Thatcham Bowling Club

Thatcham Bowling Club is an outdoor club playing on grass, it is located behind The Memorial Hall in Brownsfield Road, Thatcham.

The club was formed In 1950 playing on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays. Fixtures were arranged with Kingsclere, Stockcross and Hungerford. In 1952 a small pavilion for catering and cloakroom facilities were acquired this was shared with the cricket club. The club is affiliated to both Bowls England and The Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association. In 1953 a special meeting was called to decide on the format of the club badge it was agreed that a depiction of the entrance to Reading Abby be used. The significance being that in 1125 King Henry 1st granted the manor of Thatcham to his foundation of Reading Abbey. Thus all the powerful Abbotts became Lords of the Manor and were exempt taxes and had the right to hold Manor Courts, they were also allowed to hold a Sunday market in the church thus becoming a great rival of nearby Newbury. Henry 1st issued three charters confirming Thatcham’s market and compelling men of Berkshire to attend.

Newbury got the right hump and came and invaded Thatcham market overturning stalls etc. The King ordered the folk of Newbury to restrain themselves but the animosity between the towns continued. The King issued in 1222 a further grant for a fair in Thatcham. The rivalry between Thatcham and Newbury still exist but not in the market but on the Bowls green. The ensuing years have seen the club grow and strengthen, with the gaining of honours at both County and National level. Continued growth of membership to the present day has produced a club with a well appointed clubhouse and a green of excellent quality. 2020 was our 70th anniversary unfortunately celebration of this was curtailed due to Covid 19.

The Bowls season is from April to September and the club is open every day during the season with fixtures against other clubs .National and County competitions, league matches being arranged, or you can just come to the club for a friendly roll up. Membership is open to both men and women of all ages. Although we have a playing season social functions are held at the club throughout the year some of these can be seen in the photo gallery on the clubs website www.thatchambowlingclub.co.uk, well worth a visit.

If you would like to try Bowling we shall be taking part in Bowls England National open weekend on Friday 28thMay thru to Monday 31st May, all you need to do is to come along to the club where all equipment will be available together with coaching We look forward to welcoming new members to the club.

Jim Wood

President

Thatcham Bowling Club Brownsfield Road Thatcham RG18 3AG T: 01635 867044

THE MATURE HANDYMAN

FOR ALL THE JOBS YOU CANT DO YOURSELF!

FLOORING

From a cloakroom to an entire house, we have a large selection of carpets, vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly

CARPENTRY

Curtain rails, shelving, door hanging, flat pack furniture assembly. Martin Newman is a mature 50 plus tradesman with many years experience in the building and flooring trades.

He aims to provide a reliable and professional property maintenance service for people of all ages. He covers Thatcham, Newbury and surrounding areas.

He offers a ‘pay as you go’ service based on very reasonable half hourly rates, or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration.

PAINTING

All types of internal and external painting and decorating

PLUMBING

From a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite