Join Us
Facilities
We invite anyone who wishes to play bowls, whether they are a complete beginner or an experienced bowler looking for a new challenge. Our first class bowling green offers both social and competitive bowling across six rinks. We also welcome social members (see Join Us for details) to support the club and take part in the many varied gatherings and social events throughout the whole year. This is your chance to try out Lawn Bowls in a friendly sociable environment.
Directions to 'Find Us' - see Contacts Page
Dorking Bowling Club: what3words link - ///return.text.order
2026 Internal Competition Winners - click here
In case you missed the 2026 Open Days this is what happened: 25 April & 2 May
2026 Season started with the Opening Drive on 19 April
- click here
The Complete Guide to all our Leagues in 2026 tells you everything you need to know about all our Leagues; when they are played, whether they are triples or rinks, Men’s, Ladies or Mixed. Everyone in the Club is good enough to play, so go for some games. You won’t be disappointed! This year, we are in six competitive Leagues - all 2026 fixtures outlined on the 'FIXTURES' webpage
Typical summer weekly games
Friendlies can be anyday! and you can always book a rink and play with fellow members
**2025 Christmas Dinner Dance** - click here for article
Huge Thank You to local business for raffle donations - click here
**2025 BOURNEMOUTH BOWLS TOUR** (even more fun 
) - click here
2026 Winter Social Programme being finalised - check back soon
** Notice of Safeguarding Adults at Risk and Child Protection Policy - click here
Officers: Chris and Fiona Yeomans
** Bowls England Safeguarding page - click here
** In the members login section you will find full policy copies of:
Safeguarding Adults at Risk and Child Protection
Health and Safety
We have a new sponsors page - click here.
The season ended with two successful overall wins - first a mixed friendly against Bookham where a big win on one rink plus the other two rinks keeping it close, meant an overall win. Then the final league match of the season, as an NSL mixed team played away at West Wimbledon and came away with a good overall win and two...
The last two weeks of the main season included some great results for the Club. The 'old codgers' had two games in a row and took 10 points from them, just missing out on one rink to Castle Green. This meant we finished 2nd in the GTL, just pipped by one point by Woodbridge Hill. Even so, it was a great season for the 15...
Below are the winners and runners-up for the 14 internal competition final matches. Trophies beautifully presented by our President Barbara...
What a fabulous finale weekend to the 2026 internal competitions that started way back in May. Played over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the 14 finals culminated in some very closely fought matches. After the heat of the last couple of months - it was good to get some cooler weather - gratefully received by the players...
A good week for the Club overall. The 'old codgers' started with a good win on both rinks away at Bookham, keeping them in the race to win the league. An overall win at Horsham in a mixed friendly was followed by the Ladies winning on both rinks in their friendly at Banstead Neville. Our last NDL match...
The old codgers managed an overall win against Merrow in a close fought match, but the loss of 2 points on our losing rink meant that Burpham have now taken control of top place in the league. We have 3 matches still to go, 2 of which are against Bookham, so all to play for still. The NDL team at Horley had a tough time on...
The week started with a win on one rink away at Ewhurst for the 'old codgers' but an overall loss. this just keeps us in second place, now 5 points behind Burpham, but with a game in hand. Unfortunately the hot weather returned, meaning that the game in hand against Bookham had to be postponed again - to a date still...
A generally good week in the leagues with winning rinks in all matches. The old codgers started with an overall loss to Burpham but a win on one rink secured 2 points to keep us in top spot at that time. The Border League make-up game against Burgess Hill was hard fought, which resulted in us winning on two...
A difficult week with the return of some hot weather and challenging away bowling on some tricky greens. We could not win a rink on any of our fixtures played - the 'old codgers' at Woodbridge Hill, the Border League at Burgess Hill, nor the ESL at Wallington. The NSL fixture at West Wimbledon...
The week started well with the 'Old Codgers' taking a win on both rinks against Stoke Park, all 6 points, and keeping us in first place in the league. Southey were up next in the NSL with us managing a good win on one rink but an overall loss. Later in the week we played Sutton in the NSL with all three rinks...
The hotter weather finally eased and the week looked busy with some rearranged matches due to be played along with the regular schedule. However, Purley Bury did not send a team to play the rearranged NDL match and had to concede, giving us all 10 points. Similarly, Albury could not field a team in the GTL and we were...
The week started well with a good win on both rinks for the 'old codgers' in the GTL - these put us back in first place in the league. Unfortunately the Ladies friendly against Reigate Priory was cancelled and the NSL match against Sutton was postponed as the hot weather continued to be an...
An on and off week with fairer weather but no outstanding results. The 'old codgers' started the week with a win on one rink but an overall loss away at the beautiful but tricky Castle Green. The 2 points were enough to keep us second in the league. The Ladies played their postponed SurreyAd away at Leatherhead but could...
Extreme heat hit our schedule hard this week with all matches cancelled or postponed through Friday. The weather eased enough for the ESL match at Old Coulsdon on Saturday, where we came away with a win on one rink and 2 points. The Ladies were able to raise a team for one friendly which they won in good style.
A good week for the Club this week in the various leagues, starting with a win on both rinks for the 'old codgers' away at Merrow; which keeps us in 2nd place in the GTL but equal on points with top placed Godalming. This was followed by 2 winning triples and an overall win by the NDL team at Chipstead. Special...
The weather started to clear this week but on the green we were inconsistent with some good rink wins but overall coming up short. The 'old codgers' played Burpham, winning on one rink but a loss overall, leaving us just hanging on the 2nd in the league. The NDL match at Ashtead was again an overall loss...
