13th April 2026

St Albans Bowling Club's Opening day for the new season took place last Saturday at its Clarence Park home and was attended by 44 players and about 20 social members.

The Mayor, Councillor Teresa Heritage, was greeted by Mike Pitkin, the club‘s President (see photo below) and Ian Woodcock the club’s Secretary. She was introduced to the club’s oldest member Ted Salvidge (93), and stayed for the commencement of the afternoon’s bowling activities. 

The Mayor gave a short speech which focused on inclusivity - the benefit which clubs such as the St Albans Bowling Club bring to the community and the importance of enabling social contact particularly for the older generation - before delivering, as is traditional, the first wood of the season.

The club has a full fixture list of friendly and competitive matches against other clubs, and will be holding three Open Days during May when there will be taster sessions for anyone, young or old, who is interested in giving bowls a try. The first will be on Saturday 9 May between 10am and 4pm. The second is on Wednesday 20 May between 5pm and 8pm. The third is on Saturday 23 May between 10am and 4pm. All are welcome, whether or not they have bowled before. Turn up at any time and we will try to accommodate you. However, to avoid disappointment and especially if coming in a group of four or more, please contact Richard Hall to book a slot, on 07429 407365 or [email protected]. Please also contact Richard if none of the above dates are convenient but you would like to try bowls anyway.