THE FOUNDATIONS

In 1905 the newly formed Tring Bowling Club held a bowls match in the village of Aston Clinton followed by their first annual dinner at the Rose & Crown.

Tring lawn bowls club returned to Aston Clinton, for another match, via a horse drawn wagonette in 1908.

The villagers of Aston Clinton formed their own Lawn Bowls Club in 1948.

In 1978 the current green was built in Aston Clinton Park and it was opened, with six rinks, in 1986.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions of newcomers to the game of bowls.

1. Will I need special clothing and equipment?

Our club runs informal non competitive sessions that are called Roll-Ups. The only requirement for equipment is that you wear a pair of flat bottomed shoes or trainers. Clothing is informal and the club has a stock of bowls that you can use to try the game. We advise you not to buy bowls until you have tried the game to establish the size and weight of bowls that will suit you. dress code for matches is explained when you decide to join the club.

2. Is there any help and advice to help you to learn the game?

Our club has three qualified coaches on hand. They can provide tuition on a 1-2-1 basis as you take up the sport. Initially this is free of charge. If you choose to join the club, a charge of £10.00 is made.

3. Is there a beginners competition?

Our club holds informal turn up and play sessions, called Roll-Ups on a Tuesday evening. These are ideal for beginners. You can play with experienced players who will explain the rules and etiquette of the game.

4. Can I play at any time?

The green is available to members on most days from 11.00 am, unless work on the green is being undertaken of a match is being played.

5. Will I have to play in inter-club matches.

Members can put their names forward for all matches, both home and away. The teams are selected by the Club Captains. You will receive a club shirt at a reduced price. The maximum distance travelled is around 30 minutes by car. We encourage members to car share.

6. How much does membership cost?

Playing members pay an annual subscription. For the current season of 2023 this is £85.00 a year. Social membership is £20.00. There are additional nominal match fees. these are dependent upon the catering that is provided.

7. What about the social side.

The club has a thriving social life. This includes quizzes, race evenings, meals and more. A local bridge club and some U3A groups also meet in our club house.

8. Keeping in touch.

Members also receive a regular newsletter.

Our club has a reputation for being friendly at all levels, including in the way in which we play bowls.

There are no paid employees with members undertaking the majority of maintenance and running of this friendly club.

A MODERN SPORT

Forget the dated image of elderly folk playing lawn bowls in an all-white dress code.

You are welcome to visit Aston Clinton lawn bowls club in Buckinghamshire, wearing whatever makes you feel comfortable whether this be a tee, hoodie, open necked shirt or blouse, with trackie bottoms, shorts or jeans. This is completely acceptable.

As with any other sports team, such as football or rugby, it is only when you play for our club, that you will be asked to wear a club shirt so that you look part of the team.

The only thing that we do ask when you visit, is that you wear smooth flat footwear to avoid damaging the green. (In Australia, newcomers started a trend by playing in bare feet!  You can join this movement if you wish at your own risk. Bowls are heavy.)

During play, or after a match, we make time for a catch up with friends both old and new, either in the sun or at the bar.

GIVE BOWLS A TRY

Sport is for everyone, irrelevant of their age or gender.

There are many reasons why bowls can unlock the advantages of playing sport.

Here are the top 5 reasons that we can think of for you to give bowls a try:

1. Playing bowls can be played by everyone.

Bowls is a sport for everyone. It will help to improve your fitness levels and mental wellbeing.

2. Bowls is not expensive.

In order to start you do not need lots of new kit and equipment. We can lend you a set of bowls whilst you give bowls a try.

3. After the national sport of football, bowls boasts the second highest number of clubs in the country.

As well as our own club in Aston Clinton, in Buckinghamshire and across the country there will be a club close to where you live.

4. Unlike other sports, the age and gender of a player has less of an effect on a game of bowls.

It is a perfect sport for all including your own family and work colleagues.

5. Bowls clubs focus upon being fun and welcoming.

Bowls is a great way to help you to relax. You will also make some new friends within your own community.