The wet weather this week played havoc with our schedules. On Tuesday the 'old codgers' were away at Burpham and managed to get a rain shortened game in before the green flooded and the hailstones arrived again. A good win on one rink but an overall loss means we drop a place in the league to 2nd. The postponed Woodbridge Hill...
Excessive heat at the start of the week meant that the 'old codgers' match against Woodbridge Hill was postponed. This was followed on Tuesday evening by a super win in the ESL Top 11 away at Purley Bury. Congratulations to all that played, but especially Richard Woodman winning the 2-woods, Chris Morris,...
The week started well for the old codgers again, with a win and a draw at Stoke Park giving us 5 out of 6 points and keeping us top of the league. This was followed by two successful mixed friendlies - first an overall win against local rivals Pippbrook and then a friendly overall draw against Horsham...
The week started well with another win in the Guildford League for the 'old codgers'. Both rinks had a good result over Albury, keeping us top of the division. The Ladies then had a successful friendly win against Cheam Fields - winning on one rink and drawing on the other. On Thursday the weather...
The old codgers playing in the Guildford League had a great start start to the season with a good win on both rinks at last year's champions Godalming. The rest of the week was disappointing, starting with a loss on all three rinks in the mixed friendly at Epsom Park. The men could only get one point for a drawn rink...
Week 2 started with a friendly result for the Ladies against Epsom with a win on one rink and just losing by one shot overall. This was followed with an excellent NDL win against Brockham in a match that was completed in some serious rain, with a win on 2 rinks and the overall score. So 8 points to Dorking. This kept Dorking...
Week 1 A great start to the season at Ewhurst with a win on all 4 rinks in the mixed friendly. Especially impressive were the close matches - with 3 teams winning by just one shot. Top-rated Old Coulsdon were next in the ESL league opener. Chris, Martin, Peter R., and John S. were unstoppable - securing us a good 2...
** Don't forget to bring some flat-soled shoes **
Our 2025 Annual General Meeting was held on 28 Nov with a full agenda : AGENDA FOR THE 112th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ON FRIDAY 28th NOVEMBER 2025 AT 7.00 p.m. Opening of Meeting and In Memoriam Apologies Minutes of the 2024 AGM ( held on 1st November 2024) Matters Arising Chairman’s Comments Relevant Section...
A generally successful season and above all, we hope a fun season for everyone that participated in the matches. Our final position in the leagues is shown in the table above. Surrey Advertiser League: Disappointing to finish in last place, but some good wins. North Downs League: Congratulations to all, finishing...
Brilliant competition - skillful players - great entertainment - wonderful camaraderie. List of winners - click here Thanks to Ray for the winners pictures (some couldn't make the picture call) and our President Barbara for doing the...
What a brilliant Finals weekend - so many competitions that we had to start on Friday evening to fit all the matches in !! Excellent skills were shown by all finalists and great matches to watch. Huge congratulations to Trevor for organising throughout the season. Sunday presentations were followed by a BBQ...
We're back on the Green !! It seems like a long winter but finally we are outside again and its been some lovely drying weather for over a week until ..... 2.30 and the start of the Opening Drive. But it was only showers and didn't dampen our spirits. We had started with Cheese/Pate and Wine (thank you...
** Don't forget to bring some flat-soled shoes **
Below is the Captain's reports as recorded in the AGM Ladies Captain: My second & last year as Ladies Captain, I know it probably seems to you that I have been here forever but I can assure you it is only 2. It is now someone else’s turn to be the force to be reckoned with that gets you all playing in matches. It...
A great turn out for the AGM - over 60 - and we heard reports from the our President, Chair, team Captains, Treasurer, Trustees, Green Keeping and Maintenance. Our bowls teams performed well over the season but with mixed results - so no trophies this year. Thanks were given to the army of volunteers who keep our Club...
The Finals were split over three days - Friday evening, Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday morning and afternoon. Trevor and John accomodated those super plyaers who managed to get to multiple finals by altering the schedule. We were lucky with the weather and a good crowd attended each session. Three exciting...
Below is a selection of action shots from a fantastic Finals weekend
We have two newly qualified level one coaches joining Chris, Vicky and David this year so congratulations to Mike Vergien and Ray Smith and thank you for giving up your time to take the course. We have also had a new member join us who is a level 2 qualified coach, Colin Summerhayes. He has agreed to join the coaching team. Welcome...
The attendance form is also available through this link
Dates to remember for 2024 Season (extracted from 11 Jan Management Minutes): Coffee Morning - Saturday 24th February 2024 – 10.00 a.m Green Opens - Saturday 13th April 2024 Opening Drive (with buffet) – Sunday 21st April 2024 Closing Drive (President v Vice President) – Sunday 22nd September...
The challenge was accepted again for the tenth year ...... but the result was the same. Yes it was the annual match of indoor bowls against Mole Valley Bowls Club in Leatherhead and we fielded 4 rink teams - well done to David for persuading 16 outdoor players to try indoors. Actually we are getting better as we held Mole...
A great turnout for the AGM providing support and approval for the management committee. Nothing controversial was discussed and the small amendments to the constitution were passed unanimously. Also no need to vote for club officers as only one nomination for each - so again passed unanimously. Just shows how great a...
A Summary of the 2023 Season match reports Week 1 The start of the season Week 1 (up to Sat 29 April) saw 2 matches: Ewhurst (away) friendly and Wallington (home) the first ESL match in our new Division. Ewhurst The Ewhurst friendly was a draw - 81 each - and was played in a very sociable...
Another year of outdoor bowling at Dorking comes to an end with the traditional President v Vice President closing drive. There were seven rinks in operation for the 14 triples teams (always a popular event - so no problem with members signing up). The green was in fantastic condition even at the end of season and we were...
