Bowls (Indoor)
Our 2010-11 Autumn session begins in September -
Monday afternoons (2 – 4pm) and
Thursday evenings (7 – 9pm).
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Quand Chloe et Kim est venu a jouer au bowls dans Alstonefield
A continental flavour was brought to the village hall on Monday 15 February when Audrey and Gilbert Chambers brought along their French-based grandchildren, Chloe and Kim Ballester for a game of English bowls. after a few hints from Gilbert, Chloe (11) and Kim (9) quickly had the hang of things. Almost better than the regulars in fact! On top of that, their amazing bi-lingual abilities left us all stunned – so here’s hoping they can’t pull too many holes in the scribe’s best effort at French. We enjoyed your company Chloe and Kim.
Freezing February couldn’t chill out Alstonefield’s Indoor Bowlers.
Come on Margaret, tell him, it's mine that's closest to the Jack!
On the first Monday of February, Club members once again filled the village hall, this time on a freezing Moorlands afternoon in what has so far been the coldest winter since, well…since a very long time indeed.
The mats were quickly down and the hall filled with laughter and banter as every ‘end’ was keenly contested.
Carol and Irene send 'em away.
Just good company and a sniff of the competitive edge always seems to bring out the very best in our crowd and what better way to banish that winter gloom.
We even had the makings of a new junior section, given another year or two, as young Ruby and her mum Tara popped their heads through the door.
By the way, do any of you out there happen to know what those white coloured blocks are for, you can see bang in the middle of the playing surfaces? Come and take a look at us, Monday afternoon or Thursday evening and we’ll be pleased to let you into the secret!
- Brian helps Tara and ruby get the feel for indoor bowling
‘The Long Way Down’ – Gilbert sends a good one down into the pack.
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Jani Barnard looses off another certain winner.
Where we came from and what we are about.
Formed by an enthusiastic group of villagers in 1991, the Club lays down two specially designed green baize mats, on which we play an indoor version of flat-green panel bowls. Our bowls are smaller sized replicas of the outdoor, biased, “woods” with which many will be familiar. The objective, common to both disciplines, being to land your bowl closest to the “jack”. There are a few subtle differences, but the indoor game is simple to learn and easy to play – whether young or old, female or male, if you can stand and hold a bowl, you can soon mix it with the best of them!
All bowls, jacks and necessary equipment are supplied by the Club. The only items of special apparel asked of intending new members being a pair of flat-soled casual shoes; to keep the playing surfaces clean and sound.
You could fairly describe the atmosphere at a typical session as, light-hearted. Laughter and innocent banter brings the hall to life and, although the few straightforward rules are followed, it is the social aspect of our meetings, that always takes precedence over any, win-at-all-costs attitudes. Teams, of up to four, are formed from among those who are present and each game runs until the leading team racks up twenty-one points. No prizes are given for that feat and none are asked for – though we do hold one white-knuckled knockout pairs competition before Christmas each year; with plaques going to the winning twosome.
New members are most welcome and for anyone unsure as to whether the game – or the company! – will suit them, well, just give it a try. We won’t pressure you. Nor is it necessary to sign up immediately for a full season’s membership; we offer a low-priced visitors’ single session rate that allows you to judge for yourself whether the Club is right for you.
Here’s hoping to see you at one of our afternoon or evening sessions. Or, if you’d like a chat first, contact Club Secretary, Gilbert Chambers on: 310 259
