About us

As part of 'Bowls Canterbury' we are an incorporated community club. We welcome both bowlers and non-bowlers to enjoy this fascinating sport at every level, from social club bowls to regional games with Bowls Canterbury, and international competition under the auspices of Bowls New Zealand. Whether you’re here for the friendly social side, as a spectator, or aiming to represent New Zealand, you’ll always find a place at Beckenham Bowling Club.

Our greens are open every day of the week, (weather permitting during the outdoor season), for anyone keen to play. We have two top-quality greens with excellent off-green facilities including a large indoor bowls area which is put to good use over the winter. Bowls is a sport for everyone, regardless of age or gender. We invite both bowlers and the public to visit our club and give it a try. Lawn bowls is a game that truly levels the playing field, allowing grandkids, grandparents, and parents to compete together on equal terms. Bring the family along and give bowls a go!

Our Purpose

To provide a safe welcoming, friendly bowling club where bowlers of all abilities and experience levels can enjoy playing bowls, to achieve their goals as a member, whether that be to play competitively (within the club, regionally, or nationally), or as a social member.

At the same time offering a meeting place where club members of all backgrounds, their families and friends can come together and have fun and enjoy the positive spirit that eminates from being part of a friendly community club.

Our history

Our founder - E.C.Chegwin

The Beckenham Bowling Club was established in November 1916 by E.C. Chegwin. Its first location was on land that had originally been bought back in 1851 by Captain Stephan Fisher of the Canterbury Provincial Council. The land was later part of the Fisher Estate and our first green sat between Fisher Avenue and Waimea Terrace.

With a lot of fundraising and the dedication of our early members the Club began to grow. Even in those early days, it was quite innovative lobbying for daylight saving in 1922, which was introduced in 1928. Electric lighting was installed in 1923, followed by the creation of our Women’s Club in 1931 – the first of its kind in Christchurch.

With its sheltered setting the Waimea Terrace - Fisher Ave site allowed us to host illuminated green tournaments two nights a week. Members often played until 10:30 at night, with club events being fiercely competitive drawing players from across Christchurch. In 1947, a new green was opened on our current Waimea Terrace site with the foundations laid for a new pavilion in June 1961. This building opened in April 1962 with the ex-army hut that had served as the pavilion up until that time moved to Centaurus Road to serve as a Scout den.

We operated from both sites until 1976, when the original Fisher Avenue - Waimea Terrace location was returned to the Christchurch City Council, and later sold for private housing.

Over the years, top players have proudly represented our club, earning numerous Centre and National titles. In 2009, we were named 'Club of the Year' by Bowls New Zealand, with our secretary at the time also earning the title of 'Administrator of the Year.' A 'Club Gold Award' was received from Bowls New Zealand, along with a 'Gold Mark Award' from Sport Canterbury. We then made history by winning the 'Club of the Year' award again the following year — a feat our club members are naturally very proud of.

In 2014 ??? we proudly promoted a very successful 'Crack a Jack Bowls' tournament for non-bowlers with over 300 players enjoying the fun along with many members of our club. Other tournaments such as our popular 'Aussie Pairs' tournament have taken over along with other events.

Our club bowling coaches provide free on-green coaching for all members who seek to improve, along with performance-based selection of competitive teams playing inter-club. This gives all members an equal chance to improve and progress if they wish as competitive bowlers.

Our club is a true community asset, and with your support we can focus on growing it for the benefit of all ages.

Above - An old anonymous Bright Bowls' Club
poem that still has relevance today

Become a Member

Member Profile - Our President Marty Taylor

Married with three children, seven grandchildren.
Work History: NZ Police – Detective, National Security Advisor Telecom, Secondary school teacher, science and physical education. Currently driving special needs students to and from school.
Sport: Played senior rugby and cricket, multi-sport – Coast to Coast x 5, Coached 1st 15, Division 1, Canterbury B, NPC rugby. Paddles a waka & managed Canterbury cycling teams
Sport Admin: School Sports Administrator. Club Captain Albion RFC, President – Club President Beckenham Bowling Club & Board member
Burnside RFC – Life Member, National Commissaire cycling,
Favourite food: Steak, eggs and chips. Custard squares.
Favourite beverage: Steinlager, and a nice Chardonnay.
Spare time: Playing bowls, reading, following slow racehorses, lying on a beach on a Pacific Island.
Future: Looking forward to retirement and watching the grand children grow up.

Meet our team

We have is a dedicated team of members, each bringing their unique expertise and enthusiasm to our club. Some of those in various positions are as follows: