New Bowlers
To help you fall in love with the sport here is some background details. To make getting started even easier, we also offer a reduced membership rate for your first year.
You don't need to be super fit to enjoy lawn bowls. The game is played at a comforable pace, with the emphasis on skill tactics and precision rather than physical intensity. It is a wonderfully absorbing and strategic sport, enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
Lawn bowls really does offer the best of both worlds. There's gentle physical activity that helps with balance, coordination and flexibility. There's mental stimulation too, as you plan shots and think a few moves ahead. And just as importantly, there's the social side. Our club is a lively, welcoming place where friendships form easily and community really matters.
You don't need lots of expensive kit to get going. Comortable cloths and a pair of flat-soled shoes (like trainers) are all you need to protect the green. We have bowls for all newcomers free of charge, so you can play straight away. If you decide to stick with it a second-hand set of bowls - often called woods - can be picked up to for under £50, and they'll last you a lifetime.
A quick guide to help new players get to grips with the bascis.
The Basics: Where and What
The Green: The full area where the game is played.
Rinks: The individual rectanglar sections the green is divided into.
The Jack: The small target ball you aim for.
The Mat: The mat you stand on to deliver your bowls. At least one foot must be on the mat when you let go.
The Bowl And It Path
Bias: The curve of the bowl, caused by its shape, which makes it roll in an arc rather than straight.
Delivery: The smooth, natural action used to roll the bowl towards the jack.
The Stance: How you position your body on the mat before dlivering the bowl.
The Flow Of The Game
An End: A single round of play, where all bowls are delivered in one direction before play returns the other way.
Casting the Jack: Rolling the jack to start a new end, usually done by the winner of the previous one.
Points: How you position your body on the mat before dlivering the bowl.
Game formats
Singles or Teams: Bowls can be played one-onone or as part of a team.
If you are an experienced player, you'll enjoy our high-quality green at Priory Park, open from April to September, and a full programme of competitive and social bowling. We take part in leagues such as Brooks Motors League (BML) alongside firendly matches and internal club competitions.
If you are interest in knowing more or would like join us please complete the online form.