Getting Involved
Becoming a Member
Roll Ups - For a new beginner to the Club this is their friendly and encouraging starting point! Anyone interested in having a go at short mat bowls should come along to Stokenham Parish Hall on a Friday or Sunday afternoon from 2 to 5pm where they will find themselves made very welcome. Equipment will be provided initially and experienced members will be on hand to help.
Bowls is a very social activity and some of our members are quite happy to attend the Club for just a quiet roll-up and get together. However, for more competitive members, many clubs like ours organise their own competitions and also participate in a local league. This can be an ideal way to improve your skills and to meet other members who share your enthusiasm for the game.
Learning the Game
New members joining the Club are always made to feel very welcome and encouraged to enjoy the game by taking advantage of learning the basic skills in small group sessions. These are organised to familiarise new members with the rules of the game which many new members find invaluable when first settling into the Club. The Club has a few sets of bowls available for new members to borrow.
Benefits of Membership
Fun to Do - Whether you want to play competitively or purely for your own satisfaction bowls can be a very pleasurable pastime. It's a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and there are a growing number of younger women and men taking up the sport.
All Weather Game - If you want a game that is not weather dependent then indoor bowls is ideal as it is an indoor sport, very comfortable and heated in winter.
A Team Member - Joining an indoor bowls club like ours, will give you a sense of belonging, so you will feel part of a team. You can over time, make a firm commitment to the game by buying your own bowls equipment and clothing. Having your own equipment will enhance your sense of pride in taking part in the game.
Being Sociable - Many people take up a new sport to improve their social life. The Club at Stokenham has enjoyable social activities, often associated with fundraising. If you want to get involved in either Club fundraising or charity events you will have the opportunity to do this at our Club.
Roles, Rules and Tactics
With the formation of the new Committee in April 2015 the Club held a Rules, Roles and Tactics session taken by John Cadman - the new Secretary. This was much appreciated by our newer members and some existing members alike. With league matches also starting the following week, the Club marked the start of the winter season with a social get together with wine and nibbles. Sixteen members were present and agreed that this should be an annual event.
Publications - Learning More About the Game
English Short Mat Bowling Association - The Laws of the Game published by the ESMBA
Illustrated Guide to this Challenging Sport - Short Mat Bowling by Roy Wiggins.
Short Mat Bowling - Ron Collingridge. Equipment, Technique, Etiquette, Shots, Rules.