Bedford Lawn Bowls Club  

Played on a smooth grass surface (real or synthetic) called a rink, as either singles, pairs, triples or fours, the game involves players rolling a ball (bowl) to get closest to the single smaller white ball – the 'jack' or 'kitty'.

It doesn't take long to grasp the basics of the game, as well it's a game for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.

Also joining a bowls club brings a host of social benefits, and members are able to join in a range of activities.

Many clubs will let you try a game of bowls for free. Others offer cheap, non-competitive options such as barefoot bowls sessions for around $10 – $20 per person (less for large groups) including equipment and tuition.

Club memberships are available at different levels, and range from social or junior/student memberships from $10 to $25, to full memberships including pennant competitions (ranging from $50 to $300 per year).

Formality of dress varies according to the level of competition, though most 'greens' require bowlers to wear flat-soled shoes.

Lawn bowls does involve frequent bending and lunging, so it may cause discomfort if you're unused to those types of movements, or if you have an existing back or knee injuries.

Some regular players talk about having general soreness and stiffness, particularly in the legs, lower back and shoulders.

Strength and fitness become crucial at the higher levels of competition – for example at events held over several weeks which can involve hundreds or thousands of lunges .........  by Lydia Hales