When councillor Dani Hunter was elected 480th Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon for 2025/26 she became the youngest ever mayor at 36, and the first Irish female to hold the office.  Dani, who is deeply committed to supporting children, families, and education in the community, is also President of Avon Bowling Club.

In keeping with a tradition which dates back to the Club's 1924 opening ceremony, in July, Dani captained a team of ex-mayors, councillors, colleagues and friends in the annual Mayor’s Match. This competitive friendly against Avon BC members, which she admitted is a particular highlight in her mayoral engagements, raised funds towards the Mayor's nominated charities; Welcombe High School Trust Fund, Stratford Family Club and Ward 12 at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

To learn more visit; Mayor Dani Hunter
For more information on her chosen charities, visit; Mayor's Good Causes

  
In Jul-2022, I came to Community Bowls with my dad, Jim, who has dementia. As a former keen golfer, I wanted something stimulating for him that we could play together. Everyone was so welcoming, and offered us a safe space to “have a go”. With patient coaching and support our confidence grew and Community Bowls quickly became a regular fixture in our diary.  We joined as Social Members to be part of all the fun social events too. As Webmaster, I work on the Club’s website helping to make it a useful resource for Members and any prospective newcomers. I also administer the Club’s Facebook page.

Bill, a former fireman with the MOD and a qualified football referee, came to the sport almost accidentally when looking for a means of exercise following a health scare.   As is common among members, he too saw a game going on, and thought “this is something I could do” and was invited to join in and give it a go.   

Bill, who now boasts over a decade’s experience, started his bowling career at local Warwickshire rivals, Wellesboune Bowling Club, where he played competitively alongside his equally capable siblings, (brother, Michael Crutchley and sister, Cynthia Bailey also now Avon Members).  His name is listed twice on their honours board.

He has played representative matches for SWBA, has previously captained Avon’s Pickering 2 Team and at 85 years young, remains a regular name on their team-sheet.

It was Bill’s intention that his eponymous Triples Shield would give newer/less experienced club members, if drawn alongside more seasoned players, a chance of winning something at Club level.   Now in its 4^th year, it has proved to be a popular event on the Club’s fixture list, with the winners names appearing on the Shield and each taking home a small replica keepsake.

I joined Avon bowling club in 2011 after enjoying an evening of bowls at annual Mayor’s Match where I played for the opposition! Becoming a member in that year I have filled the roles of Club Chairman and Club Captain.

With an interest in theatre it is not surprising that the connection between bowls and Shakespeare fascinates me. The Bard references lawn bowls in at least 5 plays including RichardII and Troilus and Cressida. Throughout the summer I report on Avon’s successes on the green and arrange photo opportunities with the Stratford Herald. 

Avon’s riverside location make it one of the prettiest venues in the country. Buildings are well maintained and there is covered seating from which you can watch the action. The club is well managed developing players to County standard as well as providing a wonderful community bowls programme. Once hooked members tend to stay.