Membership
Join Us
Here are some of the questions asked by those thinking of taking up bowls and joining our club.
Although it's easy to pick up the basic rules of bowls it is in fact a game of infinite variety. If you have learnt to cope with different weather and green conditions and how to get round all the bowls already at the head or whether to bowl gently to the jack or bowl heavily to get rid of opponents bowls you have only discovered some of the intricacies of this fascinating game.
Bowls is not an expensive sport. It will cost nothing to test the water. You can come along for some trial games without charge. Just wear flat soled shoes and comfortable clothes and we will lend you the rest.
Once you join you will need to pay the annual subscriptions shown in the membership section and small additional charges for participating in some events such as £2 for any club competition. You pay nothing for any roll-up session.
You will need a certain amount of equipment and clothing. A new set of bowls costs about £400 or much less if you decide to buy or even borrow a second hand set (a wise choice for a beginner to give yourself time to find the type of bowls that suit you). Dress code is relaxing gradually (no longer whites or greys). All new members will be informed of the dress code when joining. When you participate in Club matches you will need Club clothing, and possibly wet weather gear.
Most certainly. One of our experienced members will be pleased to show you the ropes and let you have a go, without any obligation.
Most beginners like to start with informal "roll-up" sessions and progress from there. We are a competitive club and sooner or later as you improve we are sure you will want to experience the competitive atmosphere of league games and club competitions and will volunteer for at least some of the many opportunities to play in these matches.
There are plenty of opportunities for husbands and wives or other partners to play bowls together or to enjoy the separate men's or ladies' games.
All enquiries to the Hon Secretary [email protected]
Club Fees
The Branksome Park Bowling Club (BPBC) is a CASC registered club (Community Amateur Sports Club) whose membership policy complies with their requirements:
BPBC is a sociable, competitive Bowling Club. We grant membership within the limitations of the capacity of the green and pavilion, the club admits playing member applicants who demonstrate that they can safely comply with the Laws of the Sport of Bowls and are assessed as being likely to be a positive influence towards achieving the club's playing and other aims and objectives.
For 2026 we currently have a full membership but continue where possible to offer coaching and taster sessions but we cannot guarantee membership. Our Subscriptions rates are as follows -
If you wish to find out more please contact the Honorary Secretary.
| Subscription | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Playing Member | £200 including £12.35 affiliation fees (£7.35 Bowls England and £6 Bowls Dorset) |
| Colt Member | £40 if under 25 and in full time education (school-college-university) or undertaking a vocational qualification or apprenticeship (including affiliation fees) £150 if in full time employment (including affiliation fees) |
| Junior Member | £10 in under the age of 16years (including of affiliation fees £7.35 Bowls England and £1 Bowls Dorset) |
| Social Member | £25 |
You have now joined one of the best and friendliest clubs in the area and we offer you a sincere welcome to the club.
You will have been appointed a ‘buddy’; another member who can offer you advice and point you in the right direction to help you settle into the club.
Our club clothing Liaison Officer is XXXXX who can assist you to obtain club attire.
The following are the Prices of Club Clothing.
Club Shirts £24:50
Club Waterproof Jackets £47:50
Club Bomber Jackets £35:00
Club Ladies Fleece Jackets £32:00
Keep an eye on the club notice board for socials and coffee mornings. Our web site holds a lot of information and if you are a user of Facebook, then there is a private members group (Chris Dennis).
Depending on your ability you can represent the club in District and County Leagues and Competitions. Speak to your buddy who will introduce you to the appropriate Team Captain or to Ken Joy who is the Competitions Secretary.
New Members Q & A
This section provides answers to common questions from new and prospective members of Branksome Park Bowling Club. Whether you’re curious about how to join, what to expect in your first season, or practical details about playing and social activities at the club, the following Q&A is designed to help you get started and feel confident about becoming part of our bowling community.
For anything at all ask another club member we are all approachable and will try to help you or point you in the right direction.