At a Meeting held in the Gamecock, Woodhall Spa at 7.30p.m. on Monday}, 25th February 1980, The Woodhall Spa & District Friendly Bowls League was formed.
WHAT IS LAWN BOWLS?
Lawn Bowls is simple to describe; a game where you roll biased larger balls (known as bowls) towards a smaller white ball, known as a Jack, as your target. The aim is to land the bowl as close to the Jack as possible. While it may sound simplistic, it is a challenging game based on skill, control, patience and out manoeuvring your opponent. In addition to this Lawn Bowls is a fantastic social activity for players of any age and physical ability. Confusingly, Lawn Bowls is played on a manicured lawn, (some are synthetic turf) that is called a rink – the smooth lawn surface and top notch greenkeeping are imperative to a great round of bowls.
WHO CAN PLAY LAWN BOWLS?
Men, women and children, of any age, can join or visit their local bowling club to learn to play bowls. Regular bowlers are only too happy to teach and coach any willing new participants. Bowling Clubs do compete in Club Tournaments and Pennant Championships with other local or regional Clubs, however, the more social and informal, twilight or barefoot bowls have become increasingly popular. Twilight and barefoot bowls offer the perfect combination of socialising, good-natured competition, spending time outdoors with family and friends enjoying a few drinks along the way.
Lawn Bowls represents a great opportunity for any members of the community to participate in a gentle form of exercise, have fun, feel a sense of belonging and enjoy spending time outdoors.
HAT DO I NEED TO START PLAYING?
If you are considering joining a Lawn Bowls Club as a regular participant it will be beneficial to take some lessons to learn some hints, tips and importantly, technique. Clubs will loan you some bowls to begin with but as you become a more regular and skilled bowler you may like to invest in your own bowls. You will definitely require your own bowls if you start competing.
HEALTH BENEFITS
While it may look gentle, Lawn Bowls is a great therapeutic exercise and can instil confidence, increase coordination and overall fitness. It is just as important to warm up and cool down and also to consider the outdoor elements. Being sun smart is an important part of Lawn Bowling.
The action of lawn bowling incorporates a high volume of lungeing and low bending so players with previous knee and lower back issues may need to reconsider their suitability for lawn bowls.
WHAT DO I NEED TO WEAR?
The dress code required will be dependent on what event is being held on the day. Each Club will have a Club Uniform to be worn for certain events and many clubs allow for less formal ‘mufti days’ as well.
