The official opening of Whiteknights Indoor Bowls Club took place on Saturday, October 7, 1972, so this year the club is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The celebrations commenced in August when the club opened for the new indoor season.
As members return they were given a 24-page, full-colour booklet with details of Whiteknights’ long and fascinating history.
There then follows six months of events with special matches, including a game against the English Indoor Bowling Association, and a variety of fun events including a 50th Anniversary party and a members’ Fun Day.
The Whiteknights clubhouse was built on spare land rented from Maiden Erlegh, a well-established outdoor bowls club located on a plot of land off Beech Lane in Earley.
Building work commenced in 1971 and took about 11 months to complete.
The large complex measures 151ft by 140 ft and houses a seven-rink green, a comfortable lounge, bar, kitchen and dining room. In addition, substantial parking is available.
The club’s most important facility is the seven-rink bowls green.
The carpet and underlay are now laid upon a laser-levelled timber floor to provide top-quality bowling throughout the season.
The covid pandemic had a huge impact on indoor bowls clubs, which had no option but to completely close their doors.
Whiteknights was closed for 18 months and finally re-opened last September.
The impact on membership was considerable and today the Whiteknights membership is around 760, somewhat below the pre-Pandemic numbers.
However, members are now steadily returning many of them attracted by the 50th anniversary celebrations and Whiteknights remains amongst the biggest indoor bowls clubs.
There are around 300 indoor clubs in England and Whiteknights is one of the top 10 clubs based on the number of members.
For those keen to try their hand at indoor bowling the club is arranging Taster Days on Sunday, September 25, and Sunday, October 2.
To arrange a place, call the Whiteknights club manager, Andy Knapper, on 0118 986 0759. Alternatively, email: clubmanager@whiteknightsibc.co.uk
