Only Kimberley Town and PE Bowling Club surpass the Beaconsfield Park Bowling Club in age and tradition, highlighting its enduring presence in the region’s sporting landscape.
Nestled in the heart of Kimberley, the Beaconsfield Park Bowling Club has, over the years, become a cherished destination for lawn bowling enthusiasts and a hub for community engagement.
Officially opened in 1927, this club has a rich history and a commitment to promoting the sport of lawn bowls within Kimberley and beyond.
Technically, Beaconsfield Park Bowling Green Club was founded on October 21 1926, at a meeting at the Halfway House Hotel, under the chairmanship of C Vincent Hartley, the then president of the Griqualand West Bowling Association.
Situated just off Carrington Road, the club offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for players of all skill levels. The meticulously maintained greens serve as the perfect backdrop for friendly matches and tournaments, and the club’s facilities make for inviting social gatherings.
With a strong sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship, the club welcomes individuals of all ages who take pride in their craft, with members and visitors finding a sense of belonging within its walls.
Beyond the competitive aspect of the sport, the Beaconsfield Park Bowling Club plays an active role in fostering a vibrant bowling culture. Regular competitions and events keep the competitive spirit alive and ensure that the club remains a thriving centre of activity.
The clubhouse, with its welcoming ambiance and comfortable facilities, serves as a social hub for members. It becomes a place for post-match celebrations, social events, and casual get-togethers where friendships are formed, memories are shared, and the club truly becomes a home away from home for its members.
The club’s dedication to the sport of lawn bowls, coupled with its warm and inclusive environment, makes it a cherished institution for both players and spectators alike. It stands as a beacon of tradition, community, and sportsmanship in Kimberley.
The Beaconsfield Park Bowling Club proudly holds the title of being the third-oldest bowling club in the country. Only Kimberley Town and PE Bowling Club surpass it in age and tradition, highlighting its enduring presence in the region’s sporting landscape.
This year, the club celebrates the 64th edition of its popular and highly-anticipated Winter Rinks tournament. The tournament kicks off today (Friday) and runs until Sunday, when later in the afternoon the prizes will be handed out.
Drawing participants from near and far, including Klerksdorp, Bloemfontein, Namibia, Hanover, Prieska, Schweizer-Reneke, Hartswater, and, of course, Kimberley. The tournament showcases top-notch talent and exemplifies the club’s reputation of excellence.
Speaking to the DFA, club president Barry Minopetros, announced that the Beaconsfield Park Bowls Club was delighted to announce that John Deere Financial would be the main sponsor of this year’s Winter Rinks tournament.
This partnership underscores the shared commitment to promoting the sport and fostering a sense of community within the bowling fraternity.
This year’s tournament offers an impressive prize pool with R67,000 in cash being divided between the top six teams, as well as additional prizes for each team. These rewards recognise the players’ skills, dedication, and competitive spirit that characterise the Winter Rinks.
Minopetros went on to extend a warm welcome to all the participants who have travelled from far and wide to take part in this annual event. The popularity of the tournament, he said, is evident, as entries were filled three months in advance. He added that the club extended its appreciation to the local businesses whose support and planning contributed to the setting up of this year’s event.
“To all the bowlers, the club offers its best wishes for good bowling,” Minopetros said. “The tournament not only provides an opportunity for thrilling competition but also serves as a platform to forge new friendships, rekindle old connections, and embrace the camaraderie that permeates the weekend.”
Bowling is a sport for everyone, transcending age barriers and allowing families to participate together, creating moments of shared excitement and friendly competition.
Therefore, as the Winter Rinks tournament unfolds, the Beaconsfield Park Bowling Club remains committed to upholding the values of the sport and fostering an environment of inclusivity, sportsmanship, and celebration.
The club eagerly anticipates the unforgettable moments and cherished memories that will be created on the greens of Beaconsfield Park this weekend.
So, if you would like to witness some of the best bowling the country – as well as our neighbours from Namibia – has to offer, then you should make a point of visiting the Beaconsfield Park Bowls Club over the weekend.
Who knows, maybe you like what you see, and you could be carrying the tradition further into the future.