We had the presentations out on the Green this year as it was so hot and too many of us to fit comfortably into the Clubhouse. There were 15 internal competitions with all winners and runners-up receiving an award. It was really nice to see so many new members in the finals. Thank you to our President David Morley...
After the presentations it was squeeze back into the Clubhouse for celebrating a fantastic Club Competition. It was a 'bring a plate' - so there was a vast array of dishes beautifully displayed by Marian and Pat. So a long queue soon formed. And of course the bar was open !!!!! - thanks to Eric, Mary and...
What a weekend and what a scorcher ..... We were very lucky with the weather for the finals over Friday, Saturday and Sunday - so many competitions and so much silverwear to win. We had crowds on all three days eager to see the best that our Club has to offer and we weren't disappointed. Very close matches and lots of oohhs...
After sixteen weeks of battle, we had a clear winner with Hampton Court - a strong team of Nick, James, Zoe, Ray, Alan M, and Evelyn. (see table below for full results) The evening started with a damp final round - almost needed floodlights for the last team in. Then it was in to dry off and sit down to a...
Surrey Advertiser Ladies' League Semi-final and Final - Holloway Hill Bowling Club, Godalming Throughout the season 12 of our Dorking ladies played a home and away match against the other 5 clubs in Zone 1 and came out top. On Sunday the Dorking Ladies team consisting of Mary Mitchell, Barbara Skilton, Vicky Goddard and Marilyn...
Well done the Ladies of Dorking. We won the Surrey Ad League for our Zone. Congratulations to all those who took part. Pat, Sonia, Marilyn, Vicky, Paula, Sue, Mary, Jane, Carol, Karen, Barbara and Christine. This means we are now in Semi Finals which will be held on the morning of the 20th August ’23 with the finals...
Ladies Pairs' and Men's Pairs Competitions Off to a flying start on Sunday morning with 7 rinks (4 men and 3 ladies) in action. Some well matched games were played on a very hot morning, with one team typically pulling ahead in the last few ends to claim a clear win. Some of the ladies were enjoying it so much, they played...
And now some great news on how our Ladies Team is faring ..... The results for the first 5 of the 10 matches the ladies play in the Surrey Advertiser league have been announced and I would like to give a great big thank you to all the ladies who have participated so far, as we are currently top of the league - see...
The first formal training session for the 2023 intake was this Monday evening. We had an extra 3 new enthusiastic attendees to the group that came on Saturday - so 25 so far. After reminding people of the safety measures and selecting suitably sized bowls - two of our qualified coached (Vicky and David) watched...
Another very good turn out for our Open Day. The message had certainly got out that Dorking Bowling Club is the one to welcome you - if you want to learn lawn bowls and have fun in lovely surroundings. Well done to the hard work of Ray and the recruitment team. Again lucky with the weather. The very large...
We had 24 members turn up on Wednesday afternoon to learn the basics of being a Marker. Vicky organised the day (thank you) and invited Tessa and the two Janes to talk through and show us the correct basics for being a Marker - needed for singles matches. This was more of a light hearted interesting afternoon...
Bowls Surrey Presentation 5th April – the Way Forward A Briefing Note given by David Macklin for the DBC Open Forum on 14th April 2023 of the main points of the meeting and what it means to us. I attended the Bowls Surrey (BS) Presentation on 5th April at Donyngs, which covered a wide range of...
Congratulations to David who completed and passed his Level 1 Coaching assessment in March after many weeks of written and practical work and joins our other coaches ready for the 2023 season. The picture (master photographer Charlie) above is of David, Vicky and Chris who will be providing formal training for...
We thought that you would be interested to know decisions that were made at various AGMs that affect the Fixtures Card, Dress for Play and other playing issues. But first, the big news is that we have just joined a new league for us, the Mens Guildford Tuesday Triples. Guildford Triples (GTL) (Mens 2...
We are pleased to attach a photo of Captain Peter Revell and David Macklin League Delegate being presented with the NSL Triples shield and plaque for winning the League at the Presentation Evening at Wandilea BC last Friday. We were warmly welcomed and enjoyed a pint and a very nice buffet meal afterwards. When we examined the...
Thank you to everyone who turned out to a crowded AGM - 53 members signed in (but I'm sure I counted a few more had sneaked in at the back). The full minutes are available behind the 'members login' (then 'club info' where you will find all the updated club documents eg Health & Safety, Etiquette,...
What a lovely day to finish the season - the weather was good, the banter was great, the food was fantastic, the wine was free - oh yes and we played some bowls and that was ok too . This was the annual President versus Vice Presidents match which traditionally closes the season. There was such demand for...
Dorking New Surrey League Winners Many congratulations to the squad of players from Dorking who won the New Surrey League this season. The NSL is now a three mixed triples league played mid week. It’s a very competitive league with some of the top teams from South London. Thanks must go to Richard Woodman and...
Dorking Promoted to ESL Division 1 Well, what a season we have had, culminating in coming second from top in Division 2 of the ESL League. The top 2 clubs are promoted and so we are going up along with top club Purley! We have learnt a lot over the last year or so. Perhaps it started with our performance in...
This is a summary of all the matches played in the 2022 season - taken from the weekly reports 24 April - 30 April 2022 Two friendly matches this week to start the season. Ewhurst Five mixed triples turned out in arctic conditions for an away game against Ewhurst. After a keenly fought contest Ewhurst...
The start of the chilly nights greeted us for the annual candlelit bowls event (and Sonia greeted us at the door collecting the money ). Luckily we started with pie, mash and peas (topped with a lovely gravy) - to give us a glow for the evening - not everyone remembering what they ordered and queuing too early!. We...
Such a lovely afternoon in the sunshine to play the last Monday afternoon roll-up for the 2022 season - many commenting that it was a shame that we couldn't continue as they had enjoyed this type of social bowling. There was a very good turnout of 22 from the 50 that had played on and off during the 16 weeks this...
