We are a community club, based in Southill Community Centre in Weymouth. We were founded in 1997 after lottery funding was granted to the community centre. All our equipment is stored onsite and we have Bowls for members to use during sessions
To see how we store the mats and how we set up before sessions, please click HERE
There is no on-site parking, but there is ample free parking both on the surrounding roads and in the Car Park at the bottom of the hill.
CLUB HISTORY
It all began in Durham.
The late Bill Barlow, Treasurer of Southill Community Centre at the time, was visiting relatives there and happened, it is believed, quite by accident to come across a club that was playing Short Mat Bowls, a game that could be played in Village Halls, Community Centres, Schools or in fact any community facility than could accommodate one or more 45 foot mats and necessary equipment. Southill Community Centre was actively seeking further means of raising revenue to keep its head above water and Bill's discovery stirred his imagination.
On returning home Bill began investigating the possibility of Short Mat at Southill and discovered there was a club in Crossways, just outside Dorchester. He talked Jean Turner, Southill Secretary, into joining him on his quest. With help and advice from the Crossways club an application was made to secure Lottery funding through a minefield of complex paperwork. having immersed themselves themselves totally into this project they were somewhat disappointed when a rejection letter arrived, but this only fuelled them on, and after further research tracked down he then Dorset County Council's Village Hall co-ordinator, who provided them with advice and information. A second, higher, bid was successfully made, as was obtaining a grant from the Sports Council.
Whilst all this was going on, Bill was actively trying to interest the Southill community in the sport. Groundwork done, with Bill as chairman and Jean as Secretary, with founder members present, on 20th June 1997 the then Lord Mayor, Bob Beare, presided over the first official Bowl being rolled up a mat.
Whilst the club has not lost sight of its Southill community roots, membership is open to all residents within Dorset. Before the COVID pandemic and lockdowns, the club had a thriving competitive side with teams in a local Village League as well as members travelling to represent the club at County competitions, as well being selected for the Dorset County Team. We have a registered umpire who has many years of experience of both playing and umpiring.
The club welcomes new members of all ages and of all ability levels
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