Facilities

The Preston Club Ltd was formed in 1908 and plans are already in hand to celebrate its centenary.

The club has facilities for bowls, indoors and outdoors, and two snooker tables. Some members play in competitive bowls and snooker matches against other clubs in well organised leagues. There are also some domestic leagues, organised by the men’s and ladies’ sections. One League is for teams made up of ladies and men.

The club organises a number of social events, currently about one every six weeks and usually on Friday evenings, most of which involve a meal of some description. The Club has approximately 900 members of whom 700 are mostly interested in the opportunity to play bowls indoors during the winter. The number is reduced to about 150 when playing outdoors during the summer. There are close to 200 social members who make varied use of the club’s facilities throughout the year. Junior members [under the age of 18] are welcome and pay a much reduced annual fee.

Opening hours

The Club is open all the year round. Bowling takes place indoors between the hours of 08.45 and 22.30. During the winter months, September to April, members are given the opportunity to book rinks in advance. This is not necessary during the summer months as most bowlers prefer to bowl outdoors. Alternatively, etc.

During the winter months, September to April, bowling on the indoor green takes place between the hours of 08.45 and 22.30. 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 except when matches against visiting clubs take place. These 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], Thursday afternoons and Sunday evenings. During the summer months the outdoor green is available for play between the hours of 10.00 and sunset. Rinks may only be booked for competitions.

Coaching

The Club provides coaching for people new to bowls over six sessions at a cost of £10.00 [£2 per week after the first week, which is free]. These start in October and January each year. They usually occur on Tuesday evenings at 16.30 and on Saturday mornings for those who work during the week and cannot make Tuesdays. After sampling the game players can apply for membership. Coaching for improving one’s game is also planned for season 2007-2008 at no additional cost to members. The Club is fortunate to have the services of several well-qualified coaches.

Food & drink

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 21.30. When it is warranted, the bar is also open during the afternoon between 14.30 and 17.00. A range of wines is available and a choice of beers, including a guest ale, as well as a range of spirits and non-alcoholic drinks, all at very 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. Usually when matches are played indoors and for some matches outdoors, a two course meal is provided for both teams and any guests for which each individual is asked to pay. 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, during the winter months (the Club plays a number of matches on Saturday evenings these are normally against local outdoor clubs and usually conclude with a fish and chip supper. All members are encouraged to play in these matches.

Summary of facilities