Introduction to our club
Introduction to our club
The Preston Club Ltd was formed in 1908. It has facilities for indoor bowls, outdoor bowls, and snooker. Members can play against each other and against other clubs in well organised leagues. The club also offers friendly events for players of any ability.
The club organises a number of social events, usually on Friday evenings, most of which involve a meal of some description. The Club has approximately 700 members and are mostly interested in the opportunity to play bowls indoors during the winter. About 100 play outdoors during the summer. There are close to 150 club members who make varied use of the club’s facilities throughout the year. Junior members [under the age of 21] are welcome and pay a much reduced annual fee.
During the winter months, September to April, bowling on the indoor green takes place between the hours of 09.00 and 22.00. Members are given the opportunity to book rinks in advance. Alternatively, they may take up spare rinks on a “casual” basis. Each session lasts about two and a half hours. Members are asked to pay £3.50 for each session. Matches against visiting clubs last up to 4 hours and take place on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 14.00. In addition, “Drives” which are open to members take place on Monday evenings [for men only], Tuesday evenings [priority is given to those who work during the day], Thursday afternoons and Sunday evenings. The Club is less busy during the summer as a result of fewer members bowling at the Club but the indoor green is available throughout the summer and some drives are arranged for our members (see notice board).
The Club currently provides coaching for people new to bowls over six sessions. Up to ten sessions are free. Thereafter each session costs £3.50. These start in October and January each year. They usually occur on Tuesday evenings at 16.30 and on Saturday mornings at 09.00 for those who work during the week and cannot make Tuesdays. After trying the game players may apply for membership. Coaching for improving one’s game is also available at no additional cost to members. The Club is fortunate to have the services of several well-qualified coaches.
The bar is open from 11.00 to 14.30 and 17.00 to 22.30 from Monday to Saturday. On Sunday it is open from 12.00 to 14.30 and again from 17.00 to 21.00. When it is warranted, the bar is also open during the afternoon between 14.30 and 17.00. A range of drinks is available at reasonable prices.
The kitchen is open throughout the year to provide members with refreshments, ranging from tea, coffee, cakes, sandwiches, snacks and all day breakfasts to a ‘proper’ lunch. When matches are played, it is usual to provide a two course meal for both teams and any guests for which each individual is asked to pay. These are taken after the match usually starting about 17.30. In addition, the club plays a number of matches on Saturday evenings against local outdoor clubs and these usually conclude with a fish and chip supper. All members are encouraged to play in these matches.
The snooker room is available for play whenever the Club is open. Should both tables be in use upon arrival, there is a simple procedure for booking tables.