Mayor opens refurbished bowling green at Fleming Park
Members of Fleming Park and Parkside Bowling Clubs came together last week to celebrate the official opening of their new Council-funded artificial bowling green; the ceremony was performed by the Mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Janice Asman.
The previous green was very worn and uneven and was further damaged by a fire in 2022, limiting its use. Funding from the Eastleigh Local Area Committee enabled a full refurbishment, including a high-quality artificial carpet installed to World Bowls standards, along with a new tarmac surround to replace uneven paving slabs, improving accessibility and safety for all users.
The Mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Janice Asman, said: “Bowls is a fantastic sport that provides many physical, mental and social wellbeing outcomes for those that take part or who are part of a club. I am delighted to have been able to formally open the new green and hope that the bowls clubs and the wider community will enjoy using the facility for many years to come.”
The new surface will enable more frequent play throughout the year and support both clubs’ ambitions to grow their membership and increase community participation.
The opening event included a traditional game of ‘spider’, where participants bowl towards a target at the centre of the green. The activity raised funds for the Mayor’s charities.
Alison Anderson-Sanger, President of Fleming Park Bowling Club, said: “The old green had disintegrated and we had fire damage to one of the rinks, so there was a part we couldn’t use. The refurbished facility has now given us more play area.”
Charlie Bumstead, Treasurer and Past President of Parkside Bowling Club, added: “The new green is not just beneficial to members of the club, it’s also beneficial to the general public as well who can book though the leisure centre or contact either club. I joined at 27 years-old, I had broken my ankle and had to have time off work, the lads at work said ‘come down and play bowls’, I said ‘don’t be silly that’s an old man’s game!’, It’s not, it’s for youngsters and I wish I had started it when I was younger. It’s really good, everybody’s friendly, you’re doing something physical, you’re out in the fresh air and enjoying yourself.”
An open day will take place on 17 May from 12 noon to 4pm at Parkside Bowling Club, Kornwestheim Way, Eastleigh SO50 9NL, where residents can try bowls for free.