History
Ulster Transport Bowling and Tennis Club was formed in 1944 as the LMS Bowling Club and shared the bowling green at Grove Park in Belfast. The club affiliated to the IBA in 1945.
At the end of the Second World War, the club’s members approached the LMS to ask for financial assistance to help provide a private bowling green, tennis courts and a clubhouse for the staff of the company. This was agreed to and plans were put in place for the development on land close to the local railway line.
The land (now Lynda Avenue) in Jordanstown belonged to farmer Johnny Jenkins and after a number of discussions he agreed to sell it to the club, allowing work to begin on building the facilities. The Jenkins family still have ties to Ulster Transport to this day with his grandsons John and Trevor Hanvey both active members of the club. John is also a past president of the club.
In 1946 the tennis courts were opened and July 1948 saw the opening of the bowling green by Lord Masserene and Mrs F. A. Pope. With the advent of the newly formed Ulster Transport Authority, the club changed its name from LMS Bowling Club to Ulster Transport Bowling and Tennis Club and all LMS employees were able to join (at that time membership fees were deducted from their wages).
The Ladies section was formed in 1965 and known as Jordanstown Ladies Bowling Club. The founder President was Mrs Meta Wilson, wife of Robert who founded the club.
Membership was declared open in 1971, having previously been restricted to transport workers and with increased membership the club house has had numerous extensions over the years.
The ladies section was unified with the men's section in 1990 and carry the same club name.
Green, Associations and Teams
Ulster Transport Bowling Club has one green with six rinks and floodlights in the quiet residential setting of Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, County Antrim.
The club is affiliated to the Northern Ireland Private Green League (NIPGL) and Irish Bowling Association (IBA) as well as the Northern Ireland Women’s Private Greens League (NIWPGL) and Irish Women's Bowling Association (IWBA).
During the bowling season we field five teams in the NIPGL (Saturday A, B and C teams and two Midweek teams), two teams participate in the Veterans’ League and the Ladies have two teams in the Senior and Junior Divisions of the NIWPGL as well as three teams in their East Antrim League.
The club also participates in various cup competitions run by the governing bodies and holds multiple club competitions.
All visitors are welcome with coaching available on selected days between April and September and open days are also held throughout the season.
Throughout the club’s almost eight decades as part of the Newtownabbey community, it has been successful on and off the green (see the Honours Section in the About Menu) and hosted the finals of many local and national outdoor Association Competitions.
Short Mat Bowls is played indoors during October and March and the club is in two leagues - Carrick and District and Six Mile Water. There are six mats with practice on a Monday afternoon and multiple club competitions for members as well as Saturday Fun Days which are open to anyone.
Membership, Activities and Values
There are over 100 bowling members and a thriving associate membership (free membership is available to anyone under 16 years of age).
There is a very active social scene with Quiz Nights, Bingo, Line Dancing, Live Music, Snooker, Pool and a function hall for larger club events which is also available for hire for many activities, including parties, wedding receptions, society meetings, dance classes and indoor markets.
We are immensely proud of our heritage and keep the Club’s original values close to our hearts and put them into action every day, providing excellent and memorable service to our members and guests is an honour that creates a great sense of satisfaction for all our staff.
We strive not just to provide entertainment but also a hub for people to meet, learn, and create memories and stories that they pass on and tell for generations to come.
Fees
All fees are due by the end of March.
Full Member: £120 per year
Associate: £50 per year
Under 16: Free
See the Membership Menu for full details and an application form.
Facilities
The club has a wide range of facilities, including two bars, lounge, live sport (Sky and BT), function room, snooker room, viewing gallery, modern kitchen for catering, committee and changing rooms, bowling green with floodlights, large car park, disabled access and is located within 50 yards of the Jordanstown Railway Station.
The bar is open from 6pm - 11pm Monday to Thursday, 6pm - 12.30am Friday, 12pm - 12.30am Saturday and 1.30pm - 11pm Sunday.
WEDDING RECEPTIONS
The very spacious main hall is available for hire and used for many different types of functions (for example birthday parties, discos, indoor markets etc) as well as a venue for wedding receptions. Contact the club using the online form for full details including prices.
Catering
The club appointed new caterers in April 2023 and a wide range of excellent food is available every week from Thursday to Sunday (see the Catering Menu for full details).
Entertainment
The club has a very active social calendar throughout the year, including quiz nights, bingo, music, fun bowls, BBQ, fitness and a lot more, see the calendar in the Events Menu for full details as well as regular articles in the News Menu.
Tours
The club has organised many tours since 1944 and an annual trip to Potters Resort in January to see the World Indoor Bowls Championships is part of the plans for 2024 (see the Tours Menu for full details).
Clothing
A range of personalised and Ulster Transport Bowling Club branded clothing is available, see the Store Menu for a full list of products and how to order.
Advertising
If you wish to support Ulster Transport bowling Club through our Official Partner Programme, see the Advertising Menu for full details and an application form.
