Notes for New Members (amended 2026)
Welcome to Amersham Bowls Club. The following notes will give you some information about how the Club runs and what is expected.
N.B. There is reference to Dutyman, details of which can be found at the end of these notes.
The Club is generally ‘mixed’ although some matches are ‘ladies’ or ‘men’ only.
- Fees the annual subscription entitles members to play any amount of roll ups (informal internal games) without additional fees. There is a charge (usually £2) for internal competitions. Fees for matches against other clubs incur a similar fee if a meal is involved (usually evening matches). Fees are invoiced to members at the end of the season.
- Dress code smart casual clothes may be worn for roll-ups, spoon drives and all internal competitions (except Finals Weekend when Club Uniform – navy trousers with Club top- must be worn). Club Uniform must be worn for matches against other clubs and shirts can be purchased from the Ladies Captain. Pre-used shirts are sometimes available.
- Equipment shed the key to the shed, which contains bowls, mats, jacks etc is stored in the keysafe to the right of the shed doors. The combination will be given to full members.
- Bowls members are expected to buy their own bowls but there are a few sets that may be borrowed for a limited period. Please try to keep the bowls in order with the size label visible. Club coaches can give advice on an appropriate size of bowl.
- Club Room a Club Room key can be purchased from the Treasurer or one of the Captains. Inside the room, just inside the door, the keysafe holds all keys for changing rooms, Pavilion, bar etc and the combination will be given to members.
- Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning Roll-ups these are a good way to find out more about the game and to meet other members. The session lasts 2 hours from 10 – 12 (please arrive no later than 9.50 in order to be ‘counted in’). An experienced member will organise the session to ensure new members are welcomed and integrated into the games.
Other roll-ups can be arranged between members at other times when the green is open. Rinks for roll-ups cannot be booked in advance.
- Spoon Drives similar to roll-ups but, instead of one long game there are shorter games, inbetween which you change teams around so that you play with different people. Another good way to meet members!
- Club competitions most of these involve signing up near the beginning of the season but there are others that can be entered by registering up to a few days before the competition date. Details of forthcoming competitions are on Dutyman. Members are encouraged to volunteer to sign up and play.
- Matches members are encouraged to put their names forward for selection for matches. Some matches (Friendlies) are for everyone and a good starting point for new bowlers. Others (3CL, C&T, RKL, Bucks Cup etc) are for more experienced bowlers. Friendlies are an excellent opportunity to improve your game.
Duties and Responsibilities for members
The Club does not employ other staff (other than the green maintenance company who visit on Mondays) so members are expected to assist in various ways – although exceptions are made for those with disabilities.
- Tea duty / bar duty most matches against other clubs involve refreshments, either mid-match or at the end. This can be tea/coffee or drinks from the bar.
Bar duty training will be given
Members are expected to do one or two duties per season, always with another member. If you find you cannot do the allotted date it is your responsibility to find a replacement. Use Dutyman to find members’ names and contact details.
At Home matches Amersham players will be expected to buy their opposite number a drink and also look after and sit with them. At Away matches you will be offered a drink by the hosts and it is sometimes a friendly gesture to offer them a ‘second round’ drink.
The bar is now ‘card only’ – no cash.
- Cleaning all members are expected to take a turn in cleaning the Clubhouse and changing rooms. Instructions are in the drawer under the sinks. You will need to purchase a Clubroom key. Similarly, if you need to arrange a swap please find another member via Dutyman.
- Grass cutting etc a team of (mostly) men have a rota for grass cutting and other green maintenance issues. Training on the use of the mower/roller etc will be provided for those who feel able to volunteer for this vital duty.
- Green brushing (winter) all able bodied members are expected to put their names down on Dutyman at least four times during the winter. Brushing is necessary to reduce the likelihood of Fusarium (a fungus which attacks the grass). It needs to be done early in the morning, before 9am, but not if it has recently rained or there is snow or ice on the surface. Choose your days via Dutyman.
- Green surrounds volunteers are needed to cut the grass and keep down weeds.
- Website our website amershambowlsclub.org.uk gives much useful information.
Other Club events held during the year
The noticeboard has details of internal competitions and the website has a section describing the format of each event.
- Ladies Gala Day held in August, Other clubs are invited to this invitation triples event which raises money for the Club,
- Sausage Sizzle held in July – a purely social event
- Chairman v Captains Day and similar events
- Finals Weekend held early September
- Annual General Meeting held in late October /early November and including trophy presentation as well as formal Club business.
- Club Lunch normally in mid-November and held at a local venue
- Winter social events such as quizzes, auction evening etc usually once a month
Dutyman is our online information and booking system. It controls a wide variety of tasks, matches and other events. You will need a computer, phone or tablet and the internet. Full members will be given a login ID and password, together with instructions on how to change the latter. Training can be given on how to access Dutyman and there is guidance via useful videos on the website: www.amershambowlsclub.org.uk
On Dutyman you can look up members’ names, addresses and phone numbers, put your name down for matches etc
Dutyman will send you emails confirming the tasks, duties and match positions you have been allocated. Also it sends a message if the match is cancelled.
There will be a sign-up sheet for each match. Nearer the date of the match the team selection will be visible. It is helpful if team members then tick their name to confirm they are playing (online videos available for this).
In a similar way you can sign up for internal matches such as Spoon Drives and book rinks for competition play. Please note that matches take precedence over casual roll-up sessions.
Committee members and others will be happy to help if you require one to one help with Dutyman.
The Website www.amershambowlsclub.org.uk includes such information as:
Chairman’s updates
Competitions summaries (a guide to all the competitions)
List of markers (those who have undertaken a marking course for singles matches)
Fixture list and opposition club addresses
Results – external matches (including match reports, league news and commentary from the Club Captains)
Internal matches – the draw and updated position for each of the internal competitions
Photos, including competition winners etc
Useful information including markers’ responsibilities, guidance to avoid bad practice or law infringements and match stewards’ duties
Social events
Members’ area – register to gain access