Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Local Lawn & Short Mat Bowls Club in Plymouth Since 1936
Plymstock Bowling Club has been a cornerstone of recreational activity in Plymouth since its founding in 1936. Our club combines a rich heritage with modern facilities, offering members and visitors access to high-quality lawn bowls, short mat bowls, and a vibrant social calendar. The clubs green, one of Plymouths finest, hosts competitive leagues and friendly matches from April to September, while our indoor short mat facilities provide year-round activity from October to April. Our clubhouse features a fully stocked bar, comfortable lounge areas, and a newly upgraded seating space, ensuring a welcoming environment for all. With a strong emphasis on community, we organise regular social events including live music, quizzes, and charity fundraisers. Our dedicated team of volunteers ensures the club remains well-maintained and financially sustainable, having recently completed projects like solar panel installation to reduce operational costs.We welcome both experienced players and newcomers, providing coaching and opportunities to participate in local, national, and county competitions. The clubs history, detailed in a Golden Jubilee booklet, reflects decades of member-driven improvements and a commitment to preserving tradition while embracing innovation. Our governance structure, led by elected officials and subcommittees, ensures transparency and accountability in all operations. Whether you seek competitive sport, casual play, or social engagement, Plymstock Bowling Club offers a unique blend of heritage, hospitality, and recreational excellence.
Services
Lawn Bowls
Short Mat Bowls
Social Events
Competitive Leagues
Friendly Matches
Details
- Year established: 1936
Highlights and features
- We have over 85 years of experience in promoting lawn and short mat bowls.
- Our club features one of Plymouths finest bowling greens and modern indoor facilities.
- We host competitive leagues, friendly matches, and charity events throughout the year.
- Our volunteer-driven model ensures cost-effective operations and community engagement.
- We offer coaching and opportunities for players of all skill levels to compete regionally and nationally.
Services
Lawn Bowls
Plymstock Bowling Clubs lawn bowls season runs from April to September on one of Plymouths finest greens. Members participate in Saturday, evening, and triples leagues, alongside local and county competitions. The club accommodates up to seven rinks for competitive and friendly matches, with covered seating for spectators during poor weather.
Short Mat Bowls
Short mat bowls are played October to April in our clubhouse with two dedicated mats and modern lighting. Sessions cater to all skill levels, including roll-up sessions, league divisions, and annual competitions like the Blanche Sampson Trophy. Friendly matches with other clubs are regularly organised.
Competitive Leagues
The club fields teams in mens and ladies Saturday, triples, and evening leagues under the Plymouth & District and County bowling associations. Both sections compete in local and national tournaments, with historical success including four county presidential roles for ladies members.
Social Events
Regular social events include live music from local artists and our Shanty Group The Grumpies, quizzes, themed dinners, and charity fundraisers like the annual Short Mat Charity Day. Seasonal highlights include Burns Night, Trelawny Night, and Christmas celebrations.
Facility Hire
The clubhouse accommodates events such as coach trips, skittle alley hire, and kurling matches. With a lounge, bar, and flexible seating areas, its ideal for private functions, meetings, or enjoying post-match refreshments in a sociable setting.
People
Dave Hopper
President
Dave Hopper oversees club governance and represents Plymstock Bowling Club in external engagements, ensuring alignment with long-term strategic goals.
Barry Davis
Chairman
Barry Davis leads club management, guiding projects like the 2024 lounge upgrade and solar panel installation to enhance sustainability and member experience.
Gareth Kirby
Hon. Secretary
Gareth Kirby manages administrative operations, including fixture coordination and member communications, ensuring efficient day-to-day club functioning.
Phil Lamb
Hon. Treasurer
Phil Lamb oversees financial management, securing funding for upgrades and maintaining fiscal transparency through annual audits.
Sandy Saunders
Short Mat Chairman
Sandy Saunders directs short mat operations, organising leagues, tournaments, and facility improvements to support winter bowling activities.
Questions
What services does Plymstock Bowling Club offer?
We offer lawn bowls (April–September), short mat bowls (October–April), competitive leagues, friendly matches, and regular social events including live music and charity fundraisers.
How can I join the club?
Contact us via email at [email protected] to request an application form and learn about membership options for lawn or short mat bowls.
Are visitors allowed to use the facilities?
Touring teams and visitors are welcome to use our green and indoor facilities by arrangement for friendly matches and events.
What social activities are available?
We host weekly bingo, quizzes, themed evenings, live music, charity days, and seasonal events like Burns Night and Christmas celebrations.
How is the club maintained?
Volunteers manage grounds and facilities, supported by subcommittees for upgrades like solar panels, lighting, and lounge renovations.
