100 YEARS OF ASHBURTON PARK
90 YEARS OF LAWN BOWLS
The park opened to the public on Monday 10th August 1925, after 9 months of preparation, following the acquisition of the Convent Estate in November 1924. The bowling green was planned from the outset, but was not completed until after the Great Depression.
The bowling green celebrates 90 years of operation this year, and an open day will be held on the anniversary, 23rd June. In 1934, the Council paid for a marquee and ceremonial tea, while the Mayor of Croydon opened the green, and a special match was played between several local clubs. This year's celebration will be a little less extravagant, but visitors will be able to take refreshments and try the game of Lawn Bowls in an informal way.
The green is in good condition this year, and we are all looking forward to a full season of action, with all the usual tea and chat in the pavilion.
The fixture-list for 2024 is as full as ever, with plenty to keep us all busy. The Croydon Area Bowls League now features ten local teams. The Borough of Croydon Bowling Association provides some team knockout competitions in mid summer. There are individual entries in the Borough, County and BHAF singles and pairs competitions this year.
You don't have to be an athlete to put on the Ashburton Park shirt and represent Addiscombe and Woodside against our local rivals from around the Borough. As a Park club, we are always the underdogs, but have shown that we can win trophies and show the posh clubs how to play. If this is the sort of motivation you enjoy, come and pay us a visit!
More and more people are starting to play bowls, the perfect antidote to overwork or life's dull routines. You can try for free, and may pay-as-you-go if you don't want to commit to full membership right away. We're here at 2pm nearly every day, and will gladly show you how the game is played, and how good it is to stand in the summer sun, on the big lawn, under a big sky, feeling active and alive!
On a cold winter's day, rolling heavy balls around on the grass, feels like an impossible mountain to climb. It's the same for beginners and veterans alike. Yet in May, after a few weeks of practice in the sun and fresh air, anything seems possible, and the packed fixture programme provides ample opportunity to apply the lessons you have learnt and the fitness you have acquired.
Nowadays, we take on more of the grounds work too, so gardening volunteers are always in demand. See how much more satisfying it is to contribute to a public space, than to just fiddle around in your own patch! Flat-dwellers will relish the chance to get out in the air, and get some really constructive exercise.
Please use the email contact form below, or the email address shown, or one of the following telephone numbers,
to ask about the club's activities, and book a viewing of the premises.
We are based at:
Ashburton Park
Lower Addiscombe Rd
Croydon
Greater London
United Kingdom
CRO 6NN
what3words: fantastic.square.tonic
entrance at spicy.clouds.shed
Lat 51.3855, Lon -0.0679 (branded.yards.begin)
BUSES: 130, 197, 289, 312, 367.
TRAM to WOODSIDE or Blackhorse Lane.
There is a carpark entrance in Tenterden Road.
Our email address is:
ashburtonparkbowlingclub@gmail.com
for more information please contact:
Peter Mason - Secretary
07429-425-911
