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?

The only requirement for equipment is that you wear a pair of flat bottomed shoes or trainers. There are a variety of sizes of club bowls that can be borrowed while you are seeing if you like the game of bowls . We advise not to buy bowls until you find a size and weight of bowls that suit you.

2. What do I need to wear ?

Initially you only need to wear smart casual clothing that is comfortable. There is a club kit of matching shirts and trousers and /or shorts in club colours, which is available for purchase. Members are expected to wear the club kit when playing in matches representing the club. New members will not be expected to purchase until they are sure they wish to join.

3. How much does membership cost ?

There is an annual membership subscription which is reviewed each year. Please ask about the current membership fee. For those considering joining Aston Clinton Bowls Club, we offer a temporary membership while you decide consisting of – six-week playing membership; free instruction; free use of bowls and full use of all club facilities.

4. Is there any help and advice for me to learn the game ?

We always pair new members with an existing and experienced player who will guide and advise you. For those who want to progress and develop their game we have qualified coaches to provide expert tuition.
How far or fast you want to learn is entirely up to you, the important thing is that you enjoy the bowling.

5. When and how do I get to play ?

We hold ‘club’ / roll-up evenings every Tuesday from about 5.30pm. They are very informal with teams drawn from whoever turns up. Ideal for newcomers to learn the techniques, rules and etiquette of the game.
We also play ‘friendly matches’ most weeks against other surrounding clubs which you can put your name forward to play in. They are a great way to pick up the game and gain confidence but in a friendly atmosphere.

6. How do we get to meet other members of the club ?

Tuesday evenings roll-ups are a good way to meet members when either playing on the green or for a drink in the bar afterwards. The teams picked for the friendly matches always change so it’s a good way to meet and get to know other club members.

7. Are there bowls competitions I can enter ?

We have internal club knock out and one-day competitions. There are the friendly matches mentioned above, and we also play teams in county-based league and cup matches.

8. Can I play at any time ?

The outdoor bowls playing season is from April to September each year. The green is available for use by members on most days from 1.00pm unless maintenance work is being undertaken, or all rinks are being used.

9. Will I be expected to play in club matches and competitions ?

Which matches and/or competitions you take part in is entirely up to you. Some members prefer to only play in friendly matches while others like the ‘cut and thrust’ and the challenge presented against other players in the more competitive county matches. The game of bowls has something for everyone.

10. Is there a social side to the club ?

The playing season does get very busy with bowls matches but there is always time to socialise in the bar after matches. We have a busy social calendar during the winter months and hold social events every month between October to March.

11. What other ways can I get involved with the club ?

Like many clubs we rely heavily on member volunteers. Volunteering is a great way to make and keep the friendships you have made on the green be it helping with match day refreshments to looking after the green itself. Any time you can give is always appreciated and welcomed.

12. Who run’s the club ?

The club belongs to the members but is run on their behalf by a committee who are elected each year at the Annual General Meeting. Any member can put themselves forward for position on the committee and are encouraged to do so. Comments and requests from members at any time are welcomed because the club is run by the members for the members.

13. Keeping in touch ?

We have a WhatApp group which members are encouraged to join, and it is used for a variety of purposes by members to keep in touch with each other, such as organising impromptu games on a summer’s afternoon; requests for volunteers; match day or team updates ; social events etc.
Members are also encouraged to provide a contact email which is used to send out more detailed information and updates.

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.