Bowls
One of the most popular pastimes in the UK is Bowls. Bowls has been played in the British Isles since as far back as the 13th century. The game is played by rolling a smaller white ball, (known as the ‘jack’), along a lawn (known as the bowling green). Following this, the opponents take turns in rolling a larger black ball, the bowl, as near as possible to the jack.
Opponents score points relating to who has the nearest Bowls to the jack. The game is most popular in the UK and has been exported across the Commonwealth, specifically Australia and New Zealand. There are two main types of Bowls played in the UK.
Crown-green Bowls is played on an outdoor green made from grass, or another synthetic material. On the other hand, flat-green Bowls is played indoors, on a synthetic surface. In crown-green Bowls, there are many types of playing surface, varying in size and shape, as well as speed.
Bowls can be played individually, in a pair, or even in a larger team; usually up to four people. There are number of internationally-recognised competitions. The World Indoor Bowls Championship concentrates on the singles game, and takes place annually. On the other hand, international crown-green bowls is more varied, with singles, pairs, triples and fours contests.
The World Bowls Championship is held every four years and has separate titles for men and women. Bowls continues to remain a popular British pastime, with people of all ages. For information about other British traditions, such as gurning, please visit hardgurningnrg.co.uk.