Cannock bowling club looks to grow membership with free community event
The 2026 season started on Saturday, March 28, with the newly elected President Des Pugh bowling the first end using a special set of woods, reserved for this occasion. These woods were first won by Mr L Dainty Senior and presented at Cannock Bowling Green Club; Annual Dinner held at the Royal Oak on 19 October 1907.
The Green has a very long history it has been used for bowling since at least 1753 while provided a green space in the middle of the town, sandwiched between the Market Place and High Green.
Through its’ lifetime the Green has always been used to mark major public events, Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, King George’s Jubilee, the late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and honoured by a visit in 1977 by Prince Charles now the King. There are many photographs in the Pavilion recording these and other events held by the club.
The ‘Green’ looks relatively flat, whereas in fact, from the Bandstand end its’ elevation increases by about 5 to 6 feet and has a whole series of subtle small and large crowns to throw the bowl off line.
The Cannock Bowling Green is unique not only is it situated in the town centre but is one of the very few greens in the country that you are able to walk around the whole perimeter.
Bowls is a gentle but highly competitive sport, the Club runs a series of cup competition during the season, usually on a Saturday, alongside four knockout comps, for which members enter annually. The club also has an active programme of friendly matches against other local bowling clubs.
The annual green opening provides the first opportunity for members to test the new playing surface after the winter months and subsequent treatments to improve drainage and grass growth.
The club has about 60 members, always keen to recruit local people who would like to try the sport, the club is hosting a Free to All open day on Saturday (April 11) from 11am. The club will provide all equipment and tuition necessary all they ask that you wear flat soled shoes to protect the bowling green.
For the first time in the club’s long history, the club is hoping to start a junior section to demonstrate that the game of bowls is suitable for all people of any age and gender.
The Club has a new captain for 2026, Malcolm Brittle who will be assisted by the new vice-captain Colleen Oebel, on being appoint Malcolm said: “It is a great honour for Colleen and myself to have been elected, we are really looking forward to steering our membership this year and hopefully many more to follow and of course look forward to meeting all newcomers”
So why not come along this Saturday to meet the team and try your hand at bowling.
If you wish to consider being part of Bowling Club or would like more information, call Bill Evans on 07742 694621 or Malc Brittle on 07483 865142.