village, having been officially founded in 1945, no doubt as part of the ‘holidays at home’ theme of the VE celebrations, but bowlers had been playing on a number of greens in the village for many years pre war. Thanks to the generosity of a gentleman born in Market Overton, Alf Atkinson, who left ‘his’ bowling green to the club, the present site has been our home since the 60s, in the aptly named ‘Bowling Green Lane’.
We are lucky to have a proactive group of members who are anxious to encourage the sport, which can be enjoyed by a wide section of the population, regardless of age, gender, or physical ability. In 2024 we were able to open a new portable building housing the men's changing room and store, thanks to a Sports England grant. A magnificent effort by a team of members made sure this was ready in time for the season and was much admired by visitors.
Our super green-keeping team and our winter contractor ensure our green is one of the best in the area.
Everybody is welcome, whether experienced or not. There are lots of opportunities for anyone who fancies "having a go". No equipment is needed - we will supply all that is needed. We have a range of bowling aids and a wheelchair for those not so fit, to help them enjoy the game, as well as some interesting methods to introduce young people to the sport. Flat shoes or bare feet are all that is required.
There is always a full calendar. As much as we enjoy competition we also have a range of club and social activities for the benefit of our members where our very best bowlers play alongside those less confident ensuring a super day out for everyone.
We are members of the Stamford League and in 2025 our Tornadoes team will team compete in Division 1, having moved up from Division 2 the year previously after a particularly successful 2023 season. In 2024 the Club was runner up in the Boor and Wainwright competition. The Harriers will participate in Division 3. MARKO also competes in the King's Cup competition when less experienced bowlers are usually selected for the majority of places to gain experience and the Melton Triples League. There are regular Friendly Fixtures with other local clubs and bowls drives on Bank Holidays. A day is set aside for Aussie Pairs. There are lots of trophies to be won in our internal Club competitions at all levels.
Our Club Captains tend to ‘think outside the box’ and we play a number of club matches in fun ways, encouraging experienced and novice bowlers among us to share fun times on the green. Sometimes ‘sharing ends’ for those less fit.
There are many opportunities to practise for free – coaching is available if required and weekly Chummy nights, finishing the season with a game by candlelight!
Our popular Triples Gala is arranged for Sunday 20th July 2025 and our 6 rinks allow for 24 teams maximum. Invitations were sent out in January and by mid February we had to disappoint several teams as we already had a full complement.
Due to the popular demand of our Gala it has been decided to hold a second gala on Sunday 14th September 2025. This will be a 'Picnic Gala' - see poster attached.
During the winter months we provide social entertainment for ourselves and the local community e.g. carpet bowls, quizzes/race/darts/games nights,bingo, coffee morning and successfully raise funds for a number of charities.
Our venue is also available for functions to members of the community.
We are proud of our super green, pretty gardens, smart clubhouse and bar, plus plenty of parking.
Come and join us for FUN, FITNESS AND FRIENDSHIP!
Green:
Bowling Green Lane, Market Overton, LE15 7PH
President 2025: Annette Oliver
Secretary:
Annette Oliver : 01572 812233/ 07969 785683, [email protected], West Chantry, 20 Stamford Road, Exton, Rutland LE15 8AZ
Tornadoes Captain: Richard Lambert : 07763365888 /[email protected]
Harriers Captain: Andy Williamson : 07703 466245 /[email protected]
Website: marketovertonbowlsclub.org.
Team colours: White shirts with club logo , grey trousers/shorts
Updated: March 2025.
