Welcome to the bowls club. We hope that you enjoy playing bowls and the social activities in our club. Whilst we would encourage you to ask other members if you are unsure about anything, we hope this list is useful in getting you started.

In the summer, the security system is switched off by 9.30am. To access the club house through the main door you will need to use a code. Please ask for the access code. Should you be the last person to leave at anytime during the day then it is important to press the “F” Key on the lock so that the clubhouse is locked

The Green is not generally available for play until 12 noon.

Beside the TV there is a rink booking file. If a rink is not booked you are welcome to use it to practise provided that you are in greys with appropriate shoes. You may also book a rink here but please note the order of priority for rinks is shown in the book.

Rink Equipment is kept in the shed. Please ask for the access code. Please keep the shed door closed at all times.

If you are the last one to leave the premises, please leave everything locked. At night the club is alarmed. 

Subject to availability, if you would like a locker key please ask Peter Wilby. There is a £2 charge per year for use of a locker.

You may borrow bowls from the equipment hut until you buy your own. Try out different bowls before you buy. Most people buy second hand bowls to start with.

If you want tea or coffee please make your own and leave the money in the honesty box in the kitchen. Don’t forget to wash up and leave the kitchen tidy!

Dress Code: On the Green, we wear Greys or White. Greys are grey trousers, white shirt with collar or club shirt and white or grey or brown bowls shoes. Whites: are white trousers, club shirt and white bowls shoes. You may also wear a white jumper or jacket. We wear white waterproofs which we refer to as wets when it is raining.

Bowls shoes should only be worn on the Green and its surrounds never for travelling to and from the club or in the car park. This is to prevent the transfer of disease to the grass.

Green Etiquette: Please be mindful of players as you move around the Green. Try to keep noise to a minimum and avoid distracting movement. eg we wait for a bowler to bowl before passing across the path adjacent to the Green.

Bowls kit: Many people use the Bowls World shop in Ipswich for bowls related items. Check opening times before you visit. They also have a website which can be found on our links page along with other options for bowls related purchases.

Coaching:

If anyone wants some coaching we have two BDA coaches. This is a  nationally recognised sporting qualification meeting OFQAL regulations

Please contact either.

Derek Emms  Level 2 Coach delwiv15@hotmail.co.uk

Fiona Emms Level 1 wivenhoebowls@outlook.com

Points: is open to all full members and is a good opportunity to practise. There are men’s roll ups on Mondays at 2pm and Ladies’ points on Monday at 11:30 am . Arrive in plenty of time. Teams are pre chosen. Mixed Points is on a Friday evening 5.45pm for 6pm start. Greys for points and all roll ups.

Men’s Playing: The gentlemen play in several leagues. Each of the teams has their own Captain. These are shown in the fixtures books and on our website. Games are teams of four with two woods unless it is triples when it is teams of three with three woods. They wear greys for all of these matches except Saturday afternoons when it is whites. If in doubt please check with your Captain. Details of the teams selected are on the men’s noticeboard by the changing rooms. Even as a new player, you may be asked to play so please check the boards. Lifts can be arranged with other members but you may need to ask. If you are unavailable for selection please complete the non-availability book by the TV as early as possible. If it is a regular thing, please inform the Captains.

Ladies Playing: The two ladies’ teams play in the Tendring Hundred League usually on a Thursday afternoon/evening. Some ladies are involved in the Tendring Hundred mixed Windsor League. There are also some friendly matches. These matches are triples: 3 ladies with 3 woods each. Details of the fixtures can be found in the fixtures book and our website.  You should sign up to play on the Ladies’ notice board outside the changing rooms. The ladies team usually travels together to away matches. The Ladies have a non-availability book which is by the TV so please complete this if you are going to be away. The ladies always play league games in whites unless playing mixed games when it is prudent to check.

Please note that if you play in a team match and you are at home, you will be expected to offer to buy a drink for a member of the opposition. Also note that at all clubs there is usually a raffle or a draw of some kind.

The length of games can vary. Some games include a meal.  If you are playing at home whether you participate in the refreshments or not (and we hope you do) you will be asked to pay £3 for the meal or £1 if there is no meal. Ask if you are unsure.

It is hoped that all members of the club carry out a duty. As a new member you will not be assigned to a duty team immediately but may be asked to help out from time to time. Offers of help are always appreciated.

Competitions: We have to enter most of the club, Tendring and County competitions before the season starts so new members are unlikely to be able to compete during their first season but you may take part in friendlies, gala days, fun days. Please watch the notice boards for more information.

More Information: Please read the notice boards for more information. Playing information on the men’s and ladies’ boards by the changing rooms. Social Activities on the board by the bar. Updates on the General Noticeboard and by email. Important Information by the main door. Our website www.wivenhoebowls.club contains a lot of information and also has a members only area which can be accessed via a simple registration form.