Painswick Falcon Bowling Club, who have been in existence for more than 470 years, are looking forward to the next few months.

The 2026 season gets under way on Saturday at a club who were founded way back in 1554.

They are situated behind the Falcon Inn in the centre of Painswick and have some 50 members.

“We’re known as a club that punches above their weight,” said president John Newhill.

“We’ve got a lovely green. It is surrounded by grounds which include a gazebo that has just been repaired and a pavilion with a bar which overlooks the green.”

The club stage county matches and certainly have a very busy schedule.

“We play in three leagues,” continued Newhill.

“We play in the South Gloucestershire Sunday Morning Men’s League, the Monday Evening Ladies’ Stroud Triples League and the Tuesday Men’s Evening League.

“We also play midweek and weekend friendly matches against other local clubs throughout the season.” 

Overlooking the green is the pavilion which was opened in 1996 by bowls legend Tony Allcock, who was a multiple world champion back in the day and is an honorary life member of the club.

The club are continuing to look to grow and are holding an Open Day on Saturday 9^th May (2pm).

“Everyone is welcome,” said Newhill. “Please wear flat shoes, bowls are provided and club members will introduce you to the game.

“It is a great friendly game. It is played outside in the fresh air and in the company of friends. It keeps you fit and supple. If you play 21 ends, which we can sometimes, that’s three miles of walking.

“We’re a very friendly club and are run by an elected committee and members who oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the green and grounds.

“Without all this help, there would not be a club.”

Club captain Rob Goddard is one of many familiar faces at the club. His family have a long association with Painswick Falcon Bowling Club and his grandfather Tom played for the county and England.

The club’s longest serving members are Tony and Myra Savage. Myra is an honorary life member of the Gloucestershire Bowls Association.

Anyone interested in joining Painswick Falcon Bowling Club can call John Newhill on 07375 636060 or Myra Savage on 01452 538589.