THE Howard Park Bowls Club in Basingstoke rolled out the green carpet, quite literally, as they hosted an open day over the weekend to introduce the community to the joys of short mat bowls.
As the club gear up for the winter season, this event aimed to showcase the excitement and camaraderie that come with this unique version of the sport.
Howard Park Bowls Club has a rich tradition of lawn bowling but is now setting its sights on the indoor short mat variant for the upcoming season.
The open day, held on both Friday and Saturday, provided an opportunity for both novices and seasoned bowlers to try their hand at this engaging sport.
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Short mat bowls is a thrilling adaptation of the traditional game, played on a carpet indoors and over a significantly shorter distance.
It offers a fun and fast-paced experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking to stay active during the colder months.
Club members Janice Gould and Lin Dean-Smith were on hand on Saturday afternoon to demonstrate the ins and outs of short mat bowls and provide valuable insights into the club's activities.
As winter approaches, Howard Park Bowls Club, in partnership with the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, take special care of its outdoor greens.
Lin said: "The council workers cut the grass three times a week and treat it during winter time. The green needs to rest for some time to recover for the next summer season."
Howard Park Bowls Club currently boast a membership of over 100 enthusiasts, with approximately 25 of them regularly participating in short mat bowls.
Janice said: "Anyone who joins the club during summer is automatically a short mat member. We also have six to seven members from other clubs like Basingstoke Town who come here to play short mat during the Winter."
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The club host sessions throughout the week, except on Thursdays when members compete against other teams both at home and away in a league.
Howard Park have two teams that venture as far as Fleet and Farnborough for league matches, showcasing their dedication to the sport.
Howard Park Bowls Club are an inclusive organisation that welcome individuals of all skill levels to join in for fun and try their hand at the game.
Their clubhouse, a hub of activity and camaraderie, is located at St Andrews Road, South Ham, RG22 6PT.
If you're interested in exploring the world of bowls or joining the Howard Park Bowls Club, don't hesitate to reach out to the club's chairman, Alan Tait, at 07392 064252.
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