About Bedford Bowling Club
Bedford Bowling Club (often called Club Bedford) is a community sports and social venue in Perth’s Bedford suburb. It sits on the corner of Grand Promenade and Catherine Street (clubbedford.com.au ). The club describes itself as “Perth’s premier lawn bowls club and social event facility,” with the motto *“Club Bedford – Connecting with Community.”* It fully embraces that motto, **providing a positive, friendly and inclusive environment** for both serious bowlers and casual visitors (clubbedford.com.au ). In practice this means all ages and skill levels are welcome – for example, beginners are able to use club bowls and receive free coaching (clubbedford.com.au ) (clubbedford.com.au ) – while experienced members field competitive teams.
Established in the late 1950s, Bedford Bowling Club has been part of the local scene for decades (its first official affiliation was in 1960 (www.bowlswa.com.au )). Today it boasts modern amenities that appeal to a broad audience. The club features **both grass and synthetic bowling greens** (newly upgraded in recent years) (www.srcwa.asn.au ) (clubbedford.com.au ). Two of the greens have state-of-the-art LED floodlights, allowing play and events to run late into the evening even in the dark (clubbedford.com.au ). These high-quality facilities support competitive play – the club fields pennant teams each summer – and also serve the community by hosting social and corporate events. In short, Bedford Bowling Club is not a plain suburban green but rather a full-fledged sporting centre: it has a **commercial kitchen and a function hall** for large gatherings, a **licensed bar and bistro** serving meals at affordable, club-price rates, and ample space for social activities (clubbedford.com.au ).
The main function hall (with seating for about 150 guests) can be booked for events like weddings, conferences or birthday parties (clubbedford.com.au ). A smaller lounge area (capacity ~50) and a boardroom (20 people) serve quieter meetings or members’ social evenings (clubbedford.com.au ). A wide shaded veranda overlooking the greens (complete with a pool table and gas BBQ) provides casual seating and an outdoor-view space for spectators and families (clubbedford.com.au ). In fact, the club emphasises community and family: Bowls WA reported Bedford’s 2023 “Community Family Day” attracted around 110 visitors (half children) for games, pony rides and face-painting (www.bowlswa.com.au ). All told, Bedford Bowling Club blends sporty tradition with club-style hospitality – making it a cherished local venue for lawn bowls and more.
Events and Programming
Bedford Bowling Club’s calendar is anchored by bowling competitions and social nights. In the **summer season** (October–March) the club’s pennant teams compete in the Bowls WA league, and the venue’s greens are busy with scheduled matches. In winter there are “off-season” bowls sessions (carpet bowls indoors or social bowls outdoors on warmer days). The club also runs a **12-week “Community Bowls” program** each summer to introduce newcomers to the sport (clubbedford.com.au ); it’s a relaxed, fun competition (with free coaching and provided equipment) for teams of friends, family or coworkers (clubbedford.com.au ). This program is popular – the club reports drawing *“up to 150 members of the community playing bowls weekly during the season”* (clubbedford.com.au ) – and serves as a major recruitment source for new bowlers.
Outside of the core bowls leagues, Bedford Bowling Club is a busy social hub. On most evenings the venue hosts casual “social bowls” (barefoot bowls) where anyone can turn up and play in a friendly setting. For entertainment, **regular dance nights and themed dinners** are a fixture: past advertisements mention Italian nights, Spanish nights and holiday dances for members and guests (clubbedford.com.au ). There are also sporting event broadcasts (e.g. big football games on TV screens in the lounge) and fundraising tournaments like the annual “Craig Care Classic” (a charity bowls competition). In short, the club’s programming ranges from organised sport to community gatherings – and special events (wakes, office parties, staff Christmas parties, etc.) are often held here by private booking (clubbedford.com.au ). Amateur musicians or bands occasionally play at dinner dances, but there’s no set concert series; instead, the venue’s ambience (friendly local clubhouse with a dance floor) is itself the main draw.
Membership and entry rules are relaxed. Most bowling lessons and events are open to the public on payment of a small fee or day pass, and anyone can join the club for full benefits. Key activities (bowls competitions or function-hall events) generally do not use a formal box office or ticketing agency. Instead, participants sign up in advance through the club, and many social events simply involve paying at the door. (For large private events, the club coordinates guest lists directly.) In practice this means **no special “big-ticket” procedures** – one simply checks the club’s schedule or contact and turns up at the appointed time. For example, dinner nights and community bowls evenings typically allow “walk-in” attendance, while major events like weddings require booking the venue well ahead. (clubbedford.com.au ) (clubbedford.com.au ) The club’s website and noticeboards (or Word of Mouth among members) are the main places to keep track of what’s on.
Tickets and Booking
Unlike a theatre or concert venue, Bedford Bowling Club doesn’t have a traditional box office. There are no online ticket portals; either you attend as a club member or sign in as a visitor for the night. For casual events (social bowling nights, dance evenings, themed dinners), seating is typically first-come-first-served, with a modest door charge (if any) for guests and free entry for members. The club strongly encourages phone or in-person enquiry about its schedule. If you want to securely book a spot – say for a large dinner event or as part of a bowls league team – it’s best to contact the club directly (by phone or email). In other words, the “ticketing” process is informal: you register or RSVP with the club, then pay the entry fee at the venue.
