Membership
How to join Newick Bowls Club
If you would like to join our club you can either phone our Club Secretary,
Peter Smith, on 01825 762226 or email secretary@bowlsnewick.co.uk
Just download a membership application form in PDF format, print it off, and send it to the membership secretary (address on the form).
Just walk in and chat to us if the Club gate is open, which it usually is.
Or if you unsure about whether our sport is right for you just try it out for free, though you will need to bring flat-soled shoes or trainers.
Cost
We have three types of member: a Full Member and Junior Member (both playing) and a Social Member (non-playing). All three types can apply to join
by filling in the relevant section on the membership application form (see above).
Currently our yearly subscription for a Full Member is £100, £20 for Social and £15 for Junior members. But there are various
discounts for new members:
For a new Full Member who is not transferring from another club the subscription is £45, or £15 if they join in August. The full yearly
subscription will be payable the following year.
For a new Full Member who is transferring from another club or is an experienced bowler the subscription will be £60 if they
join in April (start of the season), £45 if they join in July, or £15 if they join in September. The full yearly subscription will
be payable the following year.
Junior Membership
Junior members (any age from 5 to 18) are very much the future of our Club and their care and protection are taken very seriously. Please contact our
Safeguarding Officer, Cheryl Gilders, on 07885 624220, or Membership Representative, Jan Ainsley, on 01825 723883, to discuss all aspects of child
care and protection which the Club takes very seriously.
Social Membership
Though Social Members do not participate in our sport most have played it and all enjoy watching it whilst relaxing and chatting to friends over a drink.
They also fully participate in the many social activities the Club offers during both the summer and winter seasons.
Have a few questions? Here's a few answers...
Is bowls just a Summer game?
No. At Newick we play the full length game on grass from mid-April to mid September and in the Winter we play relaxed short mat bowls in our pavilion.
Many of our members play in the Winter in local clubs either the full length game or more competitive short mat bowling.
Is bowls expensive?
No. The costs of bowls are modest compared with other sports such as golf and practice sessions or casual games with friends cost nothing. The
annual subscription for new members in their first year is less than £50 and a second hand set of bowls (a good way to go for a new bowler) can be had for
a similar figure. With these, grey slacks, a white shirt and pair of bowls shoes you can be up and running and enjoying your new sport. When you get more
involved with matches and competitions there are some other costs but these are well within reach of most people.
Is bowls as simple as it looks?
Not really. It is an easy game to begin, learn and enjoy but it may take years to master all the intricacies and tactics that can be employed to play at the
highest standard. Every set of bowls is different, and with outdoor summer bowling every rink will play differently and vary depending on weather
conditions so there is always a new challenge.
How can I learn?
Our free coaching scheme will get you going with an understanding of the game, its rules and the basic skills. After that you will learn by playing (with
such further help from our coaches as you feel you need) and watching others.
Do I have to join before I have a go?
No. Come and meet us and try the game before you decide whether or not it is for you.
Do men and women play separately?
No. We are a mixed club and most of our bowling is entirely mixed, although a few activities such some Club, County and National competitions are
traditionally separate.
Is the Club run by professionals?
No. The Club is run by the members who elect Officers and a Management Committee who together run the Club. In addition all members, when they
can, participate in running the Club in a variety of ways such as serving match teas, helping maintain the greens and buildings or running a social
event. Training for such positions as safeguarding are available and paid for by the club. This sharing ensures that costs are kept low and friendships grow.
Do we always answer your questions with a No?
No - if you ask us if you will be made welcome if you come to our Club as a
visitor or member the answer is a big fat YES.