Banbury Cross Indoor Bowls Club has celebrated its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of bowls, friendship and community.

The club, which is based at Woodgreen Leisure Centre, has marked the significant milestone with a major refurbishment of its hall, including a new carpet to replace the previous surface, which had been in place for around 15 years.

Members will also hold official celebrations to mark the club’s anniversary in the New Year with a special event.

But while the anniversary is a chance to look back, the club is also looking firmly towards the future.

Members of Banbury Cross Indoor Bowls Club raise a glass to the club’s history and future.

placeholder image — Members of Banbury Cross Indoor Bowls Club raise a glass to the club’s history and future.

Marketing officer Harry Barrett said the club’s community spirit was one of the things that had kept it going for seven decades.

“It pulls the community together,” he said. “It’s a fun game to do. Although people see it as for only older people, it’s far from it.

“We have younger teams, a youth academy and several players have gone on to play at county and national level.”

The club currently has more than 200 members and welcomes people of all ages and abilities to sessions held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Banbury Cross Indoor Bowls Club’s history dates back to 1950s, when indoor bowls was played at Banbury Winter Gardens in Calthorpe Street.

The venue hosted a range of activities, with the floor transformed for indoor bowls before being used for dancing, roller skating and even wrestling.

After the Winter Gardens closed, local bowlers continued the sport at the former Spiceball Sports Centre, where part of the sports hall was used for bowls.

The club eventually found a permanent home at Woodgreen, where it continues to operate today.

Alongside competitive leagues and club competitions, the club has a strong social side, with activities helping members to meet and make friends as well as enjoy the sport.

It also runs highly successful sessions for disabled bowlers, some of whom have gone on to represent England at international tournaments.

As Banbury Cross Indoor Bowls Club celebrates its 70th anniversary, its newly refurbished hall and growing involvement from younger players are helping to ensure there is plenty to look forward to for the next generation.

For more information about the club, visit:https://www.banburycrossibc.co.uk/about-us