Bowls (Indoor)

ALSTONEFIELD INDOOR BOWLING CLUB

WE ARE VERY SORRY TO ANNOUNCE THAT STAN GOODWIN HAS DIED.  HE HAD BEEN A MEMBER OF THE CLUB FOR MANY YEARS, AND KEPT EVERYONE ENTERTAINED WITH HIS STORIES AND HIS LAUGHTER.  HE AND DORIS HAVE BEEN LIVING AT THE LEYS, ASHBOURNE, FOR SOME MONTHS, BUT HE OFTEN TALKED ABOUT HIS GOOD TIMES AT THE BOWLS CLUB.

All meetings have been suspended during the coronavirus pandemic.  We do not normally meet in the summer, so sadly it may be September before we can meet again.  WATCH THIS SPACE!

We are always very happy to welcome new members – just come along and give it a try before commit ting yourself to membership – or drop in for an session now and then. The cost for a single evening is £2.00, or for each season (September to Christmas and Christmas to Easter) £20, plus 30p for tea and biscuits around the halfway point each time you come.

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 bring 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 sometimes hold a tournament, with plaques going to the winners.

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

Club meetings in Alstonefield Village Hall:

September – Christmas and Christmas – Easter: Monday afternoons from 2.00pm to 4.00pm and Thursday evenings from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.  (BUT CURRENTLY MEETING ON FRIDAY AFTERNOONS INSTEAD OF THURSDAY EVENINGS!)

After Easter – August: – Most Monday afternoons and Thursday evenings, depending on how many people are available.

Subscriptions:

September – Christmas and Christmas – Easter: £20 per ‘season’.

After Easter – August: No subscription, but those who come divide the cost of hiring the hall between them.

Membership:

Membership is open to everyone, but if you would like to give bowls a try first, or to bring your friends, non-members can just pay £2.00 per session.

Refreshments:

Tea, coffee and biscuits are available at ‘half time’ at a cost of 30p.

                                                                                                    

CLUB OFFICERS 2018-2019:

Secretary: Gilbert Chambers. Tel: 310 259
Treasurer: Irene Hallworth  Tel: 310407

 

This page is maintained by Brian Hawkins