James, the organiser at Pirrie Park Bowling Club, is reaching out to the sports community. Here's the lowdown on what you can expect at this friendly spot.
Pirrie Park Bowling Club sits at 78a Wilton Crescent, Upper Shirley, Southampton. It’s a welcoming place for lawn bowling enthusiasts, home to over 70 bowlers and 50 additional clubroom members. No matter your age, gender, or physical ability, you'll fit right in.
Thinking of giving it a go? James suggests you get in touch with Mary Shilley, the Membership Secretary. She's always on hand to help new faces join the club. No need to worry about gear or experience – they’ve got you covered with training and equipment. Simply download a membership form from the Southampton and District Bowling Association (S&DBA) website to get started.
Pirrie Park has three men's teams competing in the local league. One team plays on Thursday evenings in the Championship 3, while other teams are out on Tuesday evenings in Combination 2 and Triples League 1. The ladies also have their section under the Southampton & District Women's Bowling Association, though they're a bit thin on the ground for full league participation at the moment.
From mid-April to late September, the green is open from 10 am till dusk, weather permitting. Just a heads-up – Tuesday and Thursday mornings till noon are reserved for the greenkeeper's TLC. Friday evenings usually see some interclub competitions, perfect for showing off your skills or just having a good watch.
When the weather turns chilly, don’t fret – there's short mat bowling inside the clubhouse. Join roll-up sessions on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm and Saturday afternoons at 2 pm. They’ve also got two interclub leagues during winter: a triples league on Monday evenings and a pairs league on Wednesday evenings.
But it’s not all about bowling. James has lined up a bunch of social activities. There's an interclub triples league on Monday mornings and roll-up sessions on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Swing by on Fridays for “Club Night,” complete with a meat draw and a bingo session at 8 pm.
For those into bridge, there’s a Monday afternoon game at 1 pm. The club also does its bit for charity and hosts special events like Christmas dos. Want to stay in touch with fellow members? Pop a message via the “Contact Us” page on the website.
For more info, check out the Bowls Hampshire website or the World Bowls website. You can also find updates and news on the club’s Facebook page. Cheers!