About Us :.

Coalgate is a small town in the Selwyn District of the Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. The 2001 New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings gave Coalgate's population as 276, and it is located roughly an hour west of Christchurch on State Highway 77. The town's name stems from it being the gateway to the lignite coal fields around Whitecliffs, the Rakaia Gorge, and Acheron River. Coal mining declined in the 20th century and has now ceased, but since the 1950s, commercial processing of bentonite has taken place in Coalgate. On 3 November 1875, the Whitecliffs Branch railway was opened, with a station in Coalgate. It was here that a private line diverged from the state-operated New Zealand Railways Department network. On 31 March 1962, the railway closed, but some of the line's old formation and the Coalgate station platform can still be found.

Coalgate Bowling Club is located in the Coalgate township with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The Coalgate complex boasts a large car park, ground floor modern clubhouse complete with bar, kitchen & dining facilities. The clubhouse is available to members at all times and it's also fully disabled person/wheelchair user accessable with bathroom facilities.


Have a go at bowlsOur All Weather Astro turf green was installed just over ten years ago which allows us to play all year round. It measures 37m x 37m, and is renowned for its quality and consistency with very attractive surroundings.

The perception of Lawn Bowls being a game just for Granny and Granpa couldn't be more wrong. In New Zeland there is an active secondary schools programme and Coalgate Bowling Club welcomes both men and women players of all ages, abilities, experienced or total beginner's. Coaching is available to all members if required.

 


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<- Give it try before you come down to the green.



It doesnt matter whether you want to play bowls for recreation or serious competition. This great game is all about Fun, Skill and People. Come along and Have a go at Lawn Bowls. Don't own a set of bowls, no problem, we have spare sets for you to use.

Hours of Play: Summer: Men play on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Play starts at 1.30pm and finishes at 4pm. Tea/Coffee is taken for 20 minutes around 3pm. If you are good you may also get a chocolate biscuit. Our weekly raffle is drawn just after Tea.  

Ladies play on Monday and Thursday, same format as the men.

Winter: Play starts at 1.00pm and it's mixed so we are open to both Men & Women on Wednesday & Saturday.

We also hold various mixed winter tournaments. See our Events page for more information.


 

The History of Lawn Bowls :.

Although the exact origin of bowls remains uncertain, it is undoubtedly an ancient game. The Romans may have brought it to England in 55BC, and there are references to the sport in manuscripts describing accounts of the Crusades (1095-1192).

The modern version and standard rules of the sport were developed in Scotland in 1848. As Britain established colonies throughout the world, many expatriates constructed bowling greens and the game spread to various corners of the globe.

Bowls is governed at International level by World Bowls for able bodied bowlers and the IBD for disabled bowlers. The sport has 47 member nations spread over six continents. Its strength lies in the many hundreds of clubs throughout the world and for many men and women bowls is not only a game but also a way of life. 

Please take some time to have a look at our website and do not hesitate to Contact us with any queries or questions you may have.

New members are always welcome. Download a Membership Form here. Further information can be obtained from our Membership Page.