The Old Southendian Bowls Circle was formed in 1976, so 2025 represents our 50th season. As we do not have a rink of our own, all our matches are played ‘away’.
We currently play twenty games in our outdoor Summer Season against clubs in and around the Southend area. All games are played as friendlies and, although competitive, are extremely enjoyable. There is one fixture each week from early May to mid-September, mainly on Thursday afternoons. Matches can involve triples or rinks, requiring between 9 and 16 playing members each week, dependent on the format. We have excellent relationships with all these clubs, which is reflected in the brilliant hospitality we are lucky enough to receive each week.
We also play an indoor Winter Season, organised by Robey Wright, that presently comprises five fixtures.
We currently have a membership numbering in the mid-thirties, the vast majority of whom play for other local clubs as well as for the Bowls Circle. For a few years now, this number has included some wives/partners of Old Boys, and won’t it be good when we get our first female Old Boy playing for the Circle. Some members play a high percentage of the games, others just play when they can manage it. It’s just what suits.
So, playing for the Bowls Circle doesn’t stop you putting your heart and soul into being a member of a local club - but it really does add to it. Through the Circle, you can experience playing at the various clubs around the City as well as making good friends and maybe reacquainting with some old ones.
We can’t deny that some of us aren’t in our first flush of youth anymore. Bowls and retirement do go very well together, but not everyone is in that boat. We have a number that are still working and one that is even still at the School. It’s a great bunch of people and it really is a lot of fun.
In recent years, we have introduced an annual pre-season lunch, which has proven to be a well-attended and very enjoyable event. New members are always very welcome. Anyone interested in joining the Circle, or just wanting more information, please contact me at .