Your Journey Into Lawn Bowls Starts Here

At Portland Victoria Bowling Club, we believe lawn bowls is a sport for everyone. We warmly welcome individuals of all ages, ethnicities, genders and abilities to join our vibrant community. Please note, only current, paid-up members are permitted to use the playing green, ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience for all.

Full Access and Engaging Activities

As a member, you'll gain full access to our excellent club facilities and equipment. We host regular 'Roll-ups', providing a fantastic opportunity to practice and refine your skills alongside fellow club members. You're also invited to partake in our enjoyable social evenings, as well as compete in leagues, friendly matches, and our own club competitions.

A Game for Every Ability

We welcome any person over the age of 10, regardless of their ability, to try the rewarding game of Bowls with us. Our 'Roll-ups' are the perfect introduction, offering a great opportunity to test the waters and meet our friendly members in a relaxed setting. Don't worry if you don't quite grasp it on your first go. Our members are here to help you on your journey. We will supply all the equipment needed to start you off. Then if you decide to become a member, you can think about purchasing your own set of Woods (Bowls) and the equipment required to play the game. Don't worry, we will guide you through the requirements.

Usually, we will allow your first 3 Roll-ups with us for free, then we have to charge £3 per session thereafter until such point as you request to join as a member and pay the annual membership charge. (You will not have to pay the 'Season / Green Fee' in your first year.)

Simple Steps to Join

Deciding to join our friendly club is straightforward. You'll begin by completing a 'Preliminary Member Application Form', (a basic document submitted to the club committee for review.) You will be notified of their decision promptly.

Upon successful approval, a 'Full Membership Form' will be required. You will then be informed of the club's constitution, rules, and code of conduct, along with the current club 'Membership Fee' and the 'Season (Green) Fee'. Also, you will be informed of all the opportunities open to you to play.

Social Gatherings

More than just a sport, we're a community. Enjoy our regular social events designed to bring members together for fun and camaraderie off the green. Members should keep an eye on our Facebook page for details on upcoming events.

Previously we have had a games evening with 'Play your Cards Right' and a Quiz. We have also had a Valentines Evening with Bingo and a Mr & Mrs quiz. And we also have a regular Yoga Session to help raise funds for the club.

Playing Opportunities and Times

Our facilities are active throughout the season with various scheduled play sessions and competitions:

Monday, and Friday: Men's League Match days (typically evenings). from 1800
Wednesday Evenings, and Friday Mornings: Ladies SDBA League Match days.
Tuesday and Thursday: 'Roll-up' Evenings for casual play (Ideal for prospective new members). from 1800
Club Competitions: Various days as scheduled by club members for internal matches. Culminating in a 'Club Finals Weekend' near the end of the season. Men's Singles, Mixed Pairs, Singles 'Skerman' Trophy, Ladies Singles, Ladies Pairs. Handicap Singles and much more.
Thursday Morning: Pairs Competition. (A fun and social league competition for any member) from 1030
Sunday Morning: July and August - Australian Pairs Competition. (No commitment, members can Just turn up and teams will be selected on the day.) from 1030
Saturday or Sunday: Friendly matches with visiting teams from afar. (Ideal for new members to experience 'Rink' matches - four players per team - using two Woods each) Usually from1400. We even travel AWAY to other Clubs on occasions for friendly matches where we renew old ties and make new friends.
County competitions at various times. (You would have to be of a certain standard for these competitions.)

We aim to provide ample opportunities for competitive and social lawn bowls throughout the season.

And... at the end of a hectic season, we all regroup in November for our social highlight of the year, 'PRESENTATION EVENING!' where all the lucky winners and runners-up receive their well deserved trophies over the season. A truly great event where we can all relax and look back on the season with fondness.

During the off season, various Social Activities take place at the clubhouse. Such as Quiz nights etc. These events will be communicated to you via our various communication streams.

WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO MISS ALL THIS? CONTACT US TO GET INVOLVED.

Further Information

Please note:- Our Green is for the use of paid-up members and their guests only. Except for 'Open Days' and privately by prior arrangement with the club for a small fee. Flat soled Bowling shoes or appropriate flat sports shoes are to be worn when entering the Green.

No Smoking of any kind, No Bowls bags or cases are allowed on the Green.

Portland Victoria Bowling Club accepts no responsibility for lost or damaged personal Items, used or left at the Clubhouse and Green.

You can Print out our Preliminary Membership Form below or Save to Google Docs. Click the Square with the arrow top Right. (Unavailable for Mobile Phone users)

Testimonials from our New Members

"The Portland Victoria Bowling Club is such a welcoming place. I've met so many lovely people, and the 'Roll-ups' were perfect for getting started. Highly recommended!"

A New Member who joined in 2025

"Knowing that I would have some time to spare due to retirement, my neighbours and family encouraged me to try my hand at bowls. I am still trying to master the game - at least to my very exacting standards - but from the start PVBC have been really friendly and welcoming. Their coaching is subtle and encouraging and at no point have I felt I don’t belong. I would recommend the game and the club to anyone who fancies a bit of fresh air, exercise, friendship and fun."

'Shippers' who joined us is 2025