Half of the clubhouse was needed to display the silverware. With all the trophies, cups, shields and slate coasters - there was barely room for the winners and spectators to stand and access to the bar was severely impeded. Congratulations to everyone. The list of the winners and runners-up is just a click...
Some action shots from the Finals Big Weekend 2022. Matches were played over Friday, Saturday, Sunday and culminating with the Ladies' and Men's Championship singles on the Sunday afternoon. We were lucky with the weather and there were some great games with close scores. It would have been nice to see a few more...
Another season of Tuesday Night Triples drew to a close. The main competition had four teams battling it out on a round-robin each Tuesday night for 17 weeks (although lost 2 due to weather). MARS were the eventual winners by a great margin - a very strong team who only lost twice. Congratulations to Paul Mc, Jim,...
<p>Sunday 7th August was the Club Mixed Triples Competition and it was a great turnout. Over 40 members put their names down to play - so we had 14 triple teams playing round robin on all 7 rinks (well half round robin ..<img alt="smiley" height="23"...
DBC have had a highly successful recruitment campaign this year. The Open Morning on May 7th was attended by 36 people. All attendees were warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic team of helpers (bribed by bacon sandwiches from Marion and Pat) and were given a chance to put up a few bowls and find out about the club. They were then...
There was a great turn-out for our Open Day - 30 potential new members came and had a go at bowls. Some were completely new to the game and some returning. We had a large contingent of volunteers to welcome our guests and to start the coaching. Our qualified coaches had coaching buddies to help and we also had to spread out...
Do you want to learn to play Lawn Bowls? Have you played Bowls in the past and want to start again? Do you just want to find out more about playing Bowls? Dorking Bowling Club is a friendly club that caters for all levels of bowler, from purely social to league players. We have a great Clubhouse with a bar, which is used...
Huge congratulations to Vicky on passing her coaching exam with flying colours. It was a long course with many hours spent and our thanks go to Vicky for all the effort made. She is looking forward to coaching the new recruits on Monday evenings.
We have teamed up with B4B to build us a modern friendly new website and we think it’s fantastic! Just in time for the new season. Our new website will help us to attract new members whilst providing existing and new members with all the information they may require in one place. You can find all the details you need about our...
A great weekend of bowls on Saturday and Sunday 4th and 5th September 2021 with some very close matches. We were lucky with the weather and a good crowd came out to support. The Sunday finals were followed by food and drink inside the...
Our Men’s team come a close second in the East Surrey League Top 11 competition. This is the first time that our men have reached the final and faced stiff competition from Old Coulsdon with the final finely balanced. This competition comprises two singles games, a pair, a triple and a four and is played over a...
Our Ladies team (Barbara, Paula, Marilyn & Sonia) joined the HOT SHOTS Club by scoring a maximum 8 on one end in their recent league match against Leatherhead. This is an excellent achievement against strong opposition on a hot day in July. The HOT SHOTS Club is run by Bowling International magazine and the ladies...
This is our fourth Bowls Tour under the great Vicky and Charlie's management - 3 in the Bournemouth area and now around Eastbourne. It has been a fun trip again [and we also played bowls] - although as Kevin pointed out "... we have once again completed our mission to boost the confidence of the Clubs we visit whilst...
The last Monday Roll-up was a glorious day with late September sun and blue skies. Over the 16 weeks [lost a few weeks to heat]- 30 individuals have come along, but we only averaged less than 10 each time. Neveretheless, those that came have said it was great to have a social roll-up with a different format [changing teams,...
The second annual Abbeyfield Trophy was played out this afternoon with 5 Clubs [2 teams each] - Bookham, Brockham, Dorking, Ewhurst and Pippbrook - battling [in a friendly way] to be champions. Abbeyfield is a major sponsor to our Club and this invitation event is a great addition to our bowls calendar and a fantastic way to...
A fitting finish to the 2026 TNT competition with a HUGE THANK YOU to Alan and Mary for organising one of our Club's staple events with a massive banquet and a big welcome to the many new members who took part in the parallel competition [thanks to Ray and Sheila for organising]. I attach an extract from...
A full day of entertainment greeted the Club members who had signed up for the Captains [Diane and Trevor] Charity Event. The theme was 'be colourful' and many dazzled [?] in their best Caribbean styles. Friends and family were invited to the morning session where they could try their hand at bowls and also...
Sunday was our annual internal mixed triple competition with 36 members taking part. Kevin organised [thanks] and picked the teams to even up abilities - with only 3 rounds of 4 ends as it was another scorcher. Everyone was very appreciative. The afternoon started with a 'spider' and if I remember who won it...
Our second Open Day was also well attended with over 20 people coming along to 'have a go' and check out our Club. The green even had a quick mow beforehand. Our well-oiled (?) volunteer team efficiently checked people in and passed them to the Coaches who took them through the basics - success...
Friday Night Triples kicked off on May 1 with a good turnout for the first of the year. We had three Rinks with six teams competing for the glory. It was close on two of the rinks (12-9) after 12 ends - but there were runaway winners on the third rink 17-7. So the prize went to Martin, Alan and Sheila - chocs to the...
What a wonderful morning and great to see the buzz going around the Club. Our marketing really worked a treat with some potential members even arriving 15 mins before we were due to start - they were just in time to see our final preparations and finishing off our bacon sarnies .... Our many volunteers all looked...
Sunday was the beginning of the season with the Opening Drive and Ray even organised great weather. We started at 1pm with a ploughmans lunch in the Clubhouse with a lovely glass of wine. It was quite packed with all the players and spectators and some extra people who turned up after misreading the emailed...
