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DESBOROUGH IBC: WHERE HISTORY MEETS AMBITION |
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The club's story stretches back
more than 100 years, when William Grenfell, the 1st Baron
Desborough, founded the club and donated the land on which it would
flourish. An accomplished athlete, politician and passionate
sportsman, Lord Desborough left a legacy that still shapes the club
today. Its first match was played against High Wycombe in July 1907, while Lady Desborough later granted permission for the family coat of arms to become the club's badge, which remains in use today. Like many long-established clubs, Desborough has evolved alongside society. The journey towards equality for women within the club reflected changing times, with the ladies' section finally established in 1962 after years of gradual progress. Built by its members In 1966, Desborough's members funded the construction of an indoor bowls club beside the outdoor green, at a cost of £33,000. As Maidenhead expanded, the club seized the opportunity to relocate to a purpose-built home at Green Lane half a mile down the road from the former club. Opening in 2019, the new venue has transformed what the club can offer, with eight indoor rinks, six outdoor rinks, spacious social areas, modern meeting facilities and greatly improved parking. The move was far more than a change of address, the new clubhouse has become one of the finest indoor bowls facilities in the country - it is a venue designed not just for today's members, but for future generations of bowlers. Perhaps more importantly, the club has become a genuine community hub, welcoming everyone from walking groups and art classes to charities and local organisations. Parkinson's groups, dyslexia groups and Windsor Royals Disabled Bowls Team all make use of the facilities, while regular fundraising supports Thames Hospice and other local initiatives.  Its modern facilities have opened doors to people who may never previously have considered bowls, creating opportunities to connect with the local community in meaningful ways. Every newcomer is welcomed by a volunteer 'buddy', helping them settle into club life before qualified coaches support their development on the green. It's a simple idea, but one that reflects the club's friendly culture. The club is a designated Centre of Excellence for Coach Bowls, and has a number of level 1 and level 2 coaches among its ranks. General Secretary Stephen McAlister said: "The vision is to develop a 'coaching culture' within the club whereby players of all levels see the benefits from coaches and have easy access to tools and drills which will help them develop their game." Young people are a particular focus, with school festivals, PE sessions and youth open days are already introducing hundreds of children to bowls, with plans to launch a dedicated youth section. Alongside this, the club is developing a coaching culture where players of every ability have access to guidance, support and opportunities to improve. Desborough has just over 600 members and although numbers declined significantly after Covid, the club has added 200 new members in the past two years. "We are very fortunate to receive lots of positive feedback from everyone who visits," said Stephen. "The move was managed by our previous General Secretary (and long term member), Roger Wyatt. His drive and vision created the club we have today - of which we are incredibly proud. One of the best, if not the best, facility in the country. We often forget the incredible effort that was involved in the planning and managing of the transition." A stage for the sport Desborough's honours board speaks for itself, with national titles, Denny Cup success and Yetton Trophy victories. Debbie Stavrou made history by winning consecutive World Indoor Championship titles, while the late Mary Price established herself as one of bowls' true greats through success at World Championships, Commonwealth Games and countless national competitions. Her contribution to both the club and the sport continues to inspire.  Current
members continue to uphold those standards. Commonwealth Games
medallist and inaugural Bowls England High Performance Director John
McGuinness remains an influential figure within the club, while
long-serving member Len Essex has helped shape one of the most
successful eras in Desborough's history through his leadership of
its championship-winning teams during his 43 years at the club.But Desborough's reputation extends well beyond its own membership. In recent months the club has welcomed the Ladies Under-25 International Series and hosted Bowls England's Commonwealth Games preparation matches, giving members the chance to watch elite players perform just a few feet away. Stephen said: "There is a degree of pressure to make sure every event is delivery successfully and it's down to the huge efforts of a number of volunteers that we managed it. A large amount of planning is involved and lots of helpful advice from Peter Thompson (EIBA) and Mo Monkton (Bowls England) has been immensely useful. "It is fantastic to be able to watch such high quality bowling up close - especially the Commonwealth Games test matches between England and Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It was a real treat for our members and those who came long to watch. "It's also appropriate to make good use of such a modern and high quality facility like Desborough. So, while it's a challenge to prepare for each event, I think it's good for the Desborough green to be put to beneficial use and to become a useful venue for EIBA/Bowls England." For the volunteers who make these events happen, it's a huge undertaking. For spectators, it's an unforgettable experience. And for the sport, it demonstrates exactly what a modern bowls club can offer. Sian Honor We' d love to know what bowls means to you, get in touch at info@eiba.co.uk Previous Article - UK COACHING WEEK: MAL EVANS ON WHY COACHING MATTERS IN BOWLS |
July 2026
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