Wilton Bowling News June2026
Introduction
As it is the winter season now, bowling is on the artificial surface or indoors. Fine winter days with crisp light, long shadows and no wind, makes Thorndon green a beautiful place to bowl at this time of the year. Convivial indoor bowls takes place on Tuesdays in the clubhouse, now well insulated from the elements with the new roof.
The cotula greens are undergoing improvements during the off season. This is also a good time for us to make improvements to our bowling skills, with practice and the study of bowls theory – what better way is there to spend a wet winter’s day, than curled up beside the fire or heat pump with a new bowling book to read?
Clubhouse Library – 3 New Books
Three new Bowling books have been added to the bookcase in the clubhouse and are available for borrowing by full playing members and associate members. When a book is borrowed, please write the name of the book (or appropriate abbreviation), your name and phone number, and the date borrowed in the Library Notebook. Once returned please note this date.
There is no borrowing time limit but providing your phone number enables another member to make contact if they wish to read the book. It is possible to obtain your own copy by ordering from a bookstore or Amazon.
The books are:
1 Bowls: Know the Game (64 pages)
Produced by Bowls England, this brief instruction booklet gives a good overview of lawn bowls with advice about key techniques, equipment and rules. It is simple, easy to read and an ideal introductory text for learners.
2 How to Reach the Pinnacle by Nic Laage (58 pages)
Nic Laage from South Africa gives a clear exposition of lawn bowls delivery technique, game tactics and so on, but is particularly good at explaining the mental aspects of the game and its importance for good performance and winning competitions. It can be read in a few hours and contains insights interesting to all levels of bowlers.
3 Bowls: Making the Most of Your Game by Patrick Hulbert (151 pages)
This is another English publication which gives a more comprehensive description of the game – techniques, strategy, psychology and teamwork, illustrated with anecdotes and mention of the game preferences of famous players. It is suitable for all levels of players, but not as concise or didactic as the other 2 books.
Coaching
Bowls Wellington are running 3 coaching sessions for new bowlers at Upper Hutt Bowling Club over the winter. High Performance Coaches Jim Swift, Brady Amer and Blake Signal are conducting these Pelorous Trust Better Bowling Clinics on 27th June, 25th July and 1st August. Please contact Allan Chee if you are interested in attending and he can give you a link to register for the clinics.
If reading Bowling Books is not for you, Allan can also provide a Link to some instructional videos of delivery technique as another way to help improve your game.
AGM and Prize Giving 3pm 27/6/26
The AGM takes place at 3pm on Saturday 27th June. As there are votes required for election of board members, and for proposed changes to the constitution, we would like as many full playing members as possible to attend. Recognition of service to the club will be given to two longstanding Board members: John Earles who retired from the Board earlier this year, and Howard Ivory who is stepping down from the board at the AGM. Howard will continue to advise and help Shaun with green management next season.
Prize Giving will follow, when club competition winners and other members who have contributed to the club, will be given their trophies.
75th Anniversary Dinner 5.30pm 27/6/26
We are celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Club with a Dinner, after the AGM and Prize Giving.
The Celebrations start with drinks at 5.30pm, before the formal part of the evening begins at 6pm. There will be short video clips from the 50th Anniversary to set the scene, followed by speeches from Ian Bull and Howard Ivory, before the main course of the special buffet dinner provided by Mindy, is served. Barry Jordan then speaks before desert during which a slide show of Club life will run in the background. At 8pm live music by the Andrew London Duo will play until 10pm.
All Life members, full playing members, associate and social members are encouraged to attend as we wish to make it a celebration to remember. There will be plenty of casual seating so you can join other members at a table, and mix and mingle. Tickets can be ordered by email at bowlswilton@gmail.com, or from the bar and cost $25 each, being heavily subsidised by the club. Cut off for sales is Wednesday 24th June at 6pm, or earlier if tickets run out.
Takaro Shield
The annual competition between Karori and Wilton Bowling Clubs was won by Wilton. It was an enjoyable day with friendly rivalry and nice bowling conditions on the Thorndon Green.