Our Club Captains held a 'get together' on Friday. It was a good chance to catch up with everyone and outline all the different competitions/leagues/friendlies/roll-ups that we have during the summer months - starting with this Sunday's Opening Drive. There are the roll-ups: Sunday morning, Monday afternoon and...
There was a good turnout for March's Open Forum where members had a chance to air views and hear any updates. The Agenda was quite short with - Communication, Recruitment and Volunteers as the main items. There are many routes that communication is actioned in the Club - email, WhatsApp, Website and notice board. ...
When we were informed that this event was being added to our social calendar, I wasn't sure if it was actually happening ....... But with Moira organising it - of course it was We had two volunteers for Surrey Police give us a very interesting presentation to a good turnout of members on the many different types of Scam that...
The Green is ready and looking beautiful and green. So it must be time for the season to kick off with the Opening Drive The Opening Drive sign up sheets are on the notice board. There are players and non-players sheets. Cheese or Pate and wine £5 from 1pm Players Fee £2 - please register by...
It might have been Friday the Thirteenth - but it was a lucky night for some. It was uncanny how the same people seemed to have the winning lines ........ Vicky and Charlie held the audience entranced with the number calls - everyone just waiting for the one or two numbers that would make them a winner - and then groans...
Another exciting and hilarious evening at the Clubhouse for our Short Mat social on Friday. The slightly (?) uneven floor did not help our bowling with a lot of bowls going off the Mat or hitting the wooden block, Those bowls that did make it through into the scoring end were met with oohs and ahhs and even some...
Saturday was a great chance to meet up with old friends at the Coffee Morning. It seems like the long winter is nearly behind us and Spring beckons the start of the outdoor bowls season. The Clubhouse was full and there was a real buzz about the place - whether that was the coffee and donated cake or it was just nice to see...
A new game was introduced to the members this Friday. Sheila had suggested that we might be interested in Rummikub. Some people had remembered it as a childrens game - some never heard of it al all. But it proved to be very exciting and addictive ...... there were 25 of us playing and we went on far longer than...
The last Bingo session of our winter socials enticed a good crowd out on a dark January night. Vicky and Charlie hosted the evening (thank you) and whilst Vicky was calling the numbers (with suitable nicknames), Charlie was collecting the money ...... literally. After winning a one line, then a full house - Charlie scooped...
Many tools were needed to tidy up the car park and drive way!! Nearly 30 volunteers turned up on a dry (thankfully) Saturday morning to clear away some encroaching vegetation, level up the side strip of the Clubhouse and fill in a few potholes. A whole skip was filled with waste and two huge bags of ballast were emptied...
Thank you to all who braved the cold weather and made the first 2026 social event a warm occassion. It was so nice to see how our members are really supporting the social events.. The good turnout meant that we had 27 players (9 teams of 3) with a few extra onlookers. There were a lot of 'oohs and arghs' as...
We had a good turnout for the Christmas Quiz at the Club with tables of 4 competing for the honour of being on the same wavelength as our quiz masters (David and Jane - thanks for putting it all together and making it hard - in fact, the Dingbat questions were really hard !!). So seven rounds of questions with additional 2 table...
We had a lovely Dinner Dance at Betchworth Golf Club again this year - they never fail to provide excellent food and service. With over 50 people attending, there was a good atmosphere with people catching up since the season finished. The three course buffet selection was vast with plenty left ...... but no doggy bags...
The stands were packed with punters for the first Race Night in years at the new course in Dorking. Many had come along because they were curious, some because they wanted a flutter and some because they had lost their way. There was a packed card of 8 races with 8 horses in each and a variety of races - sprints, hurdles...
16 brave souls played in the annual match (?). This is a friendly where we as outdoor players play against an indoor carpet bowls team. Even though some of our team have some experience - we were well beaten again on average 3 to 1 ........ Better luck next year maybe?
A good crowd turned out for this short mat session. We organised 8 triple teams and everybody had at least 5 attempts to bowl. The uneven floor took its toll on many but there were some brilliant shots as well, Extra padding for the radiator pipes were still necessary. A very good evening with many staying late...
The first organised social event of the Winter saw over 35 members attend - a great start. Vicky and Charlie (thank you) presided with the usual 'calls' and banter/sounds from the audience. Our table seemed to fare well with 5 wins (3 lines and 2 full houses) which made the evening even more enjoyable . It was...
Many thanks to the 12 volunteers who toiled all Saturday morning to cut all the hedges round the green and collect and dispose of the debris. Another example of the great spirit we have in the club. The Autumn renovations have now been completed on the green but the green team will be continuing maintenance through...
The annual match of President versus Vice-President teams was on Sunday. This was also the closing drive for the season with all league fixtures and internal competitions now completed. We had 7 games of triples to decide who won the trophy this year. But first - the ever favourite Spider competition. As can be...
Dorking Bowling Club hit the Dorset coast with a three match tour this September. This is the third year that we have stayed in Bournemouth, but this time we played against different Clubs - Southborne (Bournemouth), Lymington and Greenhill (Weymouth) - so a good chance to see other parts of the county. 33 members formed...
Slightly earlier in the calendar meant an 8 o'clock later sunset start - but we had 13 turned up for the Bowling by Candlelight this year. I think the forecast of showers and no sausages had put some people off. But we had an interesting time in the dark - with some bowls whizzing past before we saw them coming down and...
The Monday Roll-ups were finally concluded after 19 weeks of fun and friendly bowls. Never meant to be serious - but nonetheless a great opportunity for members (especially new ones) to gain experience and confidence in their technique, playing different positions and the spirit of the game. Overall, we had 37 members take...
