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CAMBRIDGE CHESTERTON IBC: CONTINUALLY INVESTING IN THE FUTURE |
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Eight indoor rinks, a modern bar,
100-seat restaurant and facilities that have undergone significant
investment in recent years, the club shows a real commitment to
members and is also establishing itself as a valued community venue. The origins of Cambridge Chesterton can be traced back to 1968, when the outdoor club relocated from Milton Road to Logans Way. Around the same time, a Sports Council report recommended that an indoor bowls club should be opened in the Cambridge area, with the land adjacent to the outdoor club identified as the ideal location. Plans were drawn up in 1972, but before construction could begin the club needed to raise £15,000 to secure council backing and the necessary grant funding. Support came from a range of organisations, including local councils, the Sports Council, Greene King, Premier Travel and the sale of life memberships. Construction began in late 1973, with H.Y. Morris & Sons of Ely appointed as contractors.  Members also played a significant role in the development. To reduce costs, volunteers installed the heating system and completed much of the interior woodwork, creating a facility that reflected the commitment of the local bowls community. The original building opened with six indoor rinks and a bar but no restaurant facilities. As the club developed, so did its ambitions. In 1995, proposals were developed to expand the building with two additional rinks, a kitchen and restaurant. A Lottery grant of £232,000 helped fund the £421,000 project, with the extension completed in just seven months during 1997. Investment has continued in recent years. In 2022, the club installed international-standard LED lighting, a laser-levelled playing surface and blue carpet on rinks one to six. The remaining rinks received the same lighting upgrade in 2024, while 2025 saw the introduction of a new electronic scoreboard and a major refurbishment of the club's toilet and changing facilities, supported by a £75,000 grant from the local council.  A
venue for the wider communityCambridge Chesterton has evolved into what it is today. During Covid-19 the club was selected as a regional vaccination centre, with more than 90,000 vaccinations administered from the site. The initiative provided valuable income for the club while also attracting more than 500 people through a promotional membership offer. The club has also welcomed a number of high-profile productions. During the filming of Netflix's The Crown, more than 400 cast and crew used the venue as a production base while filming took place across Cambridge's colleges. In 2024, MGM/Amazon returned to the club during production of a film starring Julia Roberts.  Together, the two productions generated more than £60,000, income that has helped support ongoing investment in the club. Local businesses regularly use the club for corporate events and Cambridge College of Arts and Technology (CATS) hosts exams on the back rinks. A welcoming club The club's membership ranges in age from 11 to 97, which was reflected in 2021 when BBC's The One Show featured the oldest and youngest members. Chief Executive Officer Kevin Kent emphasises the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere, supported by a large team of volunteers who contribute across every aspect of club life. Despite being in one of the country's strongest bowls areas, Cambridge Chesterton strives to celebrate individual achievements. Neil Whitehead claimed the National Novice Singles title in the 2023/24 season, providing success on the national stage. For new players, free coaching sessions are offered every Tuesday and Thursday, with a first-year introductory membership for £20 and the opportunity to try bowls free of charge on three occasions before joining. Qualified coaches are available to support beginners as they develop their game, while four modified wheelchairs ensure the club is accessible to para bowlers.  Community involvement remains an important part of club life: each
year, the club president selects a local charity to support, with
members raising funds through a variety of initiatives. One of the
most successful encourages members to donate to the charity instead
of exchanging Christmas cards, with contributors' names displayed on
the club's big screens. This has raised more than £5,000 for local
charities over the past three years.Kevin also continues to explore opportunities to introduce more young people to bowls, although engaging local schools has proved challenging. Hosting major events Recent investment has enabled Cambridge Chesterton to establish itself as a venue for national and international bowls events. Hosting the World Bowls Tour UK Open marked an important milestone, with the event bringing together the top 16 players alongside 16 qualifiers, giving members the opportunity to watch elite bowls at close quarters. "Delivering an event of this scale required more than 40 volunteers each day, whose efforts helped ensure its success," said Kevin. "Following positive feedback from the World Bowls Tour, we have been awarded a minimum two-year extension to continue hosting the competition."  Looking ahead The club's priority is to continue improving its facilities while maintaining affordable membership fees. Like many bowls clubs, Cambridge Chesterton recognises that membership income alone is not enough to meet rising costs. Generating revenue through commercial events, venue hire and partnerships will remain an important part of its long-term plans, alongside an ongoing programme of refurbishment and investment. While success on the green is always welcomed, the club's primary focus is providing an inclusive, safe and enjoyable environment for its members, while ensuring the facilities continue to develop for future generations. Sian Honor We' d love to know what bowls means to you, get in touch at info@eiba.co.uk Previous Article - DESBOROUGH IBC: WHERE HISTORY MEETS AMBITION |
August 2026
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