Ulster Transport Bowling Club holds open day for the new season

Based in Jordanstown, Ulster Transport Bowling and Tennis Club was formed in 1944 as the London Midland and Scottish (LMS) Bowling Club, and was affiliated with the Irish Bowling Association in 1945.

The tennis courts are no longer around and today the club is known as Ulster Transport Bowling Club.

The land, now Lynda Avenue, belonged to farmer Johnny Jenkins, who agreed to sell a plot to the club in order to build new and improved bowling facilities.

The Jenkins family still have ties to Ulster Transport to this day with Johnny Jenkin’s grandsons, John and Trevor Hanvey, both active members. John is also a past President of the club.

The Ladies’ section, meanwhile was formed in1965 and there are now over 35 ladies playing bowls on a weekly basis.

Membership was declared open in 1971, having previously been restricted to transport workers. With increased membership, the club house has had numerous extensions over the years and now has some great facilities to offer members.

Ulster Transport Bowling Club (UTBC) is now thriving with over 120 full playing members and nearly 180 social members.

While some smaller bowling clubs are struggling to field a team each week, UTBC are able to produce several teams in different bowling divisions weekly and are going from strength to strength as bowlers become more experienced.

The club has also exploded the myth that bowling is only for ‘old cronies’ and have a fabulous diverse mix of gender, age and ability within their membership.

The youngest bowler is Rory, who at just 12 years old is already hooked on the game and is following in the footsteps of his parents and grandparents.

"Bowling is a super inclusive sport allowing those with disabilities to join in the fun too,” the club said. “We have a growing number of Deaf bowlers who have joined us recently and as a result UTBC hold regular British Sign Language (BSL) classes allowing members and friends to strengthen their communication skills with their deaf community.

"There are several UTBC members who support visually impaired players who represent their country on the Irish Para Squad. Members have also supported VI players on the international stage as far away as Canada."

UTBC have had their fair share of success at an international level and this success was continued during the 25/26 indoor season by Roberta Tinsley. Roberta was selected for the Irish Indoor Bowling squad, who went on to win the tournament overall.

UTBC maintains close ties with the community and in 2025, they held their first summer scheme for Rostulla Special School – a 6-week programme covering all aspects of fun bowls.

With excellent feedback from the staff and children who took part, plans are in place to repeat this event during 2026.

Ulster Transport Bowling Club has also raised thousands of pounds for various charities over the years, with the 2026 ‘President’s Charity’ Aware NI.

Facilities for members include a fully licensed lounge bar, a large entertainment hall, a fully equipped snooker room and a beautiful bowling green – regarded by bowlers from all over Ireland as one of the best available.

"If you are thinking about a new hobby to fill those long summer days and evenings, please get in touch and come along to our ‘try before you buy’ open day, planned for Sunday April 26,” the club added.