On Friday 5 September, Dorking Bowling Club proudly hosted the very first Abbeyfield Trophy Tournament – a friendly competition designed to strengthen ties with neighbouring bowling clubs. Our Chairman Ray Smith invited Clubs from Pippbrook, Bookham, and Brockham to join Dorking, with each entering two mixed triples teams....
A great tradition of Tuesday Night Triples has come to a close with the final matches and a fantastic Curry extravaganza - always a queue to get more. Great idea having the photo booth. Alan and Mary have sent out an email to those involved but it is worth repeating in this article. Lots of pictures...
Fantastic Captains Charity (brilliantly organised) day and where everyone was a winner. The theme was Beach Boys - and we had a great variety of costumes - fine effort by everyone. I think the local charity shops must be empty. 14 Triples teams battled it out for the kudos rather than a prize. 16 ends were spliced...
Sunday was our Club Mixed Triples tournament. All teams were assigned 'bring a plate' and there was a feast to be had at the end of play. Thanks go to all and Pauline and Pat for setting out the buffet. Thanks also to the bar team who kept us well watered and Ray for organising the event ..... and all others...
Competition limited to first 42 entrants. Sign-up closes August 1st. £2/entry + £2 Food. Please indicate (B) for Burger or (V) for Veggie Burger on the sign up sheets on the Notice Board. Teams balanced. Multi-short-game format. Competition Followed by a BBQ - open to all. 1.45pm registration - 2.00pm start
Sunday the 8th of June was 2-woods day at the Club and the weather was fine for a great competition. Sixteen contestants played off in the morning, followed by a barbecue managed by chefs Mike and Wendy, for all the contestants and spectators. Around 50 people attended the day, no doubt attracted by the quality competition - or was it...
A huge thank you to all that attended our Open Day ..... and it stayed dry and warm. After our Green Team did last minute lawn mowing, we were ready to welcome potential new members. Our coaches were there to provide the basics - but primarily it was a day to let people have fun trying their hand at playing lawn bowls for...
Second of May was the welcome return of the Friday Roll-Up. It was a smaller number of participants than usual - but probably was due to the Bank Holiday and the incoming rain !!!! But the showers didn't last too long and we were out on the Green with a half hour delayed start - so only 12 ends. The sun came out...
Friday was the last formal organised social night for the winter and it was the ever popular BINGO. The team of Marian and Pat (thank you) stepped in to do the draw and calling and it was as amusing again - there was a definite delay with the nickname calls . Over 30 had gathered to try their luck with winning the...
An enthralling social night of Boccia played out at the Clubhouse tonight. Teams of two fought it out in a round robin competition that had the crowd on their feet (occassionally ) with some excellent shots - but mostly the bowls had a mind of their own. The final winners were Pauline & Roland (nothing to do with the...
Hello Hello Hello The Clubhouse was full for the first time in 2025 with lots of members (see who you can recognise) coming out of hibernation - and how smart does our Clubhouse now look with the newly painted walls and brand new chairs. The morning gave us a chance to renew friendships and chat about what we have been up to...
Table of Events Date Activity Organiser 27-Sep Chat/Canasta Refresher Diane & Mannie 04-Oct Open Forum Reps 11-Oct Chat and/or cards 18-Oct Boccia Roland & Pauline 25-Oct Chat...
A Valentine's day quiz - but luckily not too many questions about it. We had seven teams competing for the candy prize with two rounds of twenty questions with a break to order more drinks and Eric's rolls. The questions were varied from how many bones in a shark to the percentage of world's population in...
Not the best turnout for a social .................. And the winning team were Eric, Teddy Bellingham and David English. 12 bowlers plus 5 or 6 just at the club for a drink. A fun evening nevertheless
We had a lovely evening playing shuffleboard. Bad weather had been expected which probably dissuaded some members to attend - but we still had enough for five teams to compete over six rounds. All scores counted but did vary from 50 to over 100 !!! After three rounds we had a break in the middle to have one of...
24 intrepid bowlers braved the arctic weather for the first social of 2025 – bingo. Due to various reasons the calling was undertaken by Marian and Pat following on with the 'bingo lingo', a brilliant double act that had us in stitches. Eric used all his fingers and toes to sort out the finances for each...
Well, what a night!!! It looked like everyone had a very good time, with a great turnout of 63. We started the evening with drinks in the bar and guests bought their raffle tickets in the hope that they would win one of the many fabulous prizes that Santa's helpers were able to obtain from local companies...
Our Short Mat was laid out for this Friday's Social (thanks Eric, Steve and Ted). It's a tight squeeze but it gives us a chance to play a different Bowls game. Our floor has a bit of a slope (here and there) so extra skill was required to not only get around the block of wood in the middle but to also keep the wood...
First Boccia night of the winter social season. There were 7 teams taking part and trying their luck to somehow get the wobbly balls somewhere close to the jack. Many throwing actions from the seated position were tried and most failed .......... This is a paralympic sport but I can't see anyone from DBC...
It was a smallish crowd that attended the Open Forum (only 35) - which could be an indication that all is ok and no great issues to raise ? The full notes have been circulated and are also in the Member's BowlR section. In summary - Roll-Ups to continue, Stimulate interest for members to watch Finals, Encourage more...
Well the Green looked nice - but it was far too wet to play. Such a shame as this was supposed to be the last outdoors bowls session of the season and we will now have to wait 6 months to enjoy our Green again. So it was inside the Clubhouse that the Presidents and Vice-Presidents teams battled out - but this time...
After some rain in the morning, we were lucky to still be able to play our fun night time bowls. This year we even had battery operated lights to mark the edges !!! We had four rinks of triples playing for the honour of candlelit champions - but first we had some lovely pasta bake dishes served up (thank you...
well except for the words and pictures below ......... Another fantastic bowls tour of the Bournemouth area for three friendly matches beautifully organised by Vicky and Charlie (HUGE thanks from everyone). The hotel was better, the clubs even friendlier, and we actually won (well one out of three) - but still we...
