Roll up at Fleet Bowls Clubs

Karen Neville

Peter Sunderland is club captain at Fleet Social and Bowling Club and invites you along to try it out for yourself

Fancy a go at Bowls?  Why not come and see us at Fleet Social and Bowling Club and see what it is all about.  

We have an open weekend on Sunday, 4th May and Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May where you can see for yourself how much fun bowls is to play. 

As club captain of one of the longest established lawn bowls clubs in Hampshire, my responsibilities are to the growing numbers of bowlers, who like myself simply love playing the game. The sport has seen a resurgence and can be played all year in varying formats. Most recently, terrestrial TV covered the World Indoor Bowls Championship with a live feed daily on YouTube.  

At our club we focus on the outdoor version of the sport and eagerly await the opening of the lawn green mid-April. Many bowlers just enjoy playing a friendly game with other members.  For those with a competitive streak, we cater for both internal and external competitions, playing against many other local clubs. For those members unable to play during working hours we have a full schedule of evening and weekend games, whilst those lucky enough to be retired can play any day from 10.30 onwards. It is a great way to make friends and renew acquaintances and enjoy a drink or have something to eat afterwards from the extensive facilities of our own social club on site. 

Another of my responsibilities is to help new and existing bowlers. Along with a fellow bowler, we have undertaken our Level 1 Coaching course with Coach Bowls, a division of Bowls England. As well as teaching different aspects of the game, the emphasis is on making it fun and inclusive to everyone. We aim to start a junior programme and this will focus on groups such as Scouts/Explorers, schools and indeed anyone in your family who might be interested. Rest assured Level 1 coaches go through rigorous DBS security vetting as well as attending a Safeguarding course. All coaching sessions are monitored and never conducted just one to one. 

So why not come and have a go? Our open day is open to all ages and abilities, just wear some flat-bottomed sports shoes. Previous experience is definitely not required and we have all the bowls equipment, including some fun coaching aids, that include even a duvet cover. 

Find us in Clarence Road, Fleet GU51 3RZ. More online at fleetsocialbowlingclub.co.uk or give us a call on 01252 614835.