NEWCASTLETON BOWLING CLUB

Although the village can boast a superb flat Bowling Green facility now it is thought that carpet bowling started the long history of bowling in the village. Prior to the turn of the 19th century and through the early years of the 20th century bowling was played by the local farmers in their barns and lofts. They would walk miles for a game following their cattle and sheep on the hillside.

The ground was bequeathed to the community for bowling activities by Buccleuch Estates in 1920. The first flat green was formed from turf taken from a local field in 1921 and has been played on the present site since that time. It used to be hand cut with a 6 foot scythe which would have taken some effort to keep in condition.

In 1931 Robbie and his son Jim Inglis built the present pavilion and although this has seen some concessions to modernity it has very much the same feel as it did originally. You can sit in the shade of the pavilion and watch the bowls from under the veranda when the sun shines or watch from the warmth of the pavilion if it’s cool.

The club is open every day for the season (usually early May until the end of October) for play. The evenings of Monday, Thursdays and Saturdays are reserved for club tournaments. All are welcome to use the facilities – just please ensure you play in flat shoes, nothing that will mark the surface. Bowls are available for use, see notices in the clubhouse. We operate an honesty box, fees are £2 per day. No unaccompanied children please.

Membership
The cost of becoming a full member is £20 per person annually. Members are encouraged to compete in the Borders and Scottish tournaments. The club enters singles, pairs, triples and rinks which are played throughout the summer in a knock out competition. We operate under the rules of the Scottish Bowling Association.

Newcastleton Bowling Club regularly hosts visiting clubs and always looks forward to the May Bank Holiday weekend when Hinkley come to play.