After 17 great Monday Roll-ups, 2 Sept was the last opportunity for members to gain a score to take them into the top three - so we had the best turn out of 22 playing. It had been a mixture of rainy and very hot days throughout the season and one particular Monday only having 8 turn up ....... but the main idea was to have fun...
What a fantastic end of season for the Tuesday Night Triples. 8 teams have battled it out in this league based competition with the finale night featuring the battle for top dog and then the also rans ......... The weather has been variable during the season with a few game nights called off due to heavy rain - but we had...
Sunday 11th August was the Club Mixed Triples Competition and the list to play (only 42 places) was filled within a day three weeks ago - so we had to have a reserve list which had several hopefuls on standby. As it turned out, some reserves were drafted in for various reasons and a slight rejig of the teams was necessary to make...
Thought it was about time we had an update on the Monday afternoon activities - roll-up. In the 10 sessions that we have managed so far this year, we have attracted 51 members overall to play on at least one Monday. But each Monday has had a varied attendence with the best turnout being 21 and this last Monday only 8...
After guidance from Vicky and on the count of three, all bowled and James Washer won the 'Spider'. Seven sets of triples followed. Vicky's team won (Vicky, Rory and Zoe) and the lowest score was by her team's opponents. After other close fought but friendly matches all retired to the Clubhouse at 5pm for...
The sun shone for our 2-woods day on Sunday 2nd June. Twenty participants (3 Ladies and 17 Men) and many more watchers enjoyed the sunshine and convivial atmosphere to watch some excellent 2-woods matches. Getting the shot within one yard of the jack to score was especially challenging on the fast green. The round of 16 was completed...
The rain held off and we had a dry albeit chilly Open Day on Saturday. Dorking has always attracted a large group of new bowlers interested in learning the game and also to socialise with like-minded people. This year was no exception and we had 30 turn up on the day and some more expected on Monday evening - when the...
Always a fun day - the Opening Drive this Sunday was over subscribed - and for the first time that I can remember - we had 56 players (14 teams of 4) on the green. We even had reserves on the sidelines hoping for a game. Despite the cold wind, it stayed dry and the laughter kept us warm anyway. We had a...
Social media is prevalent and Dorking Bowling Club has a presence on many platforms (website & facebook) - but we are also being picked up on Google and by other publications. Google has just informed us of 10,000 hits of a picture I uploaded less than two years ago. Our own Mike and Wendy have featured on the front of the...
..... the fast lane being the drive into the club car park Fifteen volunteers turned up to help fill in the potholes and tidy up the greenery this morning. Thanks to all. It looks (and feels) much better and is the first stage in smartening up the back of the clubhouse - more being discussed at the end of the...
At the request of a few we had a Friday Social where nothing was planned – just pitch up and chat – but even so it turned out to be a good opportunity to pick up pre-ordered club shirts and jackets as these had been delivered that morning (and won’t we all look smart). Over 20 popped in, some for a short while...
Our last Open Forum before the start of the season and this was run by our coaches and congratulations to Ray S and Mike V who have joined Chris M, David M and Vicky G as level 1 coaches – what a team – and coaching for all which will continue, hopefully, throughout summer on a Monday...
A select few celebrated St. David with a Welsh quiz and Welsh cakes, the former delivered by Sheila G and the latter by Marian J. Both Richard S and Marilyn M guessed how many letters made up 'Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch' the longest station name in the UK...
82 members are now fully paid up thanks to a very successful coffee morning. Everyone else has until 12th April to rejoin. Mary Mitchell won the whiskey and Jane English guessed the correct number of mini eggs in the jar. The tombola run by Sonia was also very popular. Pat, Steve and Ted did sterling work...
Friday night we had 18 keen players for Short Mat making 6 teams of 3 players each. There was even an audience of another dozen who were cheering on. The initial 3 rounds of 4 ends each were followed by another 3 rounds of playoffs. Much fun and laughter was had by all players and the victorious team of Steve, Sheila G and...
To celebrate the start of the Chinese new year of the Dragon we held a "dragon drive" - similar lines to a beetle drive but a lot harder to draw. There were a few dragons that looked like flying ants on steroids. 26 members frantically rolled their dice with 9 rounds and 9 dragons or part dragons to draw. The...
The prize pot of £90 for getting a full house after 55 or less numbers were called for the last game of 6 at last night’s bingo was not won so this will be rolled over until our next time of playing bingo but, don’t hold your breath, as it probably won’t be until after the bowls season has finished for the...
2 weeks of playing whist with 5 tables of 4 each week plus some members “propping up the bar”. At least we now have enough of us with some idea of the game although Canasta still seems to be favourite. There do, however, seem to be as many variations to the rules of whist as there are with canasta so no doubt...
5 Jan - 12th Night Celebrations 12 Jan - Whist - learn and/or refresher 19 Jan - Whist 26 Jan - Bingo 2 Feb - Boccia 9 Feb - Year of the Dragon "Beetle" Drive 16 Feb - Short Mat competition 23 Feb - Canasta 1 Mar - St David's Day Party 8 Mar - CPR training 15 Mar...
The last social of 2023 was a Christmas Quiz which made us all think. Thanks to Sheila again for organising. No prize for highest score - a good thing as not many would have got more than 50% . But there was a raffle with lots of prizes - but no turkeys. A good turnout for this busy time of year with lots going...
Who knew you could have so much excitement trying to throw a 6 to start your Christmas tree picture - bug free this year, so trees instead of beetles. 8th December saw 28 players on 7 tables of 4 (plus a few non-players) enjoying a Christmas themed beetle drive. The overall winner was Marian Jefferson with 99 points...
