The construction of the Priory Garden Bowls Club in Wymondham began in 1959.
The work, carried out by the then Wymondham Urban District Council, was driven by an idea and funded by Dr George C Gaynor. MC. Following his retirement as a local GP, Dr Gaynor wanted to provide a bowling green for use by the residents, over the age of 60 years, in the retirement homes situated in Back Lane. He donated £200, worth nearly £6000 in 2025, from his retirement fund, to fund this construction. The initial stages of work involved demolishing the old Five Courts, previously used by Wymondham Grammar School. Construction of the bowling green was completed in June 1960, and the Priory Garden Bowls Club was formed the following year in1961. Dr Gaynor was elected as Club President.
Dr Gaynor saw the main objective of the Club, as detailed in its original Constitution, to “offer competitive opportunities in the playing of bowls, maintaining personal activity and peer companionship.”
In 2012, following two years of fundraising, the Town Mayor performed the official opening of a new clubhouse in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. In 2020, members voted to remove the age limit, and there is now no minimum age limit for joining the Club.
Priory Garden Bowls Club is open for play seven days a week between 10am and dusk from April to September. Members of all standards can play in their internal leagues and knock-out competitions, friendly competitive matches against other local clubs, as well as participating in external leagues. When there are no pre-organised matches, members are welcome to arrange their own roll-up sessions. It offers excellent value for money with a current annual subscription of just £25 and fees of only £2, whether it’s a competitive game or a roll-up.
When play stops for the autumn and winter, the Club offers the option to play the progressive whist card game every Monday in the Clubhouse, which is a great way to stay in touch with everyone. They also hold a quiz two to three times a year at Ogden Court.
The Priory Garden Bowls Club will be holding an Open Day on Saturday, 18th April 2026, between 11am and 4pm. Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you’re a beginner or have played bowls before. You will, however, need to wear trainers or flat shoes, but the Club will provide the bowls for you to have a try out if you don’t have your own. There’s a wonderful sense of camaraderie and team spirit at this Club, and it’s a great way to stay active, meet like-minded people and make new friends.
For further information, please email Karen Smith, Secretary, at admin@priorygardenbowls.co.uk. You can also check out our website.
