Club Information

Welcome to the Plymouth (Sir Francis Drake) Bowling Club web site.

The club has one green which usually uses six rinks, but can accommodate up to eight rinks for friendly matches; the game played is flat green bowls. We are situated in Plymouth, in the county of Devon on the border of Cornwall, in a residential area of the city called Mannamead – not on the Hoe which the club left in 1922. As most bowlers know, Plymouth is supposedly the home of bowls.

We are affiliated to Bowls England, Bowls Devon & the Plymouth & District Bowling Association.

Due to the fact that this is a private club and the grounds are owned by members we have trustees who oversee the running of the club.

The club was first founded in 1907 on the Hoe but moved to our present location in 1922; it was a male club until 2001 when a Ladies section was formed. We celebrated our Centenary Year in 2007.

The club plays a variety of League, Cup and friendly fixtures, many of which are mixed. Members compete in National competitions and many have reached the final stages at Worthing and, more recently Leamington.

We hold several social occasions during the season and during the closed winter period to bring members together and at the same time to make some profit to assist in the running of the club. During the winter months we hold friendly matches with nearby indoor clubs again so that members may meet.

Visitors and spectators are warmly welcomed and we have an excellent viewing area where spectators can observe the games in comfort out of the cold and wet.

During the season we hold friendly matches with touring teams from all over the country and are always looking for more. If you would like to arrange a fixture with us, please see our contacts page.

Membership Fees

Membership fees this year are £150 for playing members and £15 for juniors and non-playing members. Application forms can be obtained from the secretary.