Oakley Bowling Club has received a grant of £1554.50 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, for the purchase of a new indoor bowls short mat and associated equipment.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

This scheme is actively supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus.

While primarily an outdoor club, Oakley have increased its winter social indoor events post covid to provide fun get togethers during both daytime and evenings to improve community well-being. To enhance that the club now holds this social indoor version of bowls on Monday and Thursday afternoon with a view to additional use during the regular social evenings on various Thursday and Friday evenings, at the Malshanger Sports and Social Club.

To launch the winter programme, the club are hosting two open evenings for members of the public to come and try their hand on the short mat carpet on Friday October 18 from 7.30pm until 9.30pm free of charge.

Additionally come and find out what else the club can offer winter and summer in the way of playing and social memberships. Anyone can have a go with all equipment provided.

All the club asks is that you wear flat sole shoes/trainers. Follow the Oakley Bowling Club signs from the Beach Arms Hotel off the B3440 Overton Road.