Great Chesterford Bowls Club was formed in 1923 and has been an active part of the local community ever since. The club relocated from the centre of the village in the 1970’s to land adjacent to what is now the Chesterfords Community Centre. At that time the M11 was being finished and one of the site huts became the new Clubhouse. That building was rendered and became home for the club, but over time was beginning to outlive it’s practical and useful life and it became apparent that a new building was needed.

In late 2012 we commenced seeking grant monies to add to a generous legacy from one of our longest serving members, Bruce Elliott who sadly passed away in October 2011. It was always Bruce’s wish to ensure the longevity of the club and his dream to see a new Clubhouse – in fact he made a scale model of his vision a few years earlier. Grants from Essex County Council Big Society Fund, Uttlesford District Council Jubilee Fund, Stansted Airport Community Trust and Cambridge News Press Relief Fund were obtained and combining these with the club’s own reserves and Bruce’s legacy, the project costing some £54,000 got underway in September 2013. The ground workers, Hill Plant from Sawston were on site for three weeks demolishing the old clubhouse, levelling the ground and laying a base for the new building supplied by Passmores Portable Buildings Ltd of Strood, Kent.

After the professionals had finished many members set about decorating internally and installing electrics with, in the case of the latter, considerable help and guidance from local electrician Alan Head. A new kitchen supplied by a member’s son in law was fitted in January 2014 and flooring was laid.

On Sunday 18th May 2014 the new clubhouse was officially opened by Ruth Bruty and Simon Elliott, daughter and son of Bruce. A lovely sunny afternoon saw some 100 members, guests and Vice Presidents celebrate the occasion. Please see the gallery for some photos taken on the afternoon.

At our AGM in November 2018 we were delighted to welcome Colin Day as our new President.

In November 2022 we were very pleased to take delivery on a very large lorry with long reaching crane our new toilets. These comprise 2 separate cubicles fully fitted (one with disabled access) in a new bespoke container. The total project cost was approaching £20,000, with the help of grants totaling £4,750 from Uttlesford District Council, Stansted Airport Passenger Community Trust & Saffron Walden Round Table. The balance was found from the Club’s own resources which had accumulated with thanks to Covid Grants received during 2020.

Very sadly we lost two members, Graham Legg & Graham Ferguson in September & December 2022 respectively. Both had been two of the longest serving members & extremely active, with Graham Legg (Leggy) always helping out with green maintenance & hoovering the Clubhouse, & Graham Ferguson (Fergie) an excellent Captain of the Cambs & District League team for several years, including during the 2022 season when he was struggling with his illness. Both Grahams will be very sorely missed.