For those visitors that may not know, Aylesham was a mining village, the village being built to house miners who worked at Snowdown Colliery, the building of the village was started in the mid 1920s and was designed to resemble a pit head and this outline can still be seen today from an aerial view of the village.

Men came to work here at Snowdown Colliery from every industrialised part of Britain, men from Scotland, Wales, Northumberland, Yorkshire, Lancashire and many other areas where there were mines, and many of these men actually walked to get here, and they were the fathers and grandfathers of some of our members today, Aylesham developed it’s own dialect quite unique in Kent, it developed through the diverse nature of those first residents of Aylesham.

Snowdown Colliery was at 3,000 feet the deepest pit in Kent and probably the hottest and most humid. The pit head that stood just three quarters of a mile south east of here can still be seen in the minds eye of many of our villagers when we look over in that direction.

It is because of this association between colliery and village that we retain the name Aylesham and Snowdown Welfare Bowls Club, here we are on what was the Miners Welfare Ground, each miner paid every week into the welfare scheme to enable them to have the sporting facilities here that we can still enjoy today.

As part of the welfare scheme Aylesham had and still has a successful Brass Band,  Male Voice Choir, Pigeon Racing Club and gardening Club among others.

Sports that took place and many still take place were many and varied, Baseball, yes Aylesham had it’s own Baseball Team, American Football, whippet racing, athletics, cricket, netball, rounders, basketball, tennis, roller skating, and of course Rugby and Football.

Which brings me nicely to our Bowls Club.   The green was first opened on the 30th. May 1930 and ran along quite nicely until the war came along and everything changed, the Bowls Club reopened in 1951. With the general decline of the mining industry money became very tight and one of the first jobs to go was that of greenkeeper, then with the drought of 1976 causing big problems to the green, lack of experience, shift work and the tiring nature of mining work all led to the Club finally having to close.

Reformed in 1986 after Years of neglect, it was during the Miners Strike of 1984/85 that a group of men decided they needed something to occupy them whilst on strike, remember these men were used to hard, tiring, stressful work and to find themselves unoccupied was totally alien to them.

It is hard to imagine the green we played on today was a mass of weeds, thistles, brambles and young trees, high enough to hide a tractor so neglected was it over the years, but it is to those men led by George Gilchrist, who is sadly no longer with us that we owe so much, for the facilities we have here today.

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                                                              George Gilchrist

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The History of Aylesham & Snowdown Bowls Club

The History of Aylesham & Snowdown Bowls Club Located in the beautiful county of Kent, Aylesham & Snowdown Bowls Club is a historic sports club with a fascinating past. Originally built to house miners from Snowdown Colliery, the club has a rich history that dates back to its reopening in 1951 after the war. Despite years of neglect, the club was revived in 1986 and has since become a thriving hub for lawn bowls enthusiasts.

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One of the standout features of Aylesham & Snowdown Bowls Club is its exceptional playing surface. The club boasts one of the finest greens in the country, providing members with a top-notch experience every time they step onto the green. The meticulously maintained surface ensures that players can enjoy the game to the fullest, with smooth and true rolls of the bowls.

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In addition to the impressive green, the club also offers a large clubhouse that serves as a social hub for its members. Complete with a bar and kitchen, the clubhouse provides a welcoming space for socializing and relaxation. After a challenging game on the green, members can unwind with a refreshing drink at the bar or enjoy a delicious meal prepared in the kitchen.

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Aylesham & Snowdown Bowls Club is proud to be affiliated with the Kent County Bowling Association and Bowls England. This affiliation demonstrates the club's commitment to upholding the highest standards in the sport. By being part of these esteemed organizations, the club ensures that its members have access to the best resources, competitions, and coaching opportunities.

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One of the key aspects of Aylesham & Snowdown Bowls Club is its welcoming and inclusive nature. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, the club welcomes all with open arms. If you're new to bowls, the club offers coaching and guidance to help you get started and improve your skills. The friendly and supportive atmosphere ensures that everyone feels comfortable and valued as part of the club's community.

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As you can see, Aylesham & Snowdown Bowls Club has a rich and storied history. From its origins as a welfare club for miners to its revival and transformation into a thriving sports club, the club has overcome challenges and continues to provide a fantastic experience for its members. Whether you're looking to join a club with a fascinating past, play on a top-quality green, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of fellow bowls enthusiasts, Aylesham & Snowdown Bowls Club is the perfect choice.

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