Avon Valley Bowls Club
When Avon Valley Bowls Club in Warwickshire decided to explore the possibility of introducing pétanque to their local community, little did they know how popular the sport would prove to be.
It was in 2024 that the club, based in Upper Lighthorne, first started looking into creating a dedicated space where the village’s rapidly-growing population could try their hand at the sport, which is similar to bowls and offers people of all ages and abilities a great way to get active.
As demand continued to grow, the club applied to the Sport England Movement Fund for help to improve their facilities. With support from Think Active – who had previously helped fund a Bowls for Health project at the club – they were able to secure more than £5,000 from the Movement Fund alongside additional contributions from the club and Upper Lighthorne Town Council.
That enabled the club to invest in a brand new playing surface which was officially opened to the public in June 2026, providing a purpose-built pétanque facility better aligned with competition play.
They also acquired a storage shed and additional playing equipment, along with solar lighting and sheltered seating for players and spectators, meaning they could continue to offer playing opportunities even during inclement weather and throughout the dark winter months.
The club also has future plans to deliver a six-week Pétanque for Health programme, giving non-members and beginners an introduction to the sport as a way to meet other people and keep active.
