About Our Bowls Club
Bexleyheath & Barnehurst Bowls Club is one of several clubs in the Bexleyheath, Barnehurst, Belvedere and Erith area, but we like to think we offer something a little different. While we take the game seriously, we also value the social side of the club, which many of our members enjoy just as much as the bowling itself.
A number of our members have been with the club for over 30 years, and some even longer. While many live locally, others travel from over fifteen miles away—despite having clubs closer to home—because they appreciate the friendly and relaxed environment we aim to provide.
Our focus is on enjoying the game and encouraging participation, rather than placing too much emphasis on winning.
Find Our Bowls Club here
Bexleyheath & Barnehurst Bowls Club is located within Russell Park, Long Lane, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA7 5AR. You’ll find us opposite house numbers 34–36 look for the zebra crossing, which leads directly into the park. The club is just inside on the right.
Parking is available along Long Lane and in the surrounding streets. Many of these have no restrictions after midday, making access convenient for visitors.
Our Club's History
Bexleyheath & Barnehurst Bowls Club was founded in 1951 by members of St Martin’s Church in Barnehurst, beginning with just eleven members who initially played at Erith Bowling Green in Avenue Road. A Ladies Section was established shortly afterwards, in 1953.
In 1954, the club received permission to use the newly created bowling green in Russell Park, Long Lane, Bexleyheath. At that time, there were no pavilion facilities available. In 1961, the club officially adopted the name Bexleyheath & Barnehurst Bowls Club (BBBC).
Details about the original pavilion are unclear, though some members recall that the current pavilion was opened in 1978.
The Russell Park Consortium was formed in 1992 to oversee the running of the facilities. It was made up of members from the three clubs then using the green, with a committee representing each club. A few years later, Russell Park Ladies merged with Bexleyheath & Barnehurst Bowls Club, leaving the consortium consisting of Bexleyheath & Barnehurst Bowls Club and Helio Mirror Bowls Club—both of which continue to share use of the green and clubhouse.
Throughout the 1990s, various improvements were made to the facilities. In 2014, the club was awarded a £50,000 National Lottery grant from Sport England, which enabled extensive refurbishment of the clubhouse. This included the addition of a new extension with fully accessible access, providing greatly improved amenities for members.
Also in 2014, volunteers from both clubs took on the responsibility of maintaining the bowls green and surrounding areas. This dedicated effort has helped ensure a high-quality playing surface in a pleasant environment—a tradition that continues to this day.