WADEBRIDGE Bowling Club was voted Bowls England Club of the Year 2024 at a national awards evening in Leicester on Saturday, February 22.

Nine club members, including the past, present and future presidents, made the long trip from North Cornwall to the awards ceremony and were amazed and delighted in equal measure to receive the winner’s certificate and trophy.

The evening brought together almost 300 guests from across the bowls community to honour the terrific contributions of individuals within the sport. The awards shine a light on those who give their time and energy to bowls – from volunteers and umpires to coaches and players.

The club were rewarded for their community engagement, membership growth and contributions to the local bowls scene. In 2024, the club focussed on the values of being ‘Welcoming, Supportive, Inclusive’, and through living those values, achieved success on and off the green.

As Bowls England expressed it in the ceremony programme, the club: “Saw major growth, especially in female participation, through a taster weekend and ‘Bowls Blitz’ events. League success, youth engagement, and a booming social hub have cemented its reputation as a welcoming and community-focussed club.”

The Wadebridge Men’s B Team also was shortlisted for an award – Team of the Year – but lost out to a Gerrard’s Cross (Buckinghamshire) Men’s Team. The team were still honoured to be shortlisted.

It was a great evening for the club that they can be righty proud of. It was an achievement of every member during the year, not just the nine who made the trip.

The club will open its doors for the new season on Saturday, April 12 and looks forward to welcoming even more people to the best club in England.

For more information on Wadebridge Bowling Club, visit: www.wadebridgebowls.co.uk