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Focus on Bowls

Bowls Fans Are Spoilt for Choice in Wymondham

Published: 01 April 2022

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Priory Garden Bowls Club green

Priory Garden Bowls Club

Is lawn bowls a dying sport? Priory Garden Bowls Club says ‘NO’!

In general, lawn bowls is often perceived as a sport that is ‘old, slow and boring’. Other criticisms are that it is aimed at retirees, has a strict dress code, old fashioned and strict rules and regulations. In some clubs those comments are valid to a greater or lesser degree. At PGBC we have a different approach.

So, what do we think and what do we have to offer?

At PGBC, we are well aware of some perceptions of the game and of the competition from other sports and pastimes. The game has changed and, as a club, we are continually evolving the club to ensure that the sport is very much in tune with the 21st century.

Priory Garden Bowls Club logo

Age: Bowls is NOT just for the elderly. True, the game has always been popular with retirees because of leisure time they may have available. However, in the modern world, bowls is a sport that is being played by people of all ages, so come and enjoy the game with us.

Benefits: Playing bowls, you will make lots of new friends, learn new skills and have fun. There are also lots of health benefits both physically and mentally. The game, itself, is relatively simple yet presents many challenges in all its aspects and is certainly NOT BORING.

What we provide: At PGBC, our varied programme of activities and game formats allow ample opportunity for bowlers of all skill levels to enjoy the game. If you have never played before, we will provide help to get you started so that you can get maximum enjoyment from our sport. We have a very relaxed dress code, and our friendliness is second to none. Our rules are also very simple. In fact, our principal rule is ‘Enjoy your Game’.

So, if you would like to have a go just contact us or turn up when we are playing, you will be most welcome. We are located right in the centre of our lovely town of Wymondham. 

Our 2022 Registration Day is Saturday 23rd April, between 1pm and 4pm at our Clubhouse in Back Lane. Come along, have a chat to current members and have a go at rolling a few bowls up the green. You will be most welcome. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available. You have nothing to lose!  For further details see www.priorygardenbowlsclub.co.uk or email admin@priorygardenbowlsclub.co.uk.

Dell Bowls Green
Dell Bowls Green.

Wymondham Dell Bowls Club

By Geoff B

Welcome to Wymondham Dell Bowls Club! Our 'Hidden Gem' as we like to call it was founded as an outdoor club only, with the green being laid in 1928 and the club was known as the Priory Park Bowls Club. It was renamed The Dell and then in 1936 expanded to Wymondham Dell Bowls Club.

The club joined the EBA (English Bowls Association) in the mid 1930s. It was decided to build an indoor green (four rinks) next to the outdoor green, which opened in 1967, with a further two rinks added in 1980. In 1996 a refurbishment was required and a new six-rink green was built in 1998.

Today, following a tricky period due to Covid, the club is fully functioning with its Competitive and Social Bowling Programme both indoors and outdoors (from May 2022). Despite losing members in the Covid period, new members are joining weekly, and the club is opening its doors to invite members of the public of all ages to come and try the sport and enjoy a fun day as part of the National Initiative run by Bowls England on Sunday 29th May.

Dell Bowls Club logo

In the meantime, potential bowlers both competitive and social are invited to contact the club and have a look round. The Club offers annual memberships both as an outdoor and/or indoor bowler at a cost of £55 (£5 for full time students) or a social only membership for £8.50 pa.

The club boasts a 100-seater function room available for general hire both to the public and to businesses. Examples of organisations making use of the room include Wymondham Camera Club and the Young Farmers Club. The function room is having a complete refurbishment in early May and next year a new indoor bowling carpet is planned. We hold various social events such as bingo and quiz nights, pool and darts evenings and music nights.

Bowls is a game for all ages - the current Ladies World Champion is in her early 20s and lives in Norwich! We also have several male bowlers ranked in the world's top 12 from the local region.

The Dell has three or four social bowling groups who meet on a weekly basis. There are qualified bowls coaches available for starter players without the requirement to join the club and equipment for hire - so no financial outlay is required initially. Our bar area is a lovely space to just come along and enjoy a drink and plans to open a cafe area for daytime drinks and snacks are in hand.

So come and join us! The club can be found at 54b Norwich Road, opposite the High School and Leisure Centre. Contact us on 01953 602099, email office@wymondhamdell.com or visit www.wymondhamdell.com

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