History

The Formation of NSMBA (1989)

In the summer of 1989, a number of community-led facilities were approached by Comsport, an organisation set up by the county council at the behest of the then government to facilitate more exercise and wellbeing for the over 50’s.

Led by Judith Percival and ably assisted by Gary Hammersley, a meeting was held on the 13th July in order to set up the association. £100 was given by the County Council to support the initial set up. The first elected Chair was Jock Boyle from Harpole, assisted by Dennis Shepherd from Overstone/Sywell (Vice-Chair). Peggy Howell of Moulton was elected as Secretary, with Chris Pink (Scott Bader) as Competition Secretary and Den Woolford as Treasurer. Lotte Sanders (Overstone) and Una Woolford (Deanshanger) jointly became Social Secretaries. It was agreed that Northamptonshire Short Mat Bowls Association would officially come into being on 1st October 1989.

Early Membership and Growth

There was a firm commitment for membership from a wide range of clubs including Abington, Brookside, Cotswold, Crick, Deanshanger, Harpole, Moulton, Overstone/Sywell, Ravensthorpe, Rushden, St Johns Kettering, Scott Bader, Welford, Wellingborough Victoria, West Haddon, Woodford Halse and Yelvertoft. Interest was also shown from Guilsborough, Creaton, Little Harrowden and St Andrews Kettering.

Whilst initially set up as an activity for the over 50’s, interest quickly grew beyond expectations. Day leagues were soon established, and by 1990, evening teams had also formed, leading to the development of both formats.

Expansion Across the County

The county team was formed, with the first match played at Rascals (Lavendon) in 1991 against Hampshire. The following years saw rapid expansion, with clubs joining from across the county—from Corby in the north to Milton Keynes in the south and Middleton Cheney in the west.

New competitions were introduced, including a Knockout Cup, with the overall day league winners competing against the evening league winners for the County Rose Bowl.

Venues, Competitions and Development

County qualifiers evolved from a simple knockout format into a round-robin group system, allowing players to enjoy a full day of competitive play. As participation grew, finding suitable venues became increasingly challenging. The association moved from Deanshanger School to Northampton College, before establishing a strong base at Roade School.

At its peak, events regularly required 16 or more mats, with large numbers of entries across singles, pairs, triples and fours competitions. Later venues included the Wasp Centre in Wellingborough and Brackley Indoor Bowls Club. In more recent years, participation levels have declined, and facilities have been adapted accordingly.

Success at National Level

NSMBA players have achieved notable success at national level. Howard Toms (Rascals) was the first player selected for the England team, followed by Chris Hopkins (Deanshanger).

Northamptonshire’s first national title came in the Triples, won by Steve McAlister and Chris Hopkins (Potterspury Magpies) with Neil Hughes (Yardley Gobion). Further successes followed:

• 2001: Triples title (Godman, Hopkins, Manley)
• 2001: Mixed Fours title (Manley, Hopkins, Hopkins, Fletcher)
• 2006: Triples title (Smith, Hall, Lawson)
• 2012: Triples title and British Isles crown
• 2014: Fours title and British Isles crown

The Over 55 Pairs competition, introduced in 2017, was won by Northamptonshire in 2020 by Chris Hopkins and Stephen McAlister.

Looking Ahead

Today, the association faces challenges with declining player numbers and club participation. It is important that members continue to support and promote the sport to ensure its future.

NSMBA is now based at Bridgman Bowls Club in Harrold, where players can enjoy a high-quality playing surface and a welcoming environment. Whether you are new to the sport or returning after a break, there is always an opportunity to get involved and enjoy short mat bowls.