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New member information

Brief history

The club was formed in 1983. 

Facilities

The club complex has one grass green and a clubhouse which includes a function room with kitchen, female and male changing rooms and toilets including facilities for those with disabilities. 

Membership categories

Playing member

Social non-playing member

Junior Member – under 18

The season

The season runs from mid April to end of September.  It normally begins with a 'spider' and a lighthearted game.

The green is open 7 days a week.  Membership entitles bowlers to unlimited use of the green without further charge.  However, a reasonable charge is made to cover refreshments for league and friendly matches.

The game

Bowls is a game for persons of all ages and abilities.  Morchard Bishop plays competitive bowls but there is a place for those who just want to play in friendly matches or roll up by themselves or with friends.  The choice is yours.

An outline of types of game follows:

  • Singles - 4 woods each, first to 21 shots
  • Two wood - singles 2 woods each, 21 ends
  • Pairs - 4 woods each, 21 ends
  • Triples - 3 a side, 3 woods each,18 ends
  • Fours (rinks) - 4 a side, 2 woods each, 21 ends

Men’s North Devon Triples

3 rinks, 3 players per rink, 3 woods each, 18 ends

Men's Shield

4 rinks, 4 players per rink, 2 woods each, 21 ends

Ladies league

2 rinks, 3 players per rink, 3 woods each, 18 ends

Bowls is played to a set of rules that fellow members will be pleased to explain to you.  It is a game where good behaviour and sportsmanship dominate. Morchard Bishop is committed to uphold this tradition and if you follow the guidelines below you are unlikely to go wrong.

Etiquette

  • Respect your opponent on and off the green
  • Do not ‘talk’ to your opponent's woods (i.e. wish them bad luck)
  • Do not distract your opponent
  • Do not walk behind the head when someone is about to bowl

Green care

  • Do not drop your woods onto the green
  • Seek help if your delivery damages the green
  • Vary the mat position during friendly matches and roll ups

General courtesy

  • Return all equipment to the storage areas
  • Play your club competitions by play off dates
  • Accept wins and losses with equal humility
  • Enjoy your game and support your club

Club matches

Men play North Devon Triples league matches on Friday evenings, and Shield matches are usually on a Monday or Tuesday evening but this can vary during the season. Ladies play league games on Thursday afternoons. These matches are on a home and away basis in the North and Mid Devon area.

Several mixed friendly matches are played locally on a home and away basis. Tea and biscuits or a full tea are provided at a small charge.

Club competitions

Separate men’s and ladies and open knockout competitions are played throughout the season. 

Perpetual trophies are presented at the club annual dinner in November.

Dress code

Like other sports bowls has a dress code. Bowling shoes must be worn on the green to protect the surface. However, during initial stages of membership, we allow flat-soled shoes, trainers or plimsolls and casual dress to mitigate the cost of starting a new sport.

Ladies

All external competitions

White club top, white skirt, trousers or cropped trousers

Club competitions

White above the waist, grey skirt or trousers

Friendly matches

As advised per game

Roll up

Traditional bowls dress or casual dress

Men

League and national team competitions

Club shirt, grey trousers

Club competitions

Club or white shirt, grey trousers or grey/white tailored shorts

County competitions – until latter stages

Club or white shirt, grey trousers however teams must wear same dress above the waist

County competitions – latter stages

Club shirt and white trousers

Friendly matches

As advised per game

Roll up

Traditional bowls dress or casual dress

Shorts: Tailored shorts can be worn where permitted by an Association’s rules.


Footwear: Bowling shoes must be worn on the greens to protect the surfaces.


New bowlers: In early stages of membership, flat-soled shoes or trainers and casual dress is allowed to mitigate the cost of starting a new sport.


Markers: Appreciated if markers could adopt above code.


Opponents Green: Morchard Bishop members must respect the dress code of the club concerned.

Administration of the club

Most bowls clubs are run by a handful of members. Morchard Bishop is no exception. The management committee handles day to day matters. Whilst some decisions may not be to our individual liking, they will be taken for the greater good of the majority of members.

Hopefully you will not have reason to be unhappy but if an issue arises that upsets you please speak to either the ladies or men’s captain in the first instance.

Enjoy your bowling.