Belleville Lawn Bowling Club

Est. 1908 · Belleville, ON

About the Club

Over a century of sport,
friendship & fresh air

Founded in 1908, the Belleville Lawn Bowling Club is one of the oldest sporting institutions in the Bay of Quinte region. Today we play on two competition-grade greens at the Hillcrest Community Centre — a modern home for a time-honoured game.

We are proud members of the Ontario Lawn Bowling Association and welcome players of every age and ability — from first-timers to seasoned competitors.

Key Milestones

1908

Foundation

Established in July following a successful community meeting at the Hastings County Shire Hall, led by Colonel Samuel Shaw Lazier.

Early
Era

William Street Greens

Initially organized as separate Men's and Ladies' clubs, members played on William Street opposite the old Queen Alexandra Public School. In 1932 the club moved to a new site on Yeomans Street.

1990's

The Stan Smith Era

The club became a prominent fixture of Quinte area sports through the dedicated leadership of Stan and Kay Smith. Stan founded the annual "Beachcomber" tournament in 1997, which continues to be sponsored by his family.

2020

Relocation to Hillcrest

The city relocated the club to the Hillcrest Community Centre at 69 Centre Street, featuring two competition-grade greens.

The Game

How Lawn Bowling Works

Lawn bowling is simple to learn and a lifetime to master. Roll your biased bowls toward the small white "jack" — the team closest scores. The strategy is in everything else.

Set the Jack

A player rolls the small white jack down the rink to set the target. The jack becomes the focal point for the entire end.

Deliver Your Bowls

Each player takes turns delivering their bowls toward the jack. Bowls are weighted on one side — the "bias" — causing them to curve as they slow down.

Score the End

After all bowls are played, the team with a bowl closest to the jack scores one point for each of their bowls nearer than the opponent's closest bowl.

What is a Jitney?

Our regular "jitney" sessions are relaxed, informal games where teams are randomly assigned — a great way to meet members and enjoy the game without any pressure.

No Experience Needed

Come out for a free introductory session — no equipment needed. We'll pair you with an experienced member, lend you gear, and walk you through the basics. Please wear flat-soled shoes.

Compete or Just Play

From casual jitney games to open tournaments and the Mixed Pairs League, we offer play at every level across our May–October season.

Hours of Play

Playing Schedule

Our greens are open May through October. Regular jitney bowling is informal — teams are randomly assigned so you can just show up and play! Please arrive 20 minutes early for all sessions.

Day	Time & Session
Monday	10:00 am Jitney
Tuesday	10:00 am Mixed Pairs League Registration required 7:00 pm Jitney
Wednesday	10:00 am Jitney 7:00 pm Coaching / Practice By appointment
Thursday	7:00 pm Jitney
Friday	10:00 am Jitney

* Schedule subject to change. Contact us to confirm times or for special events.

Membership

Join the Club

Membership gives you unlimited access to our greens throughout the May–October season, participation in tournaments, and entry into a wonderful community.

New to Lawn Bowling?

Come out for a free introductory session — no equipment needed. We'll pair you with an experienced member, lend you gear, and walk you through the basics. Please wear flat-soled shoes.

Contact Paul to get started:
(613) 438-2201 membershipblbc@gmail.com

Email to Join

Open Tournaments

2026 Tournament Schedule

The Belleville Lawn Bowling Club hosts a full season of open tournaments from June through September. All skill levels are encouraged to participate — several events are specifically designed to welcome novice players.

$15 per person entry fee unless otherwise noted

Date	Start	Event	Fee
June
Wed, June 3	9:30 AM	"The Beachcomber" WT / MxT Women's Triples / Mixed Triples	$15/pp
July
Sat, July 4	9:30 AM	Combo 4's MxF 3-game mixed format: Gm 1 Singles & Triples · Gm 2 Pairs · Gm 3 Fours	$15/pp
August
Wed, Aug 5	9:30 AM	Open Pairs OP	$15/pp
Thu, Aug 20	9:30 AM	Summer Novice OT 1 Experienced Bowler leads 2 Novice Bowlers	$15/pp
September
Wed, Sep 2	9:30 AM	Aussie 2-4-2 WP / MxP Women's Pairs / Mixed Pairs	$15/pp
Wed, Sep 23	9:30 AM	Battle of the Sexes WP vs MP 3 Bowl Pairs · Includes Lunch	$30/pp