For venue hire (e.g. booking the hall or lounge for a private function), the process is similar. The club’s website notes, for instance, that the hall holds 150 people (50 for standing/dancing) and that bookings are managed in-house (clubbedford.com.au ). The site describes the hire rates as “reasonable,” but does not list prices online – one simply calls or visits the club office to arrange details. In short, the best strategy is to plan early and talk to the club. Popular dates (Friday nights, holiday weekends, Christmas season) often fill up faster, so inquire months in advance. Day-of or walk-up booking for parties is usually not possible for big events, but casual attendees (friends gathering for drinks or bowling) can typically walk in anytime.
In summary, **there is no formal ticket outlet or advanced-sale system** for most Bedford Bowling activities. Instead, visitors either register on the club’s own channels or simply pay at the door. The ticket “tiers” are essentially member vs. guest pricing – members benefit from lower costs or free entry, while guests pay standard fees (often under $20 for a meal and social lawn bowls session). Finding and securing a spot means watching the club’s announcements or speaking to staff, rather than clicking a third-party site. (As a tip: one prominent reviewer noted early that Friday-night steak dinners were just $15 each (www.tripadvisor.ca ) (www.tripadvisor.ca ) – a kind of low-price tradition that pulls people in.)
Seating and Layout
The Bedford Bowling Club building is single-storey and spread out. The **main hall** (the largest indoor space) is a rectangular, column-free room with a small stage area or DJ booth at one end. It is normally filled with round or banquet tables and chairs for diners or parties, but these can be reconfigured into a dance floor or performance setup as needed. The official capacity is about 150 seated (as noted above) (clubbedford.com.au ). For standing-room events (cocktail party or dance party without tables) the hall can hold roughly 200 people, according to venue spec sheets. From any seat in the hall you have a clear view of the stage/performer’s area and can hear announcements via the in-house PA system. (One tip: tables near the center-front offer the best sightlines and sound. Seats at the far sides or very back might have slightly obstructed views, especially if the room is full.)
The **lounge** area is a more casual bar-and-couch lounge off to the side of the main hall. It seats around 50 people comfortably. This area is usually used for quiet socializing, card games or watching TV sports; it does not have a formal performance area. In the lounge you’ll find a few sofas, a small stage for live music on occasion, and big-screen TVs. It’s a relaxed spot to sit if the main hall is crowded. Adjoining the lounge is a smaller **meeting room or boardroom** – often used by organizers or for private meetings – that seats about 20 in a conference-style setup (clubbedford.com.au ).
Outside, a wide **veranda** wraps part of the club building, overlooking the greens. The veranda has picnic tables, chairs, and even a pool table. It serves as a shaded viewing/gathering area. If you’re there to watch or wait for bowlers, the veranda is ideal because it provides an elevated, all-weather view of the greens. Just beyond is the actual bowling greens themselves (three grass rinks and one synthetic). Spectators generally stay on the edges or the veranda while games are underway. There is also a grassy spectator hill along one side of the greens for informal viewing (common in bowls clubs, though not stadium seating).
In terms of sound and lighting: the hall has bright overhead lights and a basic club-grade sound system suitable for announcements and background music. It does not have stadium-style acoustics, so very loud live concerts might sound echoey unless external equipment is brought in. Most events use simple lighting (fluorescent or LED ceiling lights) unless a servant added. However, modern LED floodlights illuminate the greens outside for night bowling (clubbedford.com.au ), so the outdoor areas are still well-lit at dusk. The loudest area is near the bar or dance area on Friday dance nights, while the hall corner near the kitchen is relatively quieter (with kitchen noise). Overall, pick your seating based on the experience you want: front-and-center of the hall for best stage view, veranda/outdoor tables for a breeze and green view, or lounge seating for a low-key environment.
Getting There and Parking
Exact Location: Bedford Bowling Club is located at 145 Grand Promenade, Bedford WA 6052 (www.srcwa.asn.au ). It occupies the corner of Grand Promenade (the main north–south road) and Catherine Street. The club entrance faces Grand Promenade. This places it just east of the Graham Farmer Freeway and north of the Morley Bus Station. It is within the City of Bayswater local government area, about 8 km east of Perth’s CBD.
Driving Directions: By car, it’s straightforward to reach. From the west, take the Graham Farmer Freeway (State Route 8) and exit at Morley or Walter Road, then head east on Grand Promenade. Ample free parking is available in the club’s parking lot and adjacent streets (clubbedford.com.au ). The official site notes there is “plenty of parking” on site (clubbedford.com.au ), which means you generally won’t struggle to find a space even on busy nights. If the club lot fills, street parking is available on Catherine and nearby residential roads (beware residential permit zones on weekends). Taxi or rideshare drop-offs are usually done at the main entrance on Grand Promenade or on Catherine Street by the marquee.
