Ivybridge Short Mat Bowls Club
This is a thriving Club held at the Ivybridge Community College in the Dining Hall.
Started in 1988 the Club has a mix of competitive and social bowlers from twelve to eighty plus. The Club can play on up to five mats each evening.
We run three successful South Hams League teams; Cleeve was top of Division 1 in 2006/07. Harford and Beacon are in Division 3. Also two South Hams 'Knockout ' teams - Ivies A won three years in a row 1999 to 2001 and again in 2006/07. Our Club team won the Devon County Team competition three years out of eight and has reached the finals stage each year.
Members enter Devon County competitions each year and some have reached National level, currently we have members who play regularly in the County teams. Two of our younger members Gareth Fowler (now in the services), and John Steer won the Devon County Junior Championship, played for County and the National England squad teams. John Steer also won the Devon County Singles Championship 2004 and 2005. Derek Jewers won this trophy in 1995.
We arrange friendly matches both home and away with local clubs and there are plenty of opportunities to play in Friendly competitions at tournaments held at other Clubs. we run our own internal Club competitions and fun nights.
Tuition is available with an experienced bowler and workshop evenings are arranged early in the season.
There is something for every level of play.
The Club runs a Charity Day at the end of February each year where we host 32 teams from Devon and Cornwall, to date have raised over £13,000 for local charities and good causes, since we started in 1992.
Our Junior members have the benefit of attending the Devon County under 18 coaching scheme. Matches are arranged with other junior sections of the County and currently Gareth Hill one of our junior section has played in the England under 18's squad.
The main season is September to April; the Club is open two / three evenings
a week.
Mondays, Tuesdays and some Thursdays.
Mondays 7pm to 9.15pm - League, other matches, competitions, casual
play.
Tuesdays 6.45pm to 9.15pm - Club night run as Snowball Drive.
Thursdays 7pm to 9.30pm - League, other matches competitions and
casual play.
Away matches are played on other nights.
In the summer April to August many of our members play outdoor green bowls at Bridge Park in Ivybridge.
Annual Subscriptions - Adults £20
Juniors / Students £10
Mat fees per season - Adults £45
Juniors / Students £22.50
(September to April no other charges are made)
New members are always welcomed. Contact Secretary Muriel Jewers on 01752 690345.