Welcome to the Website for Clock House (Upminster) Bowling Club


The Club welcomes  new members, either existing bowlers or beginners. Our green is situated in Clockhouse Gardens, St Marys Lane, Upminster, close to Waitrose, in delightful surroundings. We play in competitive leagues for both men and ladies. There are also friendly matches with other local Clubs and, if you so wish, just some social bowling. We are a friendly social Club and run several social events throughout the year.
​Observations made by an established member.

When changing ends bowlers are not to stand around the head to discuss the state of play.
Mobile phones are not to be used on the green or whilst playing.
Bowlers are to stand behind the Jack at all times.
Bowlers are not to move or wave arms around while a Bowler is preparing to Bowl.
​  
"I have mentioned to many of you that bowls takes a few years to get a grip of.
It is best to get into good habits now which will of course make it easier in the future"

So leading on from these observations, some may like to start with this:
Novice or experienced bowlers
Would you like to learn a few essential rules of bowls?

Then come along to the following sessions, all welcome and no booking required:
Wednesday 28th July 2 - 4 pm
Thursday 29th July 10am - 12 noon
Sunday 1st August 10am -12 noon

Peter Galloway, Hazel Pudney or Sandra Ringshaw will be on hand to give guidance on some essential rules.

Any queries/alternative arrangements please contact:
Sandra Ringshaw on 07731945679 or sandfran3@btinternet.com
Here is your shortcut to the new Rink Diary booking system




​2021 Fixture Book

​This years Club Fixture Book
is available for viewing on the
​ "Fixture Book" page.
​
Sunday 25th July - Ladies Qualify for County and National Finals
​
Our Ladies were competing in the County Semi Finals at Tiptree Jobserve Bowling Club.
​
Pleased to report it was a very successful day with the Triples team of Rebecca Smith, Michelle Carlin and Hayley Kenny beating a team from Great Baddow 21-5 in the morning.
In the afternoon the Fours Team of Rebecca Smith, Serena Madgewick, Michelle Squires and Hayley Kenny overcome the local team from Tiptree Jobserve beating them 13-7.

​​This now means that Clock House will have a strong presence at the County Finals, next Saturday,  with Rebecca in the 4 Wood Singles, Michelle Squires in the 2 Wood Singles along with both Triples and Fours teams.

These results means they will also be competing at the National Finals at Leamington in August.
​

Sunday 4th July - Brentwood Open Triples

The Clock House trio of Doug Baxter, Mike Long and Roger Tallentire were among the 22 entries for Sunday's Brentwood open, finishing level with Elm Park at the top of the table. With both teams winning all 5 matches and 25 of the 35 ends in those matches, they had to settle for the runners-up place to Elm Park who had a superior shot difference.


​Thursday 1st July - County Badge for Dennis Mills

Congratulations go to Dennis Mills on being awarded his County Badge by the Essex President, Sandy Dron, following the County's match against the Romford and District Bowls Association at Liberty.
Friday 25th June - Ladies County Triples
 
On Friday evening Clock House players, Rebecca Smith, Hayley Kenny and Michelle Carlin faced Jean Hough, Carole Woolward and Pat Hough from Elm Park in the ‘A’ Area County Triples Final at the neutral venue of Gidea Park Bowling Club. After 16 ends with the score 22-14 in favour of Clock House, the heavens opened and the green was under several inches of water, there was no way that the match was going to get finished, so a return on Saturday morning was the only option to play the final 2 ends, from which Elm Park needed 9 shots to win, a tall order. However 3 shots to Elm Park on the penultimate end kept the match alive, but short lived, with the Clock House trio taking 5 shots on the final end to win the match 27-17.
 
This win now takes them through to the Essex County Semi-Final at Tiptree Jobserve Bowling Club on Sunday 25th July.



​Sunday 13th June - Ladies County Singles
 
Rebecca Smith, having played her previous ‘A’ Area rounds on cold wet evenings, had a great Semi-Final win by 21 shots to 16 in the baking heat of Sunday morning, playing on the neutral green at Great Baddow against Elaine Score, the ‘B’ Area winner from The Springhouse Bowling Club, Stanford-le-Hope.

The County Final will take place at the County President’s Club, White Hall BC, Westcliff-on-Sea on Saturday 31st July.
Sunday 23rd May - The Earls

The winners for 2021, achieving a better score than the UK  in the Eurovision contest, are Gary Robinson/Barry Churchyard, Jenny Bullock and Bob Pudney, with 6 points, 3 wins 1 loss.
Well done to all those players who cheerfully pushed through today's Autumn/Winters' adverse conditions, which involved for some people, wearing at least 10 items of clothing and clutching umbrellas.
Overall, there were 24 matches played and while the scores were modest, credit should be given to Hazel Pudney's team of Kim Ferguson and Derek Churchill who were the only ones to achieve double figures in a game.
Thanks must go to Hazel Churchyard and Trudie Hawes for organising and providing the day's refreshments.
I've never seen so many people thankful for a hot drink and biscuit - you deserved your 'Clap for for Caterers'.
​Welcome back for the 2021 Bowling Season

Now that the 2021 Bowling Season has started, what changes will members expect to find at the Club since they last visited. Well things certainly haven’t stopped happening during the several lock downs.

​The Committee have been embracing technology with regular “Zoom” meetings and have been proactive in ensuring a safe environment for the Club to return to the green.
As you should all be aware by now, an on-line booking system has been sourced to move the Club technologically onward. Nothing much has changed in the pavilion due to restricted lock down access, however  it will have received a deep clean. ​
​During preparation of the green, our Green Ranger has been making regular visits, clearing up after the birds and foxes, then following the lifting of restrictions, the gardening party reformed to tidy up the grounds and prepare for opening.

​Throughout the winter work has been possible on the external equipment, which has resulted in refurbishment of most of the benches, rebuilt coat stands, painted facia and some replaced guttering.
​Even with the restrictions of the pandemic, this work has been achieved by the few dedicated members who have the Club at heart. There won’t be any medals but your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Members, please take a look at this quick video, just to see what the website has to offer.
It may unlock a few surprises for those who have not gone beyond the “Home” page.
Spend a little time navigating the site yourself, send feedback via "Contact Us" page.

​Saturday 30th May 2020 - Resumption of Bowling

On Saturday morning the first bowls of the season were delivered. With restrictions and Government guidelines adhered to 3 rinks have been allocated for  roll ups. Full details available on the "Bookings" page.
Despite the unusual circumstances of social distancing etc. it was most enjoyable to be back on the green, helped by the beautiful weather.
Many thanks to so many Club members who have worked hard so that we can all enjoy our bowls in the forthcoming months.
Picture
Social distancing demonstration
BBC Gardeners World

On Sunday morning 8th March, 20 members of the Club very kindly came along for the first of this years Best Bowls Club gardening sessions. A great turnout.
Ditch clearing, green spiking, planting about 60 plants, yes 60, bench sanding, clubhouse roof and gutter cleaning and a general clean up of grounds. Something for everyone.
Sausages and bread pud plus tea and coffee was supplied and eagerly consumed. All done in a great atmosphere of team work. Thanks to everyone who came along.
Due to popular demand and to allow those who were disappointed at not being able to attend, we will be holding a second session on Sunday 29th March at 10am.
Latest Updates
2021 Fixture Book
Now uploaded
"Inside the Website"
​video tutorial
Social Activities