New members

Bowls is a simple game that takes no more than five minutes to get started; but more than a lifetime to get right.

The first rule of bowling at Andover Bowing Club is that you are among friends.

This page and its subpages seeks to give specifically new members – though not only! – advice and tips and will include a glossary of bowling terms and a short, light-hearted guide to the serious business of bowls etiquette. It also includes Lesley Taylor's very helpful explanation of the roles of each player on a bowls team - thank you, Lesley.

Do note in particular that there is a dress code for while you’re on the green. Firstly, only flat shoes can be worn to prevent any damage to the surface; and that your bowling shoes should be dedicated to bowling – wearing them ‘outside’ risks transferring disease to the grass on the green. And, secondly, if you’re representing the Club in a match, or are competing in one of our own tournament, please wear your Club top above the waist and navy gear below it. Otherwise, for roll-ups, Club Nights and Saturday coaching sessions, casual dress is fine.

Various sets of bowls are available within the Club – so you don’t have to own, or buy, a set straight away – and advice on the other equipment you need will be made available when you join.

As a new member, you won’t be playing on a team straight away but we do offer plenty of opportunities for formal and informal coaching from experienced bowlers, particularly at Club Nights, which take place on a Tuesday evening throughout the summer, and at our Saturday morning coaching sessions.

If you are not yet a member and you know that you really ought to be, fill in the simple contact form on the 'join us' page and then keep a close eye on your inbox. As a final clincher, do note that members new to bowling get a 50% reduction on their membership fee in the first season.