The Badwell Ash Carpet Bowls Club has been going strong for over 20 years. Members meet every Tuesday throughout the year at the village hall. Summer months are used as practice sessions, and from September to April members play in the Bury Carpet Bowls League.
Carpet Bowls was designed to be played in village halls. The carpets are shorter and the "woods" (bowling balls) are smaller than in other types of indoor bowls. A circular obstruction in the centre of the carpet forces players to use the bias of the woods to curve round it, increasing the skill required.
At Badwell village hall sessions the club runs two carpets. The club provides all the equipment, including the woods and tea at half-time. Two teams of four play against each other on each carpet, and the teams swap over after tea break.
"It's a very friendly club," said a member. "Of course people like to win, but the main thing is to enjoy the evening."
The club currently has 15 members who come from the village and further afield. The youngest member is in their early 20s, but there is no lower (or upper!) age limit.
The club welcomes new members. Anyone interested can come along on a Tuesday evening and try their hand with the woods, or just watch and enjoy a cup of tea. No one need feel nervous about coming down to the hall as all members are willing to help newcomers get to grips with the woods. It is a great sport to play.
There is no dress code for practice sessions, though soft shoes need to be worn to protect the carpets. For league matches team shirts are worn. The team is currently in the Bury League. About eight clubs compete each winter, none farther afield than Great Barton or Honnington.
Meet: Tuesday evenings 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. There is a £1 session charge.
Contact: David Frost 01359 259548
