Kingswood & Hanham Bowls Club are building up for Bowls’ Big Weekend after a 2021 that saw them bounce back from the pandemic with a bang.

Like all clubs, Kingswood & Hanham struggled during Covid with members unable to play throughout lockdowns.

But last year’s Bowls’ Big Weekend, held as restrictions were easing and an event that saw over 600 clubs across the country open their doors for free, accessible taster sessions, helped revitalise the club and bring in new membership ahead of a stellar summer.

Val Molton, secretary at Kingswood & Hanham, said: “After having been very limited or not being able to do anything at all in the previous year, it was not only a chance for us to share our facilities with people, but also a chance for our guys to get back into it and feel like they are really part of the club.

“It was also a really good opportunity because there were an awful lot of people out there looking for a new outlet. It enabled us to pick up 30-odd new members and coming out of the pandemic it was really important.

“Last year we had five different activities going on across five different rinks on the green, so they played, they had some target bowls, there was a football net where they were aiming to bowl into the net and other activities.

"We are really excited to be going again after really striking the winning formula last year.”

The success brought on by Bowls’ Big Weekend last year not only boosted Kingswood & Hanham’s membership, but also led to them being named Bowls England Club of the Year for 2021.

Molton added: "I cannot describe it. It was just absolutely amazing.

"To get all the hard work that we have put in recognised at that level when you see the competition that you're up against and the scale of bowls across England - it is just amazing.

"We were and still are absolutely thrilled that our little club in the corner of Kingswood Park was shortlisted.
“And then to win, we are just astounded, really, you don't realise quite the impact that you have had.

"We were absolutely amazed to have actually won it and it has given the club a real lift, and we are ready to go into 2022 with that accolade behind us.”

Find your nearest participating club at http://www.bowlsbigweekend.com