History
It was in 1973 when the late councillor Mr. Harold Shapland revealed that Tiverton was to have an indoor bowling green, but it was another 20 years of protracted negotiations before that proposal became reality.
Planning began in earnest in 1992 after the Mid Devon District Council agreed in principle to the building of an indoor bowling facility subject to approval of building plans and acquisition of a local site.
The design of the centre was entrusted to the architects Michael D. Nicholle and Partners of Guernsey. Mike Nicholle, himself an ex-international bowler, had previous experience of building indoor bowls centres with planning details finalised, Trafalgar House construction was chosen to carry out the building work.
The contractors moved onto site on 19th July 1993. The ceremony of cutting the first turf was performed on 24th July by Peter Curgenven (Chairman of MDIBC) with Mrs. Mary Turner (MDDC) and Roger Slater (Trafalgar House Construction) in attendance. A commemorative stone was laid by Councillor Mrs. Mary Turner (Chairman of Mid Devon District Council) on 24th August 1993.
Under the skilful guidance of Mr. Les Biggs, the site agent, work progressed smoothly throughout the summer and autumn. The building work and interior furnishing were completed five weeks ahead of schedule allowing the centre to open its doors to bowlers on 19th December 1993.
On Saturday 12th March 1994, Richard Corsie unveiled a plaque in the company of 18 other international bowlers. This, and a weekend of prestigious bowling events, marked the official opening of the Mid Devon Indoor Bowls Centre and its launch onto the indoor bowls scene.
Later developments... NEW CARPET 5th October 2013
MP Neil Parish cut the ribbon and had the first bowl on our new carpet.
He said " This is a wonderful facility with a very warm and welcoming feel -- And I am delighted to have had the opportunity to perform the opening ceremony".
Also in attendance were Tiverton Mayor Janet Rendle and Cllr. Neal Davey.
Year seven students, Lily Sinclair and Lucy Bristow, from Tiverton High School were invited along and had the chance to play bowls with England National players.
After the game England player Ian Bond commented, that the club now had a great playing surface which was one of the best he had played on.
The new playing surface was made possible thanks to a grant from the Sports England Inspired Facilities Programme, which aims to build on the legacy of the 2012 London Olympics by encouraging more participation in sport, something that Mid Devon Indoor Bowls Club is very proud to do.
