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Located in Chingford and in the middle of Epping Forest our Bowls section has one of the finest greens in the area, with seven rinks available every day of the week during the outdoor playing season – April to September. The position of the bowls green is quite striking; it is surrounded by the forest which creates a wonderful backdrop to enjoy a game of bowls. The bowls section currently has over 110 members and new members of all ages and standards are welcome to join. Beginners are always welcome and free advice and instruction is always available if required.
We offer playing opportunities for all skills levels, whether it is playing competitively or taking part in our weekly social roll ups. Through the years Connaught has maintained a very successful record in competitions, with lots of our members competing and winning at National, County and Regional level.
There are purpose built Men’s and Ladies’ pavilions at the edge of the green, with a refreshment area and covered stand for spectators and players. These areas become the social hub during the season, welcoming members to come and play or socialise. Our annual Club Competitions, such as Finals Weekend, Gala Day, Ladies v Gents sees the viewing stand packed with members and family and friends.
Another great facility is the main Clubhouse. This houses our Club Bar, Terrace and Main Pavilion. All are welcome, to come and pass the time, take advantage of the delicious refreshments on offer or have a drink with friends. The Bowls section regularly uses the Main Pavilion to hold lunches, dinners and for socialising after play.
We also offer Short Mat Bowls in our main pavilion during the winter months – October to April. We play on Monday and Friday mornings starting at 10.30. It is extremely enjoyable and is quite relaxed and though quite different to outdoor bowls still requires skill, a light touch and a good sense of humour!
Membership fee is £195 per year.
This covers the whole year, including outdoor bowls, indoor bowls, club bar facilities and events. There is an introductory rate of £80 for the first year joining.
We warmly welcome all prospective new members. If you are interested and would like to ‘have a go’ please ring our Bowls Secretary, Clare Francis on 07792014991 to have a chat or send an e-mail to clareandstevefrancis@btinternet.com. During the season we run an introductory, beginners and improvers class on Tuesday evenings, Sunday mornings, and at other times by arrangement where you will be given guidance and help from our coaches or experienced bowlers, should you need it.
There are then lots of weekly games and social playing to join in with, in addition a full programme of arranged games that you can enter, ranging from various Club Competitions, Area, County and National level Competitions and then also Club Days played throughout the season.
You will find a very warm welcome for bowlers of all ages and abilities.
Playing Season, Games and Times
The outdoor bowling season starts in April and finishes at the end of September.
Indoor short mat bowls is played during the winter months, October to April.
The green is open for play from:
11.00 am Weekdays (except on Tuesday’s when it is closed for maintenance until 14.00)
10.30 am Saturday and 10.00 am Sunday
Bowls Section Rules
| Day / Time | Session / Activity | Dress Code |
| Monday from 14.30 | League Game | Whites or Greys |
| Tuesday from 16.30 | Beginners & Improvers Social Bowls | _ |
| Wednesday from 11.00 | The Novid24 League – Lunch Afterwards | Smart Colourful and Flat Shoes |
| Thursday from 14.30 | Ladies Rollup | Whites or Greys |
| Friday from 11.00 | The Novid24 League – Lunch Afterwards | Smart Colourful and Flat Shoes |
| Sunday from 10.00 | Beginners & Improvers Social Bowls | – |
Club Officials
Secretary: Clare Francis (M: 07792 014991)
Men’s Captain: Steve Francis (M: 07497 382318)
Match Secretary: Bob Bench (M: 0208 531 2706)
Ladies Captain: Jan Evans (M: 07947 506563)
Match Secretary:
Indoor Bowls
Short Mat Indoor Bowls takes place on a Monday at 10:30 and Friday at 10.30, we break for refreshments and a chat at the mid-way point. There is no need to have played before as instructions and help will be on offer. There are no dress restrictions however shoes should be sympathetic to the mat.
Key Dates for 2024 for the Bowls Season
| Spring Meeting | Sunday 7th April |
| Ladies vs Gents | Saturday 20th April |
| Bank Holiday Drive | Monday 6th May |
| Bowls Big Weekend | Saturday 25th May |
| Bank Holiday Drive | Monday 27th May |
| Lady Captain’s Day | Friday 9th August |
| Billy Williams | Monday 26th August |
| Finals Weekend | Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September |
| Charity Triples Final | Sunday 15th September |
| Ladies vs Gents | Saturday 28th September |
| Bowls AGM | Sunday 27th October |
| Connaught Ladies’ Luncheon | Thursday 21st November |