Carpet & Green Bowls

There are 2 bowls clubs serving West Bergholt residents, those playing the indoor version at Orpen Hall, and the other playing the Green variety in Braiswick.

West Bergholt Bowls Club

Founded in 1988 with 30 members, West Bergholt Bowls Club meets in the Orpen Hall Sundays and Thursdays at 7 pm. The indoor form of the game, called Carpet Bowls, is played on a 30 foot long smooth carpet with a short block of wood placed midway to prevent direct play to the jack (the small white ball pictured). This means the bowls must be played to use the ‘bias’ (one side weighs more than the other) in a curved trajectory. As with lawn bowls, there are several variants of play, singles, doubles, triples and fours. The individual, or team, landing their ball closest to the jack gains points based on the number of balls closer than the opposition’s closest ball.

Competitions & Matches

The first week of each month sees the club playing ‘Drawn Pairs’ and Points Competitions. The club also regularly plays matches against local village teams from Eight Ash Green, Ardleigh, Nayland & Bures to name a few. Over the years the clubs’ members have seen success in county competitions; no less than two County Singles winners coming from the club. They have also won a number of charity competitions such as the Pretty Gate Trophy and Great Bentley Trophy.

Membership & Free Trial

From a high point of 40 members and a waiting list in the early 2000s, membership is now slightly below the 1988 level; new members are welcome so what are you waiting for? Come along for a rollup, the first two sessions are free and tuition is given. Get more information from Eileen Brown on 01206 243301. Find out more about Carpet Bowls on the English Carpet Bowls Association webpage.

Woods Bowls Club

Woods is the closest club to West Bergholt playing the outdoor game. Based at Keepers Green, Braiswick, the club is open to all ages and abilities. The greens are open for play throughout the spring/summer months of April to September. The club has a mixture of male and female members of varying ability levels.

Members can play in competitive leagues, organised friendly matches, internal club competitions or simply social / practice games.

The club is a small, friendly one; whilst they do not have a lot of facilities, like bigger clubs in the borough, they do offer a warm welcome with the opportunity to get involved in the club as much or as little as you like. The club welcomes new members whether or not you have played before. They will provide coaching/guidance to new players or help returnees to brush up their skills.

What’s Happening in 2022

The club is now (February) starting to prepare the green and clubhouse for the new season. As their Open day in 2021 was so successful in attracting new members, they have entered more teams in the competitions & leagues they take part in..

Big Bowls Weekend

In line with Bowls Englands’ ‘Big Bowls Weekend’ the club’s open day is on Saturday 28th May from 12 pm, there is no charge, just bring yourself and some flat shoes. If you are interested but cannot make the open day, please call the club secretary on 01206 863854 and he will arrange a suitable time to meet you at the club.

New to Bowls?

Most people find bowls an easy sport to start playing. The basic skills are not hard and it does not require any great physical strength or athletic ability. A few practice games will quickly get you familiar with the rules and etiquette, which will help you understand the scoring system and order of play.

There are matches for all abilities. They range from internal club matches and friendlies to the more competitive matches in the Colchester Borough and Sudbury leagues. Competitors normally play matches midweek afternoons and evenings with some Weekend afternoons.

After matches, it is common practice to retire to the clubhouse for refreshment, where you can chat and reflect on the successes or shortfalls in the day’s play.

The Club organises social events throughout the season, which are open to members and guests. These events usually comprise of BBQ’s or Dinners, with a Quiz and raffle.

You can find out more about the club from their website or by contacting Peter Pushman on 01206 863854 or [email protected].