Bowls. a closed shop?

[givusagame]

I'm relatively new to the full sized game of bowls, having played the shortmat version for a few years. Recently however I moved to new town, and decided to try it out on the local indoor centre.

I paid my membership, was advised to put my name down on the subs list (the only name there). and in 4.5 months i've played exactly 0 bowls for this club. they've brought in friends ahead of me, i've even played a few games on my own, and no-one's offered to join in.

Now i've sent the chairman and secretary a letter demanding my money back.

As the game is in a bit of a dip, if not a full blown decline, should people like me not be encouraged. I know it's easier to play with people you know, but eventually they and you will retire or worse, and whee does that leave the club.

bowls is not a place for new members it seems

[CliveH]

Sounds like you've had a bad experience, I wouldn't say typical but others here may have different stories.
Without naming club names are you able to say what area this was in?

[barry]

Hi I am absolutely astounded, at the treatment you have received, in our club you are given a buddy, someone who will ring up regularly to see if you would like a roll up, and encourage you to put your name up for friendly’s, and enter the club competitions, which are picked on the day, where new beginners play with the more experienced players, it’s the only way you will improve in a sport, every club I know has a morning or afternoon game, aimed at getting new players into the sport, I suggest you bide your time and see what response you get from your letter, bowling is not just a sport, but a place to make friends, please let me know how you get on, good luck

[sandra]

I think a lot of bowlers are scared you are going to be better, and will end up taking their places in the team, the best advice I can give you is keep practicing and enter all the club singles games, they can not stop you doing that, then beat the socks off them revenge is sweet,

[givusagame]

The club is in the edinburgh area. I've also applied to join an outdoor club and been turned down.
Bowls in edinburgh it would seem is closed to all. Still once all the exisitng members give up or pass on. there'll be a lot of building land available. sorry to sound so negative, but i really am on the verge of giving it all up.

[Brian]

Please do not give up, I am a new bowler, but unlike you have had a good experience with my bowling club, and have been made to feel welcome, I would try another club or wait until the new season starts and then go along, and get to know the people, the majority of clubs will welcome you with open arms, the clubs that I know are really glad to get new members,

[vaio]

Can understand how you feel, bowlers & unfortunately some older bowlers try & deter newer & YOUNGER bowlers as they see there position under theat.

I live in Bristol so would be difficult to give you a game, would think your frank honesty will pay off.

It is such a great sport, it certainly keeps people fit and active. I am always surprised who some elderly bowlers keep the aging process at bay because of their involvement in this sport. It is a great shame that in some clubs new bowlers are not given the right encouragement.

KEEP going it is worttth it in the end!!!

Best of luck

[givusagame]

It seems this club really seriously have an attitude problem. 2 weeks ago I sent a letter to both the secretary and chairman, asking for some advice on getting a game... no reply... I tried phoning the centre last night, and got the brush off. but once the members get older and cant play any more, where will that leave the club... i've seen a couple of shortmat clubs go under for this very reason.

[Bigbear]

Clubs like this are giving bowls a bad name, I have never heard anything like this, I know sometimes its hard to get into top teams, unless you are very experienced, but not to get any games is dreadful, they have taken your money, keep on complaing, let us know how you get o

[wrong bias]

told you come down to ayrshire,and you will get into any club you want

[Angel]

I would try another club, this one is not worth the trouble, let us know if you get a refund on your joining fees. :?

[wrong bias]

topics a bit dated ,i think the guy got it sorted

[Surfer]

Think they're a newbie, could be they think its a new post, never mind I Spy, think the pic are bril, needed a bit if a laugh.:D:D

[wrong bias]

ah well it was good while it lasted,,bye everyone it was nice meeting you all,well maybe not all

[Angel]

Hi Wrong Bias hope your not leaving us, did enjoy the chats, just ignore the posts, you dont like, i do Angel.:(:(

[Surfer]

Wish I Spy would go and Spy somewhere else, this is a nice site Surfer:confused:

[Skippy]

ah well it was good while it lasted,,bye everyone it was nice meeting you all,well maybe not all
G'day Wrong Bias
You have been on this site longer than me!! have always followed your posts/replies and have given great fun & pleasure,
Whats gone wrong???
Would be sad to lose you considering sites like this get Bowlers close together yet play Continents apart,

Would be great to hear from you again

Skippy:grin:

[kiwi bowler]

ah well it was good while it lasted,,bye everyone it was nice meeting you all,well maybe not all
Hi wrong bias, please I would like you to stay too. I have enjoyed reading your posts very much