Member Info

MEMBER INFORMATION

When we play

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.		Tabs in by 13:30
Alternate Sundays		13:30
First Friday of the month		from 16:30
Public holidays		Usually 08.00

Open Hours

The greens are available for practice from 10:30, Monday to Saturday except on public holidays.

The bar is open from Monday to Saturday till 18:30

Dress Code

Tuesdays and Thursday Tabs In, and all Club tournaments:

Shirts:
Shirts with a collar or mandarin collar, in white or club colours
Bottoms:
White shorts, long pants or skirts or skorts
Socks:
White socks

Caps/Hats:
Preferably white

Shoes:
Flat-soled shoes/sandals are essential for all bowlers – including casual games, fun days and corporate team building. This is essential to protect the greens.

Saturday Tabs-In and public holidays
Casual

Competitions

Club colour shirts must be worn for competitions.

On joining the club, you will be supplied with a free shirt.

Additional shirts are available from Margaret Townsend.

Habits and traditions

Tea Time

On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, there are cakes or savoury treats at tea time, at a cost of R5.00.
Please support this fundraiser. On Sundays, we don’t have tea but the bar is open.

Tabs in

Once you’ve put your tab in, there’s a 15 – 20 minute delay while the teams are set up. A committee member will make announcements then we check the boards for our teams.. Then we move to the right rink without delay. The without delay part matters.

The post-game drink

Stay for a drink and sit with your team. It’s a great way to make friends and build community. At Northlands, we each buy our own drinks – because some people may only have one so there’s no opportunity to reciprocate.

Equipment on weekends

Normally our staff assist with all our equipment, but on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, they may be off-duty.
Please assist in putting the equipment back in the store room.
Many hands make light work.

Club Braais

We often have braais after bowls on Fridays, Sundays and public holidays. You bring your own food and the club provides the fires, crockery and cutlery. Everyone is welcome around the fire and at the bar.

Volunteering

The club depends on volunteers for effective functioning. We’d love you to volunteer too.
We particularly need you for committee positions, catering, bar service and special events. Leave a message or offer your services in person.

Our Constitution

Details of our constitution

Your committee

The committee is elected annually at the AGM, and we’re very grateful for their work in the Club.

Derek Rye

President

Nando Menin

Vice President

Sandy de Gier

Lady Vice-President

Dillwyn Williams

Treasurer

Vicki Newby-Fraser

Secretary

Dave Patterson

Greenkeeper & House

Pam Seagram

Ladies’ Competition Secretary

Mark Bryat

Men’s Competition Secretary

Arianne Hayes-Hill

Bowls Development

Peter Coutts

Bar

Dave Wilson

Entertainment

Carol Krog

Port Natal Liaison

FAQ

Why do I need lessons before I can play Tabs In?

Why do I need lessons before I can play Tabs In?
There are two reasons for this – to make sure you’re not stressed and anxious about your skills when you’re put in a team so you – and your teammates – enjoy the day. And to ensure you know the basic etiquette of the game. ( You’ll pick up the finer details along the way.) If you’re a registered bowler this doesn’t apply to you.

What are my duties in the team?

As a new bowler, you’ll play lead. This is the first player from your team. You’re responsible for delivering the jack – and ideally, you’ll place it at your skip’s feet. But don’t stress if you don’t. If your team loses the end, you’ll scoop all the bowls to the starting position. You’ll also place your opposition lead’s first bowl close to the mat when they are preparing to bowl.
You’ll leave counting winning bowls, measuring and score-keeping to the seconds and thirds.

How do I progress through the roles?

As your game improves, you’ll move up. Players are assessed twice yearly by a team of selectors – but you probably won’t even notice when it’s happening.
There may be times when you play out of position – occasionally the tabs-in team has to use their discretion to make up teams when the numbers don’t align.

What’s the difference between a Competition and a Tournament?

Competitions are knock-out events and the winners compete for honours (eg Club Titles, League standings or District Championships.)) Tournaments can be sponsored club events or inter-club events.

Why do the team sizes vary on different days?

During the week, the format depends on the number and levels of the players at tabs in. On Sundays, however, we play trips.

Why do men and women often play on separate teams?

On Tuesdays, we usually play in teams of ladies and teams of men. On Thursday we usually play mixed teams. It’s a tradition, not a hard and fast rule. Tournaments are always mixed teams, so if a tournament is played on a Tuesday, the following Thursday is usually separate.

What is different at Sunday Bowls?

We keep to teams of 3 on Sundays (so we can play with 3 bowls). Since it’s a more relaxed day, we’re not fussy about less experienced players acting as skips.

How do I get a locker?

There are limited lockers so you may have to wait. Lockers are administered by Sheila Rostron and Richard Toerien for the ladies’ and men’s lockers respectively, so let them know you’d like one.

How do I claim my discount for the Shows at Northlands Bowling Club?

Discounts apply to members only, not to their guests at any show. You need to book your tickets in advance, and when you pay at the door, simply let the person taking the cash know you’re a member.

Northlands Bowling Club