Norbreck Bowling and Tennis Club Opens

Norbreck Bowling and Tennis Club has been a cornerstone of the local community since its founding in October 1931. Established by landowner Walter Spencer, the club was created as a recreational and social centre for the growing Norbreck area. Originally located on what is now the Clovelly Avenue car park, the club moved to its present site just before the Second World War, where it has continued to flourish for more than ninety years.

In its early years, the club quickly grew in popularity, boasting 250 members by 1938 and even maintaining a waiting list. Two full-sized snooker tables were donated by members in the 1930s and remain in use to this day. In 1940, the club purchased 27 Delphene Avenue for £1,761, which became the home for its stewards and still serves that purpose. During World War II, the club played a part in supporting the local war effort, hosting fundraising dances and serving as a recruitment venue for the American forces. The dance floor still bears the marks of this history, with the sawed-off bases of the original partition posts visible to this day.

After the war, the club continued to grow and modernise. It became a limited company and adopted the former Bispham with Norbreck Council coat of arms as its emblem. In 1962, a new bar was added at a cost of £1,440, and shortly after, new bowls and tennis huts were built for £2,000.

Today, Norbreck Bowling and Tennis Club remains one of the Fylde Coast’s best-loved community venues. It features a beautifully maintained bowling green, two refurbished all-weather tennis courts, a snooker room with two full-sized tables, pool and darts facilities, a newly installed pétanque court, and a large bar and function room for social events.

Bowling is at the heart of the club’s activities, offering both friendly and competitive play. Teams compete in local men’s and ladies’ leagues, while beginners and social players are encouraged to get involved. The club runs a comprehensive weekly bowls programme from March onwards:

• Monday: Introduction to Bowls (6.00pm – 8.00pm). A beginner and practice session open to everyone. Bowls are provided, and friendly bowlers are on hand to offer help and advice.
• Tuesday: Open Practice Session (10.00am – 12.00 noon). A relaxed opportunity for members to come along and play at their own pace.
• Friday: Afternoon Scramble Session (1.30pm). A mixed, social bowling session that welcomes all players for a friendly game.
• Sunday: Club Competitions. Regular competitions take place throughout the season, with details available in the club’s calendar.
• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (mornings): The green is open to members until 12.00 noon, before league matches begin in the afternoon.
• Saturday: The green is available for practice or casual play in the morning and afternoon until 4.00pm, with league matches beginning at 6.00pm.

Members are asked to be mindful of regular maintenance work, including watering and mowing, which may take place during open sessions.

The tennis section of the club is equally strong and has undergone major improvements in recent years. The two artificial grass courts were fully refurbished and officially reopened by club president Maggie Campion on 20 August 2022. One court is floodlit to allow play into the evening. The club is LTA Tennismark (Clubmark) accredited, ensuring high standards of safety, coaching, and organisation. Members can take part in social tennis, tournaments, and team competitions, as well as structured coaching sessions for all ages and abilities. Norbreck currently fields two men’s teams, one ladies’ team, and a junior boys’ team in the Fylde Tennis League, and also competes in county events.

Beyond sport, Norbreck Bowling and Tennis Club remains a welcoming social space for the community. Its function room and bar host a range of events, from parties and fundraisers to casual get-togethers. The club continues to uphold the original vision set out in 1931: to bring people together through recreation, camaraderie, and shared enjoyment. With its rich history, modern facilities, and friendly atmosphere, it stands as a proud and enduring part of Norbreck’s heritage.