Membership

The club always welcomes all new members, wherever you live, not just residents of Gargrave, irrespective of gender and ethnic origin.

Visitors and occasional bowlers can simply phone any of the club's officers or get the clubhouse door combination from the staff at The Masons Arms and use the green and the club equipment at any time that it is free. There is an honesty box in the clubhouse and the fee for each visit is £5.00 per person.

If you decide to join the club and become a member, then the subscription is £50 per year. For this you will have  the door combination to the clubhouse and can use the green and the club equipment as many times as you like, whenever the green is free, and will be able to enter all the club competitions.

If you decide to become a member of one of the club teams and play in league matches against other clubs and league cup competitions then there is a one-off league registration fee of £16.50 to pay in your first year.

In addition, team members pay £2.00 entry fee per match for each league game they play.

To find out more, email us at: bowlsgargrave@gmail.com 

The first thing you need is a pair of bowls per person. You can use the various sets of bowls that the club owns free of charge for as long as you wish, but many bowlers choose to buy their own bowls, which come in various weights, between 2lb and 3lb in 2oz increments, and different sizes and densities. You should choose a weight and size that fits your hand easily. Hold the bowl "upside down" with the bowl facing the ground. If you can do that without struggling to hold on to it then the bowl is not too big or heavy for you. Ask at the club and you can try various ones to see which suits you better.

High density bowls are slightly smaller for the same weight, compared to standard density bowls. Because they are slightly smaller for the same weight they tend to pull up slightly quicker, which can be an advantage on faster greens. Low density bowls are slightly larger for the same weight, compared to standard density bowls. They are roughly the same density as wooden bowls made from lignum vitae and will run on a bit more - an advantage on a slow or heavy green.

We often have second hand bowls advertised for sale on the club noticeboard for about £25.00 per pair.

The club also has several  "jacks", which you can use free of charge. Some are black and some are yellow, according to personal preference. Again, some members have their own jack but this is not essential. Unlike lawn bowls, the jack in crown green bowls also has a bias, which is marked as "2 full bias". All bowls have the same bias as the jack. On your bowls you can feel the bias side because of a small indentation or dimple on the bias side. On the jack the bias is on the side opposite to the three small pips. Interestingly, the bias is created by the shape of the bowl and not by adding a weight to one side, (a common misconception).

The club also has several small, round, rubber mats or footers, about the size of a small plate, which you can use free of charge. Again, some members have their own mat but this is not essential.

You will also need flat-soled shoes or trainers (no heels, but not open-toed sandals).

Other equipment provided by the club includes measures and tapes.

The clubhouse has facilities to provide refreshments. There are kettles, water, a sink and a fridge. We have tea bags, instant coffee, biscuits, milk, squash and cans of fizzy drinks so you can make your own drinks. We ask you to put 50p per person in the honesty box to cover the costs and £1 for a can of drink.