Hoddesdon & Rye Park Bowling Club

 
Hoddesdon and Rye Park Bowling Club was founded as long ago as 1937.  On our very first day of opening we played another local club, now known as Rosehill Bowls Club.  The score from that day is not recorded, but the match marked the beginning of many years’ enjoyment of the sport for all those involved.

Membership grew, and over the years the club became affiliated to the County Bowling Association now known as Hertfordshire Bowls, to Bowls England, the East Herts Bowls League and the East Herts Bowls Association(s).

In 1972 a Ladies Section was formed, and went from strength to strength; in 2000 the men’s and ladies sections joined to became one mixed club.

2002 saw the opening of a new clubhouse, purpose built to house the various events that take place during the busy bowling seasons.  Paid for by the club along with a very generous donation from a member and his family, in addition to the usual changing facilities the clubhouse has a seating/dining area with bar, plus a fully equipped kitchen.  A great improvement on previous clubhouses on site, variously described over the years as lacking in creature comforts and space, yet full of atmosphere!

In 2011 some remedial work to the green was completed: some areas were levelled and new turf was laid.  Not bad after 75 years usage!  Today the Club is a keen participant in Bowls competitions both locally and in the county of Hertfordshire, and we have an active committee developing the club in both competitions and general social events.

The Club rents and leases the pavilion and bowls green from Broxbourne Borough Council, and the green is maintained by contractors chosen by the Council – for which the club pays a charge.  The green has six bowling rinks and the outdoor season runs from May to September, when the bowling green is open from 1pm to 8pm every day.  There is one rink available for public use during opening hours.  

Rye Park recreation ground 

Known locally as Rye Park, Old Highway is a recreation ground providing play and sports facilities for local residents, as well as community events.  In addition to the Bowls Club, a Tennis Club is based here.  There is also a Multi-Use Games Area for basketball and football, play equipment and an area for boules.  The park covers 5 acres and facilities include car parking, public toilets, easy access path.  The park is locked at dusk

Our Bowls Club is a member of -” The Friends of Old Highway Park’

The Friends of Old Highway Park is an action group of regular park users who act as eyes and ears for the park manager, as well as providing support for community events and conservation activities. It is free to join and requires no obligation. Friends receive regular updates on park activity and can attend the meetings. For more information about joining the group, you can e-mail the Chairman, Graham Ross, at gad.ross@ntlworld.com, contact the park manager at leisure@broxbourne.gov.uk or telephone 01992 785555 ext 5907.