Harmby & Spennithorne Carpet Bowls Club was formed in November 1990 by a group of 13 experienced and complete beginners to the game of bowls, with the primary objective of having fun playing bowls, a chat and cup of tea in a convivial atmosphere.

Through the kind offices of the Askrigg Carpet Bowls Club a second-hand bowling mat and set of bowls were purchased (by instalments) and Harmby Village Hall became the home for the Club and venue for bowls games.

By June 1991 the membership grew to 43 and by April 1992 it rose to 62 members! In recent years the membership has remained at a steady 30 or so members, but we always have capacity for more! Membership is open to all residents of Harmby and Spennithorne and members of the Villages` other organisations and also other areas in the locality. Visits are also welcome and the Club is normally open for games on Tuesday afternoons and evenings from September through to April.

Within twelve months of being formed and with the support of the local community and dedication of Club members by fund raising, coffee mornings, socials and subscriptions together with generous start-up donations from Harmby Parish Council, Spennithorne Village Fund, Harmby and Spennithorne Village Show Committee, North Yorkshire County Council and Richmond District Council the Club purchased two new bowling mats and sets of bowls plus other necessary equipment. By 1998 the Club was in a stable financial position to be able to make a £500 donation to the Harmby Village Hall extension fund.

In 1993 the Club joined the Richmond District Carpet Bowls League which at the time consisted of the following Clubs: Bishopdale, Carperby, Catterick Short Mat, Catterick Civil Service, Harmby&Spennithorne, Hunton, Colburn, Catterick, Scorton and Bellerby. Sadly in recent years the League has shrunk somewhat, but League games are still played but with a much reduced fixture list. In 1994 and again in 1996 Harmby&Spennithorne won the knock-out League Trophy Shield and in 1998 were the League Cup winners.

In 1991 the Club was presented with two crystal rosebowls which are played for annually by the members in the Club knock-out competition.

If you are interested in playing indoor carpet bowls please come and join us at the Harmby Village Hall on Tuesday afternoons 2 to 4pm and evenings 7 to 9pm. You will be made very welcome!

For further information please contact the Secretary at [email protected] or 07946 781650.