Frequently Asked Questions
Added: Tuesday 18th February 2025 5:59 pm
If You Want To Know Anything About Frome Park Bowling Club and / or Bowling in General
Then You Are At the Right Place
This is being developed so please contact Les Stather if something is wrong or you can think of something useful to add.
Which Type of Membership Is Best For Me
Most members become Full Playing Members which is currently £100 per season. This may sound a lot but the total cost of the upkeep of the bowling green, when allocated across the membership, is in excess of £100. With full membership comes affiliation to Somerset County Bowls and Bowls England. You get unlimited access to the green. (Please read the section below “Can I Practice On The Green at Any Time” for any caveats). You can play League and Cup games and club competitions subject to paying the appropriate fees. Your affiliation to Somerset Bowls and Bowls England enables you to enter County and National Competitions.
Social Playing Members pay £45 per season. For this you get unlimited access to the green. (Please read the section below “Can I Practice On The Green at Any Time” for any caveats). We have organised roll ups on a Tuesday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm. You are not eligible to play in any leagues, cups, club day competitions, county or national compettions
How Can I Improve My Bowling?
Click here for a set of coaching videos
If you require any one to one coaching then contact our coaches Gloria Buchan, Dave Whitehead and John Barber
Do I Need To Buy A Set Of Bowls?
No, have bowls of all sizes and weights at the club. Ask a member and they will help you choose the right size and weight for you, Once you are happy with your choice you can purchase them from the club.
How to Choose The Right Bowls For You
Bowling Etiquette
Click here to read about bowling etiquette
The Laws of Lawn Bowls
Laws of the sport of bowls Crystal Mark 4th Edition
Bowls England Domestic Regulations---- These are modifications to the laws above
What Do I Need To Do To Play in a Team?
Frome Park Bowls play in many leagues and cups with teams from other clubs. We also enter National Competitions and have a wide range of internal club competitions. A full list of all the leagues and cups etc can be found here
Put your name down on selection sheet. The Mens Selection Sheet is on the notice board placed near the Gent's Toilets. The Ladies Selection Sheet is in The Ladies Changing Room. The Mixed Selection Sheet is on the back wall of the club house to the right.
You do not need years of experience to play in a team. Most players are capable of playing in their first season of bowling. If you are unsure ask the club captains or the coaches. They will advice you.
The men have an A and a B team and need to find 24 players every Saturday afternoon.
The Wessex League games are mixed and require 16 players at least once a week and often twice.
Clothing Required
You will need an appropriate pair of shoes to play on the green. If you are unsure about the suitability of your shoes then ask a member and they will advice you. Click here to find some advice on how to choose a pair of bowling shoes,
There are no special clothing requirements to for roll ups and practicing. However, if you want to play in a team you will need the following equipment.
White Trousers or Shorts for Men, White Trousers or Skirt for Ladies - Whites are required for all games that start in the afternoon
Grey Trousers or Shorts for Men, Grey Trousers or Skirt for Ladies - Greys are required for all games that start in the morning or evening.
A club shirt. These can be purchased from the club secretary
A club fleece. Although not essential, you will be playing outdoors in all weathers.
A pair of white over trousers, not essential but they will keep you dry if it rains
A white waterproof jacket, again not essential but will keep you dry if rains
A bag to put your bowls and kit in.
A measure and chalk
Equipment can be purchased from Bowlamania in Melksham
Match Fees
It generally cost £2.50 to play in a match. For home games this money goes towards providing post match tea or supper. For away games, this money goes towards paying your driver. All match fees are paid to your Skip who passes them on to The Captain for that day, If you are a driver, the captain will give you money for driving. For home games, it customary to buy a drink for your opponent. For away games, your opponent will offer to buy you a drink. It is customary to offer one back in return.
Club competitions are £2 each to enter and there are no green fees
Day competitions are £5 and there are no green fees.
What Do I Do If I Have Special Dietary Requirements?
Please mention any dietary requirements to the captain a few days prior to the match so they can see if the people providing the food can accommodate your needs.
Can I Practice On The Green at Any Time
Within Reason Yes. The green is cut on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning but usually finished by around 11 am.
If there is a match on then obviously do not use the rinks that are being played.
You may be asked to move rinks if you are on a rink that will be used in a match. Matches take priority over roll ups and practice sessions
You can book a rink using the diary on the counter to the left when you enter the club house. Even if you have booked a rink you may have to move if that rink is selected to be played for a match.
You can get a key to the club house from the club secretary. You will need the code for the gate and the clubhouse door. Just ask anyone and make a note of it. Do not share this with people outside of the club.
The keys for the equipment shed are in the key cabinet which is a wooden box on the right by the door as you enter,
When you enter the equipment shed look on the left and you will see which direction you need to play on and which colour. It is recommended that you set up a rink, for the first time, with someone who knows how to do it.
When you have finished bowling you MUST put all equipment away and lock all doors and the put the padlock on the gate.
Can Children and Young Adults Play
Frome Park Bowling Club complies with all the safeguarding requirements as stipulated by Bowls England. Our safeguarding officer is Richard Phillips.
We encourage members under 18 years old. Jason Banks won the World Indoors Championship at 28 years old.
Anybody under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult. If you know anyone under the age of 18 who want to play then contact Richard and he will be able to explain things to you.
Smoking and Drinking
Smoking is only allowed in the designated smoking area furthest from the club house.
The club sells both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks plus tea and coffee. No drinks are to be consumed on the actual bowling green.
Only drinks purchased at the club can be consumed on the premises.