BENAVISTA LAWN BOWLS CLUB HISTORY

Before we start with the actual History of the Benavista Lawn Bowls Club we have to go back to the year 1984. When, during the development of Benavista and Las Palmeras housing complex, it was decided to provide some sporting facilities, one of which was the Bowling Greens.

Both the Greens were laid in 1984, one with an artificial surface and the other grass. The artificial surface became playable immediately, but we were obliged to wait until the following year for the grass to grow sufficiently strong enough to stand the rigours of daily use.

In the early days it must be remembered, that the purpose of the facility was to assist in the sale of the properties, and was, of course, for the use of residents only! A situation which did not last long, and its very success led to it becoming Open to the public and competitive bowling soon became the most important part of its use. There were many competitions arranged, and League Bowling along the Costa Del Sol came into being. The original Clubs were Benavista, Superbowl, Costa del Sol , First Lawn and Mijas.

In those early days Celebrity events were organised by the developers of the Complex and attracted many stars of Bowling, Theatre and Television.

March 1985 saw the introduction of what is one of the oldest competitions on the Coast, The Benavista Classic, which is still contested to the present day. Throughout the years it has been well patronised and enjoyed. For those with long memories, from 1987 to 1994 it was called the Wimpey Classic.

During this latter period the Complex was under the jurisdiction of Developers Geo. Wimpey Iberica, S.A , who, for a short while franchised the Bowling greens. The whole complex was then sold Freehold, to Brian and Tina Binns, who in turn leased out the Bowling Greens and Club House to Peter Stroud, Peter remained until May 2007, during which time he changed the use of the grass green into a putting green and petanca rinks.

Benavista Lawn Bowls Club, with the permission of Brian Binns, was formed in 1994 and registered, giving complete autonomy to the members. In the ensuing years the Club has gone from strength to strength working under its own Registered Constitution and Executive Committee. Its present membership now being in the region of 200.

The next chapter in this brief History of the Club, is that the bowling Greens have again been sold, this time to Hughie Holgate from Bar Los Arcos and his partners. The new owners have already changed the top green from grass to an artificial surface on which we have been bowling since early June 2007. The original carpet green, now has 2 rinks remaining, for the use of holiday bowlers, and if necessary as extra rinks, when needed, for club days or competitions. The rest of the area of the original green is being re-modelled for use of the patrons of Los Arcos. Hughie Holgate has carried out many improvements already, and the Club House will be closed for a short time in August 2007 for extension, decoration and improvement. He has many other ideas which he will implement in the future and he is open to suggestions from the Committee, which will improve the running of the Club.

Club Members and residents of the surrounding area can look forward to a very rosy future.