Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Welcome to Chippenham Park Bowls Club
Established in 1923, Chippenham Park Bowls Club has been a cornerstone of recreational and competitive lawn bowls in Wiltshire for over a century. Our club was founded on the generous land bequeathed by local benefactor John Coles, with Welsh miners instrumental in preparing our historic green. We maintain strong ties to Bowls England and Bowls Wiltshire while fostering a welcoming environment for players of all ages and skill levels. Our experienced team, including qualified coach Tony Bromilow, delivers structured instruction sessions every Friday evening, ensuring newcomers receive expert guidance. The club competes actively in Wiltshire Leagues while maintaining a vibrant social calendar featuring mixed competitions and themed events. Our modern facilities include a well-equipped clubhouse with licensed bar, recently expanded changing rooms, and a professionally managed catering service.With a dedicated executive team overseeing operations and member engagement, we balance tradition with contemporary amenities to create an inclusive bowls community. Our governance structure ensures transparency and accountability, with safeguarding officers and committee members committed to maintaining high standards. The club's strategic location within John Coles Park provides easy access while preserving our connection to Chippenham's heritage. Through competitive fixtures, social initiatives, and community outreach, we continue to uphold the values established by our founders while embracing modern bowling practices.
Services
Bowls Instruction
Competitive Leagues
Social Events
Catering Services
Facility Hire
Details
- Year established: 1923
Highlights and features
- We offer expert coaching from qualified instructor Tony Bromilow since 2024
- Our modern facilities include recently upgraded changing rooms and catering services
- We provide competitive league play across Wiltshire's premier bowling circuits
- Our social calendar features unique events like fish and chip evenings
- We maintain historical significance as Chippenham's original bowls green since 1923
Associations and certifications
- Bowls England
- Bowls Wiltshire
Services
Bowls Instruction
Our qualified coach Tony Bromilow provides expert instruction every Friday evening. Sessions cater to complete novices and experienced players seeking technique refinement. All equipment provided with just flat-soled footwear required, making this accessible introduction to lawn bowls ideal for all ages and abilities.
Competitive Leagues
We compete in all Wiltshire Leagues with structured fixtures across men's, ladies' and mixed categories. Our teams participate in external tournaments as regional ambassadors. Regular match play develops skills while maintaining our competitive heritage dating back to 1923 through structured league formats and championship events.
Social Events
Our calendar features themed evenings including fish and chip socials alongside regular club competitions. These events foster community spirit while maintaining accessibility for casual players. The recently expanded changing facilities and licensed bar create ideal spaces for post-match socialising and special occasions.
Facility Hire
The clubhouse accommodates private events with catering services available through our dedicated manager. The venue combines historic charm with modern amenities including ample seating areas overlooking the green. Flexible hire options suit both bowling-related functions and general community events within Chippenham's premier sports park.
Membership Program
We offer full playing memberships at 80 annually with flexible late-joining arrangements. Social-only memberships available at 10 per season. Locker storage options provided on first-come basis for 2 annually. Membership includes access to all facilities, coaching sessions and participation in competitive and social activities.
People
Mr Paul Hall
Club Captain
Serving as Captain since 2024, Paul oversees competitive activities and represents the club in official capacities. With extensive experience in Wiltshire league play, he champions both competitive excellence and community engagement through lawn bowls.
Tony Bromilow
Club Coach
Our qualified coach since 2024, Tony leads weekly instruction sessions. A seasoned bowls professional, he combines technical expertise with approachable teaching methods to develop players at all skill levels while maintaining competition standards.
Gary Hubbard
Club Secretary
As Secretary since 2024, Gary manages administrative operations and membership coordination. His organisational expertise ensures smooth running of fixtures and events while maintaining communication between committee members and bowling community stakeholders.
Mr Keith Hutchens
President
Current President with long-standing club involvement, Keith provides strategic leadership and governance oversight. His experience spans competitive play and committee roles, ensuring continuity between the club's heritage and future development plans.
Anthea Williams
Catering Manager
Overseeing our recently upgraded catering services, Anthea ensures quality refreshments for members and guests. With support from volunteers, she manages event catering and daily operations, contributing to the club's welcoming atmosphere through hospitality services.
Questions
How can I try lawn bowls for the first time?
Join our Friday evening coaching sessions from May onwards. No equipment needed - just bring flat-soled shoes. Tony Bromilow provides free instruction for complete beginners.
What membership options are available?
Full playing membership costs £80 annually, with social-only membership at £10. Flexible late joining arrangements available. Locker storage options provided for £2 per season.
Are there competitive opportunities for experienced players?
We compete in all Wiltshire Leagues across men's, ladies' and mixed categories. Our teams regularly participate in external tournaments as regional ambassadors for Chippenham bowls.
What facilities does the club offer?
Modern clubhouse with licensed bar, recently expanded changing rooms, and professional catering services. The venue accommodates private events while maintaining dedicated bowling facilities on our historic 1923 green.
How accessible is the club for new members?
Completely accessible - our Friday coaching sessions cater to all ages and abilities. No prior experience needed, with equipment provided. The welcoming environment ensures easy integration for newcomers.
What social activities are available?
Regular themed events including fish and chip evenings, mixed club competitions, and seasonal gatherings. The licensed bar and seating areas create ideal spaces for post-match socialising and community events.
Reviews (4)
Joy Mottershead
Dec 11, 2019
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We play bowls at John Coles and it's very pleasant when you can hear the summer weekly band in the back ground. The swings etc are very popular and it's great to see the children enjoying the splash pad. The cafe is first class with tasty coffee and treats. Also being served with a smile is lovely. Full marks for John Coles Park.
Irene Cleverley
Oct 12, 2019
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Lovely place. Kids will love it and dogs too. There's also a tea hut if you want a drink, Ice cream or something to eat.
Dominic Jarvis
Jun 17, 2018
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Great place to take the children. With the open space to kick a ball and the splash pad And the playground. Lost 4 hours there today.
Gary Hubbard
Jan 17, 2018
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A excellent friendly, competitive flat green outdoor Bowls club with all the facilities, winter social events are good fun, The green is very well maintained by the local council