East Dorset

Firstly, what is Cygnets all about?

When you join us for the first time, with little or no experience of bowling indoors, there is our Cygnets group. Here, trained coaches and experienced bowlers teach you the basics of bowls, the rules and etiquette of the game. By playing in different teams and different formats - pairs, triples, fours - you put these into practise and learn how to lead, skip, read heads and, of course, how to win and lose.

We hold Cygnets sessions on Mondays from 7.30pm–9.30pm; Tuesdays 5.30pm-7.30pm and Fridays 3.30pm-5.30pm. You can attend either Monday or Tuesday, and on a Friday.

You will also make new friends to share a drink with in the bar after training if you wish.

And then what happens?

You may remain in Cygnets for up to 2 seasons, or, until you play regularly in Leagues, whichever comes first. Once you have been in Cygnets for 2 seasons or you sign up for Leagues and play regularly, there is an expectation that you will step back from Cygnets to allow  newcomers to begin their Cygnets journey.

You can attend Cygnets on Mondays or Tuesdays, plus Fridays. So you may attend on Mondays and Fridays or Tuesdays and Fridays but not three days per week. Or just once a week on a day of your choice. 

You can also attend Organised Open Play sessions, book your own Open Play slots or join a League Team, so there are plenty of opportunities for you to play more regularly if you wish.

During Cygnets sessions you will be introduced to a variety of game types. Pairs, triples and fours are all an invaluable part of the learning process and will help you to develop your game. 

Following your time in Cygnets, you should be ready to move on. There are several options, and they are not mutually exclusive. In addition to regular open play sessions, there are Organised Open Play sessions each week, giving you the opportunity to hone your bowling skills with other ex-Cygnets and more experienced players in a welcoming environment.

There is also a weekly Sponsored Ladder that takes this to an extra level. You can, of course, join an established league team or two at any time, even enter your own new team. And don't forget the occasional friendlies against other Clubs to further develop your skills.

You should be aware that bowls can be very addictive whether you are 10 or 70 - and we have had all ages in Cygnets.