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Bowls

Played outdoors on a flat square of grass, or indoors on an artificial surface, bowls involves throwing/rolling a ball to end up as close to a target as possible.

See Also:
Petanque

An Overview of Bowls

Bowls truly is the sport for all - all ages, all sexes and all abilities.

There are many different formats of the game recognised – flat green outdoor, flat green indoor, crown green and short mat – so there are plenty of opportunities for you to give it a go.

Bowls is also a relatively cheap game compared to other sports, whether you choose to join an indoor or outdoor club, or 'pay and play' at your local park.

If you would like some further information and beginners guide to lawn bowling there is more information here

Benefits

  • Lawn bowls provides open-air exercise
  • Comradeship
  • Improved mental and physical facilities

Costs

The cost of taking up lawn bowls varies from club to club, so it is always best to contact your local one direct to find out the exact prices. Some clubs ask only for a one off membership fee, but most ask for an annual fee, plus an additional playing fee. Some also offer sessions where you can pay and play.

Adaptations and Equipment

Playing equipment consists of:

  • A set of 4 matched bowls
  • The jack - a small white ball
  • A mat

Facts

  • The 1930 British Empire Games - the first of what would later become known as the Commonwealth Games - were also the first to feature lawn bowls as one of just seven sports on the programme.

Find Bowls Clubs/Groups Near You

Use the search below to find local organisations near you.

National Governing Bodies

Bowls England

Contact Name
Bowls England General Enquiries
Contact Email
enquiries@bowlsengland.com
Contact Telephone
01926 334609

British Crown Green Bowling Association

Contact Name
Bowls England General Enquiries
Contact Email
enquiries@bowlsengland.com
Contact Telephone
01926 334609

English Indoor Bowling Association

Contact Name
General Information
Contact Email
enquiries@eiba.co.uk
Contact Telephone
01664 481900
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Bushmead Community Hub

Bushmead Community Hub is at the heart of the community providing a sustainable, secure, culturally diverse and accessible hub that is valued by the people of Bushmead Luton.
We promote, enable, facilitate inclusive activities, which embrace and address

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Yes We Can

Yes We Can provides sporting opportunities to those with a Disability in South & West Bedfordshire and surrounding area.
Current sports are Archery, Football, Swimming, Lawn Bowls, Tennis and Hockey as well as Multi Sports Days in the school holidays.

Special Olympics Great Britain

Special Olympics Great Britain

Special Olympics offers a lifetime of learning through sport and benefits individuals of all ages and ability levels – from those with low motor abilities to highly skilled athletes.

Bowls England Development Loan

Bowls England Development Loan

Development Loans are available for Bowls clubs affiliated with Bowls England and relates to any item such as clubhouse improvements, fencing, car parks and changing rooms and loans of up to £20,000 (free of interest), repayable over up to eight years, are available.

Bowls England Coaching Bursary

Bowls England Coaching Bursary

Bowls England’s Coaching Bursary Scheme assists members of affiliated clubs who wish to obtain a Coach Bowls qualification.

Bowls England Club Loans Scheme

Bowls England Club Loans Scheme

The Bowls England Loans Scheme is available to support clubs who wish to improve their facilities, with loans of up to £20,000.