The inspiring survival story of Ilfracombe Bowls Club

Twelve months ago, the Captain and remaining senior players at Ilfracombe Bowls Club were privately contemplating the real possibility of closure.

Following the loss of another two great players, this time to USBC, failure to compete in the County Trophy and down to 13 men, with only nine available to play; many with family members fully dependant on their care and support, even the Triples League this year looked unlikely. 

With just 36 playing members remaining, and 16 only playing indoor short mat, the winter looked very difficult indeed. It took the determination of a Club President still fighting back from serious illness, a dedicated Club Captain and a Committee committed to turning the Club around. 

Together, they have transformed this Club into a vibrant community hub of friendship, fun and laughter. Ilfracombe reached the finals of Foxlands to be played next Tuesday and have hopefully secured promotion to Division 2 next season. 

“We now have 29 ladies and 28 gentlemen playing indoors & outdoors, plus 16 indoor only, 73 members with seven interested and six members of other clubs wishing to join,” said Club Secretary Noel Greaney.

“We are seriously considering a move from an application to an invitation process to protect the positive energy, vibe and friendliness amongst all our current members. Their words not mine!

“We have a target of 100 playing members by December 31 and this is a shared commitment among all our members. 

“We are quietly competitive, having lost only one friendly this year, beating a Cheltenham touring team this week, with seven of our players debuting, having played for less than 6-8 weeks. They are truly energised! 

“We have recently attracted three impressive young men to the sport, and one young man back to the sport; because of the friendliness, family values and respect for tradition, but with a 21C edginess. They will never be drawn away by the promise of elite squads. They are drawn to our ambition to grow a members Club that can improve and compete together.

“We all believe that our team dynamic and chemistry, the healthy camaraderie and protective nature towards our older players, gives us an edge when playing individually great players. We are learning how to win together, not win at any cost.

“I am so proud of the members who hung in there through Covid and all the challenges, and chose not to walk away, despite many, many invitations from other Bowling Clubs.

“I'm hopeful that our journey will resonate and inspire other small Clubs.”