The Vale of Leven Bowling Club, also known as “THE VALE,” is located in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. With over 200 full members, it is arguably the largest and most successful bowling club in the area. The club boasts two of the best lawn bowling greens in the region, providing excellent facilities for members and guests alike.
Established in 1867, the Vale of Leven Bowling Club has a rich history and is situated just over one mile from the beautiful Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. Nestled in one of the most picturesque parts of Scotland, if not the world, the club takes pride in its long-standing traditions and scenic surroundings.
The club's website, recently updated for its 150th Anniversary in 2017, serves as a valuable resource for members, as well as bowlers from Scotland, the UK, and worldwide. Visitors to the website can find information about the club, associations, and Scottish bowling. The site also includes details about social functions and other news related to the bowling club.
In addition to the website, the Vale of Leven Bowling Club has an active Facebook Group where day-to-day information is shared. Guests are encouraged to join the group to stay updated on the latest events and activities. For those unfamiliar with the game of lawn bowls, the website provides a section describing the rules of the game, local lawn bowling rules and bylaws, Scottish Bowling Association rules, and flat green bowling etiquette.
Contributions to the website are welcomed from both bowling club members and guests, and volunteer writers are invited to get in touch if they have articles to share. The club also maintains an email list for members and guests, which is used to notify them of important events throughout the year. However, for more immediate updates, the Facebook page is recommended.
To navigate the website, visitors can choose from the options on the menu at the top of the page. The Vale of Leven Bowling Club Committee for 2023 comprises Kenny McLeod, James Crichton, Jack Bruce, Dougie Manderson, Billy McLaren, Jim Brown, David Nicolson, Tom Caldwell, Irwin Barnes, Vice President Alan Bruce, President Iain Mulholland, Gordon Baxter, and Ronnie Walker.
It is significant to note that the information regarding bowling club rules and bylaws displayed on the website is for guidance only and may not be current or constitutional. Members are advised to consult the club constitution and competition rule books for accurate information. The club's printed information and committee rulings take precedence over any information provided on the website.
For those puzzled by the use of the term “Lawn Bowling” on the website, it is used to distinguish the club's form of flat green bowling or level green bowling on grass from tenpin bowling and crown green bowling. This distinction is necessary to ensure that individuals seeking information about traditional bowling can easily find the club.
Overall, the Vale of Leven Bowling Club offers a vibrant and welcoming environment for lawn bowlers of all levels. With its extensive facilities, rich history, and breathtaking location, it is an idyllic destination for those passionate about the sport of lawn bowls.