Winter Season Update: Opening Hours, Bell System, Half Price Bowling and Friendly Fixtures

The winter season is now under way, and there are a few important updates for players to note before stepping onto the rink. This includes winter opening arrangements, league information, the use of the bell system, half price bowling, and the friendly fixture list for the season.

Please take a few minutes to read through the details below, especially the guidance on session times. It will help keep play fair, orderly, and enjoyable for everyone.

Winter opening hours and league schedules

The winter season opening hours are now in effect, please see below opening times.

• Monday 9am to 11pm (last bowling session at 7pm)

• Tuesday 9am to 11pm (last bowling session at 7pm)

• Wednesday 9am to 11pm (last bowling session at 7pm)

• Thursday 9am to 11pm (last bowling session at 7pm)

• Friday 9am to 11pm (last bowling session at 7pm)

• Saturday 9am to 6pm (last bowling session at 4pm)

• Sunday 9am to 6pm (last bowling session at 4pm)

Timings can change based on other bookings or events.

Weekend availability may be restricted due to external bookings, please check the online booking diary. If necessary, please reach out to the club initially to discuss availability of rinks.

League schedules are also available:

• On the Notice Board in the bowls hall

• Via the club website

  
  

Players are asked to check their fixtures carefully. Some leagues include a BYE week, which means there will be weeks when a team or player does not have a scheduled match.

Please make a note of any rest weeks that apply to you. This will help avoid unnecessary journeys, missed matches, or confusion on the day.

If fixture times are updated during the season, the website should be treated as the main points of reference. This will include up to date rink availability and opening times, please check this before attending the club if you have not already made a booking.

The bell system will be used for all sessions

This season, the club will be using the bell system to signal the start and end of each time session.

The bell is there to keep sessions running to time and to make sure each group receives its full, fair allocation of play. It also helps avoid overlap between sessions, especially during busy league periods.

The rules are straightforward:

• No jacks are to be rolled or ends started before the bell has rung to start your session.

• No jacks are to be rolled or ends started after the end-of-session bell has rung.

• League matches may play all required ends, but please try and avoid slow play as this would effect any games booked on the following session.

  
  

If the bell has gone for the end of your session, the current position must be respected. Please do not begin another end, even if you feel there may be time to complete it.

This applies to all players and all sessions. Following the bell keeps the timetable clear and avoids delays for the next players due on the rink.

Half price bowling terms and conditions

Half price bowling has been introduced to encourage more play during the quieter periods of the day. For the last 12 months this has been very successful. To avoid any confusion, the conditions below set out when the offer applies.

Eligibility

To qualify for half price bowling, the full bowling session must take place within the half price period.

The eligible period is: Monday to Friday, 4pm to 7pm

A session must both start and finish within this time window to qualify.

Valid session times

A session is eligible for half price play only when the entire session falls between 4pm and 7pm, Monday to Friday.

For example:

• A session from 4pm to 6pm is eligible.

• A session from 4.30pm to 6.30pm is eligible.

• A session from 5pm to 7pm is eligible.

  
  

Non-eligible session times

A session will not qualify for half price play if any part of it falls outside the eligible time window.

For example:

• A session from 3.30pm to 5.30pm is not eligible, as it starts before 4pm.

• A session from 6pm to 8pm is not eligible, as it finishes after 7pm.

  
  

The club’s decision on eligibility will apply where clarification is needed. Please plan your session times carefully if you wish to use the offer.

Friendly fixtures begin on Saturday 3 October

Friendly fixtures for the winter season begin on Saturday 3 October with an away fixture at Bromsgrove.

The cost is £8 per person.

Anyone who would like to play should add their name to the sheet in the bowls hall. Please do this as soon as possible so the fixture can be arranged properly and numbers can be confirmed.

Friendly fixtures are a good way to get match practice, represent the club, and enjoy bowls in a more social setting. They also help players gain confidence on different rinks and meet members from other clubs.

If you are interested, please check the sheet in the bowls hall and make sure your name is clearly written. A full list of friendly fixtures is available below.