As a new member we hope that you are finding your way around the Club and enjoying your bowls. We think our Club is quite special and hope that you will too. To help with that we hope you find the introductory information below useful.
If you haven't yet joined but are thinking about taking up bowls, already play and are thinking about joining the Club, or considering joining as a social member, we hope the below will be useful to you too.
Membership Options
We are a members Club. Run by members for members. You can find out more about the Club here. We offer various membership options to suit your circumstances. You can find more about these options and current membership fees here.
How do I get involved?
There is a lot going on in the Club; internal leagues, roll ups, internal competitions, matches, county competitions….and more!
This includes sessions specially designed for new members and new bowlers. We also offer free coaching, including four free sessions with a qualified coach to get you going as a new bowler.
If you need some 'assistance' to bowl we have sessions specially designed for that too. You can learn more about these below...
See here for some useful tips on joining in with our Roll Ups, Internal League Games and Competitions, Club Friendlies, County League games and External Competitions.
Dress Code
Whilst you will need to wear 'club kit' if going on to represent the Club in competitions or matches, the dress code in the Club is otherwise relaxed.
Whilst within the Club bar and restaurant, or if bowling casually, members and guests are asked to be reasonably attired. The only specific requirement within the bowling hall is to wear regulation bowling shoes. This is to to avoid damage to the carpet. Your Coach will advise on suitable footwear for your taster sessions.
If you would like further information on dress code, these are in our bye-laws.
How can I book my own rink?
Of course you are also welcome to book a rink and play on your own, or with fellow members, at any time. You can view rink availability and wgat's going on in the Bowling Hall at any time through our online Diary. See here for how you can book your own rink. You can book rinks up to two weeks in advance (longer for competitions). An hour on your own can be very valuable in terms of improving consistency!
See here for Club opening times. Whilst open, members can access the Club to bowl at all times via a front door security code, irrespective of whether staff are present.
What kit will I need to join in?
For your coached taster sessions you will need nothing except your readiness to have some fun. We will provide everything you need and will advise on appropriate footwear.
Once you have joined all you will need is a pair of suitable shoes (see above dress code) and ultimately ... your own bowls. We have lots of bowls for you to try out in your first months but you will soon want your own set, which can be bought second hand from as little as £30 or new from £250.
What else do I need to know?
There is some 'etiquette' to be aware of within the Bowling Hall. This is out of respect for other bowlers, whether playing socially or competing at various levels. This web page of Mote Park Indoor Bowls Club is a fun and informative read and a recommended read for all new bowlers.
If you want to learn more about the laws of the game this may help…indoor laws
Can I bring along family and friends?
We welcome members' guests, whether to have a go at bowling or to use the bar and restaurant. You can bring the same guest up to five times in a year, after which we would ask that they become members themselves.
If you want to bring along a friend or relative to have a go why not bring them along to a taster session? You can bowl together with the coaches and demonstrate how much you have learned already!
... and socially?
The social aspect of our great sport is a key component, with members forging lifetime friendships through their Club.
As well as the bar and restaurant, which members may use any time, the Club organises various social events, internal crib leagues and even holidays!
You can get a sense of what else is going on in the Club by browsing the rest of the website and reading our club Newsletters. See here for our latest Club news.
A Sport for all
Finally, bowls is a ‘Sport for all’. It can and should be enjoyed by, and made accessible to, everyone. If you feel that you, a family member or friend would need some further support or assistance to gain the maximum enjoyment from your bowling see how we can help you here.
Angel Bowls Club welcomes everyone with an interest in this fascinating sport and opens its doors to prospective members of all ages, abilities and agilities - from juniors to great-grandparents, from absolute beginners to national level players.
