Welcome to the Cockfosters Bowling Club Website. We are a
six rink lawn bowls club formed in 1919. Cockfosters was one of the many
bowling clubs to form after the 1914-18 War and, although it has changed its
location slightly in the intervening years, it retains an ideal green belt home
alongside the cricket and football grounds in Chalk Lane on the borders of the
London Boroughs of Enfield and Barnet.
The Club enjoys a wide
range of bowling interests for its members, including friendly, non-competitive
bowling, internal club competitions and participation in National, County,
Finchley & District and Veteran's leagues. Many members enter individual
national, county and local cup competitions as singles, pairs, triples and
fours.
On Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, members play in randomly
selected teams in points competitions for which cups are presented at the end
of the season. Other types of matches are devised for Bank Holidays and for our
special annual charity day. All members, of whatever standard, are encouraged
to participate.
On Thursday mornings, the club hosts the local Parkinsons Society group who play on three rinks of the green.
In the winter of 2009,
considerable expense was incurred in raising the edges of the green which had
sunk over the years, and the Club is constantly working with its contractors to
improve and maintain the standard of the green. In recent years the club has
been used for ladies’ inter-county matches on a number of occasions.
While the Club runs
men’s- and ladies’-only teams for many outside competitions, other
club matches are mixed, including club days. In all other respects, men and
ladies are on an equal footing in the club and have an equal opportunity for
election as Club President and Club Captain or other office. At the same time,
men and ladies share the practical side of running the club such as catering,
green preparation and maintenance and all club members are expected to play
their part.
Visiting us
The Club is situated in Chalk Lane off the
Cockfosters Road and near to the Cockfosters Underground station. Please see
the 'Find us' page for map and directions.
Playing membership
Members of all playing standards are
welcomed at the Club. Membership of the Cockfosters Bowling Club is subject to
interview and to reaching a minimum standard of proficiency on the green as
endorsed by a Club Instructor. On interview, a non-returnable Application Fee
of £10 must be paid that covers the instruction process. If full
membership is accepted this will be deducted from the Subscription fee. Bowlers
who are new to the game only pay half fees for the first season to reflect the
financial outlay for equipment.
New Bowlers
While introductory “taster”
sessions are held early in the season for new bowlers, we are prepared to offer
this facility to anyone at any time during the playing season. During
instruction, only flat soled shoes are required and adherence to the dress code
is not required.
Social membership
All playing members are automatically
enrolled as social members and non playing members may join at a cost of
£10 per year. A wide range of activities takes place over the year
including BBQs, Quiz evenings, theatre visits, race meetings and a monthly
games afternoon in the winter. Bowls holidays in this country and abroad are
also arranged. The club does not have a bar because of security, insurance, and
lack of demand, but members may bring in drinks as required.
Fees
The Playing season runs from late April to mid
September. The annual playing membership fee currently stands at £120
with a lower sum for junior members. This entitles members to play seven days a
week from 10 a.m. to dusk, subject to the green not being used for maintenance
or club matches. On Club days, members pay £1 for play and refreshments
and small amounts will also be charged for club friendly and competitive
matches, sometimes including a meal. Entry fees are charged for internal club
competitions.
Dress Code
The Club has a dress code which consists of
white tops and grey trousers or skirts on weekdays, and all white on Saturday,
Sunday and Bank holidays. Ladies’ dress may vary according to match.
Members are expected to adhere to this code.