Join us at Merriott Bowls Club

Merriott Bowls Club welcomes new members of all abilities. We have regular coaching sessions to help beginners gain experience and experienced players improve their technique.

If you haven’t played before, don’t worry we will help you learn all about the game. Unlike some clubs the majority of our games are mixed, and so there are the same opportunities for both ladies and men.

Whether you have played before or are new to the game we would love to see you at 9:45am on a Monday morning, or 6:00pm most Thursdays. For any of these sessions all you need to bring is a pair of flat soled shoes such as trainers. Someone will explain the basics  and you will be able to bowl a few bowls to get the feel of the game. Dont worry – you won’t be thrown in at the deep end!

If you choose to join us the membership for the first year is just £35.

If you are an experienced player come along to our umbrella sessions at 10am on a Monday, or contact us using our Contact Form.

Anyone wanting more information can also use the Contact Form.

If you would like to join us please complete the application form found in the link below.

 Useful information for new players

GETTING STARTED

We have a selection of bowls and other equipment for you to try out. We strongly recommend that you use our bowls to get used to size, weight and bias, before buying your own. The only thing you will need to start is a pair of flat soled shoes.

Once you decide to join you will be provided with a fob  (£10 returnable deposit required) that will enable you to access the changing rooms and toilet facilities. There you will find the key to the shed where all the equipment is kept. You will be able to come and practise at any time, but check first when the rink is being cut or any matches are being played.

COACHING

The Club has a fully qualified coaches to help you learn everything you need to know about bowling and develop your skills, Regular coaching is available at the Monday morning Umbrella (see below),and check the notice board for extra sessions and individual coaching opportunities.

PLAYING

We have an internal sociable club game at 10am on Monday mornings. This is a friendly Club match with teams being chosen by picking numbers from a bag. There is also a fun competition evening at 6pm on Thursdays and many club competitions for new players to enter. You will be encouraged to put your name down for league and friendly matches, because the best way to improve your match play skills is to play matches. Have a go, league and friendly matches are competitive and fun.

SOCIAL EVENTS

We have several social events during the year.  The money from these, help to keep our costs down and it is a good way to meet all the other members. They include overseas tours (Portugal 2025), Finals Day, barbeques, quiz nights, treasure hunts, indoor bowls weekends in December and many more, Donations of raffle prizes are always welcome for all these events.

COSTS

Our annual subscriptions are £70 per year with a 50% discount for newcomers (£35 first year). We also have social members £10. The subscriptions are due in April when we have a Social Evening to start the season. At this time, you will also receive your copy of the Fixtures List.

At each match we pay £3 match fee. There is usually a raffle of £1 and when playing at home we buy our opposite number on the competitor’s team, a drink. So a home match costs approx. £7.50

HELPING

Members do all the work on the green, gardens and clubhouse. This helps to keep our costs down and as result our subs are very reasonable compared with some other clubs. We hope you will be able to help with some of these jobs if you are able. Cutting the green is a more specialised job but training is at hand. You will also be invited to join sub committees, and help organise social events

CLOTHING

To start playing on the green in practice or internal club competitions, you will need a white top and grey trousers/skirt or shorts and flat shoes. When representing the club, you will be expected to wear a club shirt and white trousers/skirt or shorts

Club shirts, fleeces, rainwear etc can be ordered through the Club Secretary who can advise you on sizes and costs. Shirts start from around £25 (2023)

MERRIOTT BOWLING CLUB RULES

The following is a list of the rules of the Club. Don’t be intimidated. Merriott prides itself on being a friendly club Lots of it you will not need to know for a while. If you are not sure about anything, just ask. We all started not knowing anything. These rules apply to all members and visitors to the Club. The rules are made and agreed by the Management Committee.

DRESS REGULATIONS

Trousers, cropped trousers, shorts or skirts are required for all games. These are usually white for daytime league and friendly matches. Greys are worn at evening matches, club competitions including the Umbrella and roll ups. Club shirts/tops are worn for all matches. Jackets may be white or Club fleeces. Regulation bowling shoes should be worn on the greens. If hats or rain caps are worn, they should be white. Waterproof rainwear should be predominately white.

CONDUCT ON THE GREEN

As a friendly club it is important that we follow not just to the rules, but also the accepted etiquette of the game. Remember offensive language and aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated by the Club. , Here is a little reminder of expected behaviour.

Bowlers are required to refrain from using bowls in any way likely to cause damage to the bowling surface.

The Captain/Greenkeeper shall at all times have the final decision on the fitness of the green for play.

All Bowls used by members in any Club match, National or County Competition shall bear the current Club Sticker.

Bowlers are required to behave in accordance with accepted etiquette of the game. This includes

Before the Game

• Always be on time for a match, arrive half an hour before the start. If delayed get a message to someone at the club.
• Understand the responsibilities of the various positions in the team and in particular your position. Fulfil your responsibilities and let others do theirs. If unsure, ask.
• At the start of every match introduce yourself and shake hands with your own team and opposition players on your rink.

During the Game

• During the game help the Lead players by handing them the jack/mat, pushing back bowls.
• Stand still and quiet when a player is about to bowl. You should be at least 1 metre behind the mat, or behind the jack if at the Head end. Do not wander off the rink during play, or obstruct adjacent rinks.
• Compliment your own team and your opponents on good bowls. Do not criticise or comment on less perfect bowls, both your own team and opposition. Praise and encourage your own team members. Do not applaud lucky shots, and never complain about the opposition’s lucky shots. (which always outnumber our lucky shots!)
• Do not show frustration with your team members. It only encourages the opposition.
• Always pay attention to the game. You should know the position of your team’s woods.
• As soon as each bowl comes to rest, possession of the mat transfers to the opposing player (after allowing time for marking a toucher). You should step back 1 metre behind the mat and keep noise to a minimum until it is your turn again.
• Do not criticise the green, it’s the same for everyone.

Changing Ends and Measuring.

• When changing ends walk around all the bowls not through the Head.
• Keep out of the Head when scoring shots are being decided. This is decided by the no. 3 player in Fours, and the number 2 player in Triples or a Marker in Singles
• If you are deciding shots and are in doubt, measure. When removing scoring bowls lift them carefully, do not kick then aside.

At the End of the Game

• At the end of every match shake hands with your own team and opposition players on your rink. Offer to buy your direct opponent a drink
• Remember bowls is a game to enjoy. Be humble in victory and generous in defeat. Be a gracious winner and a good loser.

If you would like to check any rules for the game they can be found online in the “World Bowls Laws of the sport Fourth Edition”.

CLUB COMPETITIONS

Rules for the competitions are displayed on the notice board. Members must be aware of the rules for the specific competition they are playing in.

General rules are:

• The first named player in a singles match offers their opponent a choice of dates for the game to be played and is responsible for arranging a marker.
• Games must be played by the date shown on the competition schedule.
• Any delay beyond the cut-off date must be agreed with the Captain.
• Score cards must be used for competitions and completed cards kept for reference.
• If a player is unable to play on any of at least three offered dates or within an acceptable period then they will forfeit the game. This must be agreed with the Captain.
• When a match has been arranged it must be entered in the diary.

SMOKING

No smoking or vaping is allowed inside the Clubhouse or on the green. A smoking area is available at the side of the Clubhouse.