A Brief History

Hadlow Bowls Club was formed in 1936 and played on rented ground in Court Lane, Hadlow.

In 1962 the then owner sold the land for building development. As a result during the 1963 season Hadlow had no green to play on, and Pembury Bowls Club was kind enough to allow Hadlow to use their green for home matches.  In fact, although with no ground of their own, Hadlow won the Weald League in that season! 

In 1963 a new green was laid on land belonging to Hillreed (Builders) Ltd and a 20 year lease was granted to the Club. This was subsequently extended to December 1998 after which time Hillreed took up their right to build on the land.

As the Club expected to be evicted, discussions took place with Hadlow College with a view to siting a new green within the bounds of the College.  Whilst the College looked favourably on the proposal nothing materialised as Hillreed were not given the planning permission they needed to build on the green. The Club was reprieved and was allowed to remain on the site, paying a peppercom rent of £1 per annum.

The possible demise of the Club acted as a spur to the members to improve it's finances which more than doubled at the time and have continued to improve and remain stable in subsequent years.

Around 1963 the Clubhouse was acquired second hand.  Over time it understandably began to show its age so steps were taken in 2007 to refurbish the premises starting with replacement of the doors and windows. With the help of grants from KCC Sports Development unit and the Hadlow Parish Council this was done in November 2007 and was followed by a complete internal redecoration by a very active Working Party.  This redecoration stood the test of time until, 18 years later, in the 2025-6 closed season, a further complete internal redecoration and refurbishment was done based around the Club's logo colours of green and blue.  It now looked fresh, light and superb for the 2026 season!  The Clubhouse is used not only to provide changing facilities but is also available for coffee mornings, committee meetings, social evenings for members and guests, and the annual Table Sale.

Around 2010 the Club water tanks for the irrigation system were renewed thanks largely to grants from the Awards for All Lottery Fund and Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council which kept the cost to the Club funds to a minimum.

In 2023 the Club made the significant step of creating a web site.  The aim of the site is to inform members and the general public about the club, to advertise matches and their results, to celebrate competition winners, and to post significant or otherwise interesting pictures of Club life.

In early 2024 Hadlow Bowls Club was approached by Plaxtol Investments, who had taken over the ground from Hillreed, stating that they wanted to rationalise their investments. The Club was offered the opportunity to enter a new lease at a hugely increased annual rent or to buy the ground at an inflated price.  Both sums were negotiated down to more reasonable figures, whereupon the Club Committee entered prolonged, detailed and exhausting discussions of the options. During these discussions Hadlow Parish Council were approached and asked if they might wish to purchase the ground and lease it back to the Club, a proposal that came to nothing.  Eventually, in May 2024 the Committee wrote to all Members explaining that the Committee had decided to go down the route of a new lease agreement.  In February 2025 a new 28 year lease with rent reviews every seven years was finally agreed by all parties, and three new Trustees were appointed replacing the previous Trustees who had apparently died many years previously!

The whole business of renewing the lease had put a very big strain on the club finances (and on the Committee Members!) as the questions went to and fro and the bills from the appointed solicitors grew and grew!  At some point in the past the Club had acquired Community Amateur Sports Club status. When it was realised that this status afforded the Club Gift Aid status, separate fund was established and all donations to the club were thereafter able to be increased by 25% by tax reclaim.  This, and very generous donations, allowed the club to get through this otherwise financially draining time and remain healthily solvent. 

Other events in 2024 saw the installation of a removable electric fence round the rink to deter foxes which had become a nuisance, and huge plastic flying creatures could be seen when the ground was not in use to deter birds!  Also that year the Club appointed a Safeguarding Officer in line with national guidance.

In 2025 the club installed a defibrillator for the safety of all visiting the Club.  The club also started its Facebook page this year to further promote the club.  

As the 2026 season began, Bar Zero opened in the clubhouse, selling a range of alcohol free drinks (the club does not have an alcohol license).

Over the years the Club has had a fairly steady membership of around 50 playing members and a handful of non-playing social members. There are also Horary Memberships, which have been granted to long term members who have given valuable service to the Club.  The Club is managed by a Committee of usually 12 members.

The green is in use during the season on most days of the week and several evenings each week for matches or friendly games. The Club is affiliated to the Weald and Sevenoaks leagues with moderate success each year, having won the Weald League a number of times. Friendly matches are played on most Saturday's and Sunday's and some weekdays throughout the summer. Combined league and friendly matches add up to some 80 fixtures for the club during the season.