Anyone curious about trying crown green bowling will get the chance next month, as Stone Crown Bowling Club opens its doors to the community on Sunday 19th April.
The club’s open day runs from 11am to 4pm and is aimed at anyone who fancies giving the sport a go, meeting members, and seeing what the club is all about.
A long-standing part of Stone
Stone Crown Bowling Club has been part of the town since 1892.
Set on higher ground near Little Stoke Cricket Ground, the club has long offered a quieter, sociable side of the sport, with views out across Stone and beyond. Unlike league-based clubs focused on competition, Stone Crown centres on friendly, non-league bowling and the social side that comes with it.
It is run by volunteers, and the aim is simple, to keep crown green bowling accessible and welcoming for local people.
Bowling, socials and a club that stays active all year
While bowling is at the heart of the club, it is not just about matches or afternoons on the green.
From spring through to early autumn, members take part in regular social bowling sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. There are also Friday evening sessions when daylight allows, sometimes rounded off with a fish and chip supper.
The calendar includes a few regular fixtures too, including the annual Barbecue and Bowling Day, President’s Day, Captain’s Day and Charity Day.
Through the colder months, the activity shifts indoors. From October to March, the club hosts short mat bowling on Monday and Friday afternoons, alongside coffee mornings, games sessions and social evenings.
For plenty of members, that year-round social side is just as important as the bowling itself.
A welcoming place for new starters
The club says new members are always welcome, whether they have bowled before or have never picked up a bowl in their life.
Equipment is provided, and experienced members are on hand to help newcomers settle in and learn the basics. That makes the open day a straightforward way to try something new without needing to commit straight away.
The clubhouse, completed in 2008, includes changing rooms, a kitchen, a function space, accessible toilets and its own private car park.
Open day details
The open day takes place on Sunday 19th April from 11am to 4pm.
Visitors will be able to meet club members, have a go at bowling and find out more about joining.
Anyone wanting more information can contact club secretary Sylvia Mahoney on 07967 157073 or visit the club website at www.stonecrownbc.org.
For people in Stone looking for a new hobby, or simply a different way to spend time outdoors and meet people locally, it may be worth a look.
