The following gives an overview of how to get started playing bowls.

Clothing (Ladies options in brackets)

When you play, you need to wear the following:

• A club shirt - these can be purchased via the Treasurer
• Grey trousers (or skirt)
• Bowls shoes - Tan, Grey or White

If it's cold or wet:

• White jumper or fleece
• White waterproof jacket

Local shops are:

Bowls World in Ipswich

The only bowls-specific items you need are the shoes - clothing can be from any source as long as it meets the criteria above. You can also often find cut-price items on eBay, and many clubs (including ours) have good quality second hand items for sale.

Bowls

Bowls (or 'Woods') range in size from 0 (smallest) to 7 (super large)

Typically ladies would be comfortable with sizes 0-2, men with 3-5

A set of 4 new woods can be around £150-£250. Second hand sets can be found for around £50 or less.
The bowls shops mentioned above usually have a stock of used woods in various sizes, and members sometimes have sets for sale.

Playing in the leagues

Otley BC play in three leagues:

We play a home and an away game against each club in the league. Other clubs are usually in the area as far north as Leiston, and as far south as Felixstowe. Most are villages in Suffolk Coastal and Ipswich.

See these sites for locations of other clubs:

• Suffolk County Bowls Area 'B'
• Suffolk Bowls England
• Bowls England Ipswich league

We encourage people to start playing in the leagues as soon as possible after they start. The captains will play beginners alongside more experienced members who can give help and advice.

Choosing when to play

You can choose how many or few games you wish to play.

• The captains for each league will stick 'Availability' sheets up on the club notice board (in the pavilion) for each forthcoming game in the next weeks, indicating if it is a home or away match.
• You write your name on the sheets where you are available to play.
• The captains pick the team, and stick a 'Team' sheet up on the notice board
• If you are picked, you tick your name a few days before the game to confirm that you are playing.
• If for some reason you are unable to play, ring the captain to let them know, and they will find a substitute.

If you have any more questions, please get in touch via the club email address.