A lovely Christmas Dinner was organised by Marilyn and Vicky again this year - thank you for all your hard work - at the Betchworth Golf Club. We have come here for a few years now and the quality and service at the Golf Club has always been exceptional. We had eight full tables of members with their guests - only slightly...
Well the tree is up which means Santa is on his way. Thanks to those who set up the decorationas at the Clubhouse and then settled in for a night of Canasta and wine. Wine won !!
Friday was the first time we put out the newly acquired short mat (thanks to Eric and Baz) .... and it fits (although we might have to protect the pipes in the future ). We had 24 members trying out the pleasures of short mat bowls with Roland and Pauline explaining the rules and approach. It is very similar to both...
No, not a new dance ..... but the exciting fast and furious game of shuffleboard. We managed six teams of three this time with a few spectators. After Roland explained the game and rules again ...... Every team had nine games to build up a total score. Some frustration was heard as the little wooden discs just...
The best turnout for Bingo that I have seen in 5 years - well over 45 members. Perhaps it was the new team of Vicky and Charlie (thanks for stepping in) calling the numbers or the draw of the big prize or even that Eric promised to separate the egg rolls from the ham and cheese ........ Once Vicky learnt how to...
Friday the thirteenth passed with no problem. The Forum was not controversial and in fact due to the low number of attendees (24) - it must mean that members are happy and have no issues to raise. There were a few talking points - Social Media, Maintenance, internal competitions, roll-ups, coaching, 'online' match...
Let the formal games commence. This Friday was Boccia night (organised by Pauline and me) and we attracted 24 players - so eight teams playing a round robin. We managed to have 4 games for each team in the end as the excitment was getting too much and Eric's rolls had run out. If you think the outdoor bowls have a...
So 29 September was the kick off for the Friday Social calendar. It was a gentle (?) start with cards - some remembering how to play Canasta and the introduction of 9 card brag. It did get quite competitive in the end ....... There were a few tables in action and of course the bar was busy.
After a frustrating season for some - the start of the Friday Socials brings calm 29.9 Remember Canasta? Plus try 9 Card Brag 6.10 Boccia with Pauline and Roland 13.10 Open...
Firstly - a huge thanks to Vicky and Charlie for organising such a fantastic trip - the first that the Club has done for many years. There were 37 of us that were treated to a mini break in a lovely part of the country and all enjoyed a fun and entertaining few days away .... and we even managed to fit in three matches. We...
One of our favourites on the Club Calendar - bowls by moonlight - well in our case bowls by candles and a variety of torches ...... The Rinks were set out with tea candles in plastic bottles to mark the sides. Getting those candles to light (and then stay alight) was the hardest job. Then the evening fun...
Firstly - thank you to all 47 members who made Monday afternoons such a fun and enjoyable time over the last 16 weeks. This format of mix and match works well with people playing in different positions and with a different team or four games/four ends. There have been some odd numbers turn up for the afternoons...
Saturday August 5th was to be Mixed Triples Day, which turned into Mixed Triples Weekend and a lot of fun for all who participated. Soaking rain on Saturday flooded the green and Plan B went into effect as 36 members sat down to a challenging but fun Quiz, lead by quizmaster Sheila Gray. Four quiz rounds were held before a break for...
Thank you to everyone who has been coming along to the Monday afternoon roll-up sessions. Yesterday was the seventh week and we welcomed our 42nd player. Luckily we haven't had all 42 come along at once !! - but we have had 22 one week. Individual fortunes have varied with scores ranging from 4 to 29 - still...
This is an update to INTERNAL COMPETITIONS DRAW with men and Ladies pairs added to the draw. Please see the NEW DRAW PAGES The initial draw is available on the members information page - but also click here Report on Original Draw on Friday 14 May Best laid plans ...... so we were going to have the Friday...
There was great interest in this competition and we had 48 members signed up - which meant we could have 8 teams of 6 - so 4 matches each Tuesday . Karen has done a fantastic job of coordinating the team selections and making sure that husband and wives were on different teams (avoids a domestic!!) - but would play on the...
We started the Monday Roll-ups today with Roland taking the reins. We had 16 turn up - so two triples and a double - with teams changing every 4 ends. It was a good chance for the newer members to play in positions (rink and position drawn at random) that they were not familiar with and in a fun atmosphere. The showers...
The King would have been proud of us .... 12 Triple 'teams' playing fun bowls to commemorate the Coronation of Charles III on a sometimes chilly afternoon. Many members turned up in their finest wear and some in their fancy wear. This started the afternoon off well with many comments made on the outfits (please do...
The summer Fridays are under new management this year - but still with the same format. It was Martin and Paula coordinating this week with Sonia and Ann cooking - thanks to them all. The start of the first Friday Roll-ups saw 24 members (8 triple teams picked at random) fighting it out for 16 ends. It...
So the rain held off and we had a great opening drive on St George's Day - what could be more traditional than a game of lawn bowls. All 6 rinks were full (48 players) with many bowling outdoors for the first time since September 2022. We started with a cheese and wine snack (thank you Marian, Pat, Steve...
Our Open Morning has been announced. Volunteers are invited to help on the day.
A very well attended Forum this April - almost needed extra seats outside .... with a very full agenda: Roland - Club website review Roland - Rink booking Roland - Monday afternoon roll-up (social bowls) Karen - Tuesday night triples Paula/Martin - Friday evening roll-up (social bowls) Kevin - possible...
Another good turnout for Bingo - so good we could increase the prize money for each win !!! Karen organised (ably assisted by Alan) and called the numbers with some new bingo nicknames. After a few calls it became obvious that we are all old school and prefer the original ones (PC or not). So two fat ladies 88...