Modern and meet the needs of its members. The Cam Mills Bowls Club is a well-established and thriving sports and social club located in Cam, New Zealand. Affiliated to Bowls England and the Gloucestershire Bowls Association, the club offers a range of facilities for both lawn bowls enthusiasts and those who simply wish to enjoy the social side of the club.
The club boasts six well-maintained rinks on its bowls green, providing ample space for members to participate in both friendly and competitive matches. From mid-April to the end of September, the club is bustling with activity as members engage in a variety of matches, catering to both adults and youths. The club takes pride in its competitive teams, particularly in the ladies and men's sections, which have achieved recognition and success in league and county competitions. Several members have been selected to play for the prestigious Middleton Cup, the Men's Gloucestershire County team, and have also reached the Bowls England National finals at Leamington Spa, where the 2022 Commonwealth games were played.
In addition to league games, the club organises a full season of friendly matches, allowing members to play against teams from all around the county. Furthermore, the club facilitates in-house club competitions, giving every member an opportunity to compete for historical trophies in various game categories. The results of these competitions, along with the league and county matches, can be found in the 2022 Honours Board section under the Bowls tab on the club's website.
Beyond the bowls green, the Cam Mills Bowls Club offers a vibrant social scene that caters to the interests of its members. The club features a well-stocked bar where members can enjoy a refreshing drink amidst the comfortable lounge area. The lounge also boasts a large 60-inch TV, showcasing live BT sports, ensuring that members never miss out on their favourite sporting events. Moreover, the club boasts a skittles alley, which is utilised throughout the week by various teams participating in the Berkeley & District skittles league.
The alley is also available for hire on non-game nights and weekends, providing an ideal venue for private events and gatherings.
The club's commitment to fostering a strong social community is reflected in its numerous events and activities. Members can partake in engaging events such as Bingo nights, quiz nights, fun family skittles, themed meal nights, and music events. These gatherings provide ample opportunities for members to bond, unwind, and create lasting memories.
The history of the Cam Mills Bowls Club is rich and storied. With its roots dating back to 1915, the club initially catered to mill employees who sought recreational activities. Over the years, the club expanded its membership to include non-mill workers, and in 1979, the club committee made the momentous decision to purchase the green, clubhouse, and garages to secure the future of the club. With support from Wadworth Brewery, the club thrived and underwent numerous improvements, including enlarging the bowling green, installing a watering system, and constructing a new clubhouse.
In the early 1990s, the club made significant financial strides, allowing it to repay the Wadworth Brewery mortgage and establish partnerships with other breweries. These measures ensured the financial stability of the club and allowed it to continue providing quality services to its members. Over the years, the club has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing needs and expectations of its members. Notable additions and improvements include new changing rooms and raising the skittle alley roof.
The Cam Mills Bowls Club is a testament to the rich heritage of lawn bowls and the resilience of its members. It welcomes individuals of all ages and skill levels, offering a warm and inclusive environment where the joy of the sport can be shared and cherished. Whether one seeks competitive matches, friendly games, or simply the camaraderie of like-minded individuals, the Cam Mills Bowls Club is the perfect destination. Be it on the green or in the vibrant social scene, the club is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and providing a memorable experience for all who join its ranks.