Information for New Members

About Bowls

For new or inexperienced bowlers joining the club, the world of indoor bowls may initially seem straightforward—just get on the green and bowl your woods. Right? Well… yes, but there’s so much more to it!

As you’ll soon discover, participating fully in bowls at the club means embracing a rich variety of events, activities, and opportunities to learn and grow. Whether you’re here to compete, socialize, or simply enjoy a casual game, understanding how it all works will enhance your experience.

These notes are designed to guide club members—whether new or seasoned—through the activities and events that form the heart of our club. Let’s start by breaking it all down into manageable parts.

Bowls Events and Activities

Leagues

Operate with single or two divisions, involving team captains and schedules from Monday to Friday.

Opportunities for new players to join existing teams or form their own for the next season.

Club ‘Fun’ Drives

Casual, friendly events aimed at encouraging new bowlers and providing an inclusive environment.

Scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday afternoons, and Sunday evenings.

Friendly Matches

Played against other clubs or associations, with mixed and gender-specific games.

Great for new bowlers to gain experience and meet others.

Competitions

Club Competitions: Inclusive and varied, featuring singles, pairs, triples, and rinks for both men and women. Specific opportunities for novices and over 60s.

County and National Competitions: Open to qualified or interested members aiming for higher-level play.

Roll-Ups

Unstructured practice sessions available during specific times.

Encourages skill improvement and interaction with fellow members.

Tournaments

Seasonal, day-long events with a fun, competitive format, perfect for fostering camaraderie.

Getting Involved

Leagues: Register your interest in books at the reception or form a team during the scheduling period.

Fun Drives: Simply show up, register, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Friendly Matches: Add your name to availability sheets and participate actively to learn the ropes.

Competitions: Review entry forms, adhere to deadlines, and embrace the knock-out structure for individual or team play.

Additional Opportunities

Coaching: Leverage the club’s coaching facilities to refine skills and gain confidence.

Inter-Club Competitions: While competitive, supporting and spectating can be a rewarding way to engage.

General Tips

Use league books to find teams seeking players or register your interest.

Fun Drives and roll-ups are ideal for informal play and building connections.

Friendly matches provide real-game experience in a supportive environment.

Entering competitions fosters growth and deeper involvement in the club.

Summary

The club offers a rich variety of opportunities for members of all experience levels. Whether through competitive leagues, casual drives, or structured competitions, there’s something for everyone. Taking initiative, participating actively, and utilizing coaching will enhance your enjoyment and integration into the bowling community.