For many residents, Pulborough Bowls Club is a familiar sight tucked away beside the village recreation ground. Yet behind the neatly trimmed green lies one of Pulborough's longest-established sporting organisations, a club whose story stretches back more than a century and continues to evolve today.

Founded in 1922, Pulborough Lawn Bowls Club celebrated its centenary in 2022, marking 100 years of sporting achievement, friendship and community spirit. Few local clubs can claim such longevity, and fewer still can point to a future that appears just as vibrant as its past.

What makes the club particularly remarkable is that it has successfully combined a 100-year heritage with active youth development and county-level competition, ensuring bowls remains relevant to a new generation of players while retaining its traditional values.

From village pastime to century-old institution

The club added special commemorative fixtures during its centenary year, welcoming Sussex County Bowls, Past Presidents and the West Sussex Tourists as part of the celebrations. These events recognised the club's place within the wider Sussex bowls community and highlighted its enduring contribution to the sport.

Today, members enjoy a six-rink green, clubhouse, changing facilities, licensed bar and winter short-mat bowls activities, making the club a year-round social hub as well as a sporting venue.

Success on and off the green

Recent years have seen Pulborough continue to punch above its weight competitively.

The club's mixed team finished third in the Brooks Motors League Division One in 2026, recording 43 points and a positive shot difference of +66. Meanwhile, the men's side retained its place in Division One of the West Sussex League, competing against some of the strongest clubs in the county.

County-level success has followed too. In 2026, Steve Adsett and Nicola Pells reached the Sussex Mixed Pairs Area Final, while club members have continued to represent Pulborough in regional competitions and invitation tournaments across Sussex.

The club's own championships remain fiercely contested. Recent winners have included John Brown as Men's Champion and Jane Gray as Ladies Champion, while Marc Pells collected multiple honours including the Novice Cup, Two Wood Championship and Captain's Cup. [

Honouring those who built the club

Like many long-established village organisations, Pulborough Bowls Club is built on the dedication of generations of volunteers and players.

Among those fondly remembered is George Lewis, whose contribution to the club is commemorated each year through the George Lewis Handicap Pairs competition. The annual event continues to attract strong support and serves as a reminder of the people who helped shape the club over the decades.

Current members such as Jane Gray, Malcolm Gray, Marc Pells, John Brown and many others continue that tradition through coaching, administration, competition and community outreach.

Investing in the next generation

Perhaps the biggest challenge facing bowls clubs nationally is attracting younger players. Pulborough appears to be meeting that challenge head-on.

The club regularly opens its doors to beginners and has worked with local schools to introduce children to the sport. During 2026, pupils from St Mary's Church of England Primary School visited the club to learn the basics of lawn bowls and experience the game first hand.

Young bowlers are increasingly visible within club competitions too. Players including Poppy Pells and Alfie Fuller have featured prominently in club events, demonstrating that bowls is no longer viewed solely as a pastime for older generations.

The club describes bowls as a "sport for all", welcoming players of every age and ability.

An affordable way to get involved

For anyone curious about trying the sport, the barriers to entry are surprisingly low.

Newcomers are offered three free taster sessions, with the club providing bowls for beginners. The only requirement is a pair of flat-soled shoes.

For membership details click here. There are three membership categories: Full, Associate and Junior.

Practice sessions take place on Monday and Friday evenings from April through September, providing plenty of opportunities for people to try the game in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

More than a sports club

In an era when many traditional community organisations face declining membership, Pulborough Bowls Club offers a different story. It has preserved a century of local sporting heritage while embracing new players, encouraging young talent and continuing to compete at a high level across Sussex.

That combination of history, community and ambition is rare. As it enters its second century, Pulborough Bowls Club remains not simply a place to play bowls, but a living example of how village organisations can adapt, thrive and continue serving their communities for generations to come.

For more information click here