Guess who’s turning the big 1-0-0? Southend’s very own Alexandra Bowls Club! They’re celebrating a century of strikes and spares with a fantastic community match and an art exhibition. But it’s not just about history; they’re rolling out big plans for the next 100 years. Will you be part of their next chapter?
Alexandra Bowls Club in Southend marks a significant milestone, celebrating its 100-year anniversary this weekend with grand plans for community engagement and future prosperity. This historic Southend Bowls Club is not just looking back at a century of spirited competition but also forward, aiming to secure its legacy for another hundred years. The celebration underscores the enduring spirit of local sports and community dedication.
The centennial festivities at Alexandra Bowls Club, situated on Alexandra Road, are set to transform the green into a vibrant hub of activity. Starting Saturday afternoon at 2 pm, the club invites residents and enthusiasts alike to partake in an afternoon filled with fierce yet friendly competition, alongside a nostalgic journey through its rich history. This event is a testament to the club’s deep roots within the local community.
A highlight of the day will be a highly anticipated celebratory match, pitting current Alexandra players against a formidable team comprising representatives from nine other bowls clubs across the borough. This friendly rivalry is designed to foster camaraderie and showcase the talent within the local bowls scene. The air will be thick with the anticipation of strategic plays and convivial banter, embodying the true spirit of bowls.
Paul Ludlow, the 48-year-old bowls captain, expressed immense pride in reaching this remarkable Centennial Celebration. He acknowledged the challenges faced by many traditional clubs, particularly in attracting new members, stating, “I think it’s amazing to get to 100 years, given we have a small membership and finding new blood is increasingly difficult.” His words highlight the importance of community support for such historic institutions.
The celebration day is strategically designed as a platform to attract fresh faces and inject new vitality into the club. Ludlow articulated the club’s hope to “show that it’s good fun, no stress and a great location with great people.” To further this goal, the club will host casual open evenings every Wednesday, offering a relaxed environment for anyone curious to try their hand at bowls and discover the joy of the sport. These initiatives are crucial for Club Regeneration.
Beyond the sporting events, the club grounds and the on-site café, La Petite Petanque, will host a unique art exhibition. Running from September 7 to October 6, this exhibition will feature a captivating collection of photos and artifacts that chronicle the club’s journey and its significant role in the Community Events of Southend. This cultural offering adds another layer to the club’s community outreach efforts.
The exhibition and surrounding initiatives have received vital support from the National Lottery, providing essential funding. This financial boost will also contribute to a significant regeneration project within the Clifftown conservation area, specifically earmarked for a “facelift” for the bowls green. Dilapidated wooden fences will be replaced with elegant new iron railings, enhancing the aesthetics and longevity of the grounds. This aligns with broader efforts by Bowls England to support local clubs.
Captain Ludlow underscored the ongoing need for collective effort, stating, “We could do with more help to renovate the green and keep us going for another 100 years to come.” This appeal highlights that while the centennial marks a proud achievement, the journey of preservation and growth is continuous, relying on the enthusiasm and dedication of its members and the wider community to ensure a bright future for this cherished institution.