Public Transport: Bedford Bowling Club is quite accessible by public transit. Transperth bus services run along Grand Promenade directly in front of the club. Frequent routes include the 950 and 950X circle routes and local routes 67 and 68 (moovitapp.com ). (Check Transperth maps for current schedules.) If coming by train, the nearest station is Bayswater on the Airport/Ellenbrook Line (or East Perth). From Bayswater it’s about a 4 km trip: you can either catch one of the above buses or a taxi/Uber. In weekend evenings some buses may reduce frequency, so allow extra travel time. Overall, both car and transit are valid: many local bowlers simply drive, but a quick bus ride from Bayswater or Morley is easy and avoids city traffic.
Inside the Venue
Entry and Layout: When you walk in, you’ll typically enter into the lounge area and bar. The check-in process is casual: there is often no door charge or ticket scan for social visitors. However, under Western Australian liquor laws the club will require that anyone (16 or older) who wants to drink or use the gaming machines be recorded as a temporary member or guest member. In practice this usually means you just need to register at the bar (often gratis) with name and perhaps show ID. Security is minimal – it’s a friendly community club – so there is seldom strict bag check or metal detectors. Smoking is prohibited indoors (as per WA law) but there are outdoor smoking bins, typically on the veranda.
Bar and Bistro: Bedford has a fully licenced bar serving beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks at typical club prices. The club advertises having a “stocked bar with drinks at club prices” (clubbedford.com.au ). Alcoholic beers on tap and local craft beers may be available, and full pours (no strict half-pour culture). The bar staff work behind the counter, and there are TV screens showing sports games. Adjacent to the bar is the bistro dining area or main hall, which serves meals. The menu is family-friendly: expect pub classics like steak, schnitzels, burgers, fish & chips, pasta, salads and light meals. Reviewers have praised the food value – for example, a 2015/16 review noted that steak night meals (steak or fish) along with desserts went for only $15 (www.tripadvisor.ca ) (www.tripadvisor.ca ). Today prices may have crept up a bit, but the ethos is *affordable pub feed*. The bistro is open to both members and guests on event nights, so you can simply order food and drink on a night out without membership.
Facilities and Amenities: The club has clean facilities and a semi-modern feel. Multiple restrooms (men’s, women’s and at least one accessible toilet) are located near the lounge/bar and again near the main hall; these have baby-change stations. All indoor areas are air-conditioned, which is appreciated in summer. There is free Wi-Fi accessible to guests (ask the bar staff for the network), and EFTPOS (Visa/Mastercard debit/credit) is accepted at all bars and the bistro (www.barefootbowls.com.au ). If you need cash, the nearest ATM is a few doors away (back toward Morley), or at Morley Galleria. The club does **not** charge corkage or allow outside food – they do all catering in-house – but you are welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic snacks.
Atmosphere: Expect a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. On a typical night you’ll see bowlers in polos and slacks, older local members at cards in the lounge, and families or younger people in casual clothes by the games room. Many long-time patrons wear the club shirt or badge. The dress code is very casual: collars and flat-soled shoes (no stiletto heels) are required on the greens, but in the bar/lounge tank tops and flip-flops are normally fine. One local tip: on busy Friday or Saturday nights, arrive a bit early if you want a particular table. If something is happening – say a major football game or fridge – expect it to be crowded with locals happily jabbering.
Special Features: The club also has some extras for visitors. Pool and darts are available – there’s a full-size pool table on the veranda (clubbedford.com.au ) – so you can play a game as the footy is on TV. The clubhouse displays trophies and photos of past Pennant teams, giving it a traditional club feel. Coat hooks and a portable cloakroom-mounted cart area are near the entrance (though Western Australia is warm, so coats are uncommon). You’ll notice large ceiling fans and plenty of shade, reflecting the Australian climate. The whole site – from the lounge to the dinner hall to the outdoor barbecue area – is fully wheelchair-accessible (flat floors and ramps to the greens), making it friendly to older patrons. All told, you can expect a typical suburban club setting: warm lighting in the lounge, wholesome pub smells, and the gentle sound of bowls hitting jack or locals chatting, rather than the glitz of a purpose-built nightclub.
Nearby Amenities
Because Bedford is a mostly residential suburb, there are only a few eateries and shops in the immediate vicinity – but a few convenient options lie within a short drive or walk. Directly across Grand Promenade (at 174 Grand Promenade) is a small **IGA supermarket** with a parking lot. This IGA has a hot dinner bar (fish & chips, rotisserie chicken, sushi etc.) and a coffee kiosk – handy if you need a quick snack or wine to take home. Otherwise, within 1–2 km radius there’s a mix of local cafes and restaurants. Notable nearby spots include **Mille Cafe** (an Italian-style bistro/cafe serving pasta and pizza) and **Kim Long Chinese Restaurant** on Walter Road – both are popular with locals and have casual dining. A drive to Morley (2 km south) opens up many more choices: Morley Galleria shopping centre has a food court and eateries (e.g. fast food, Vietnamese, Italian), and the surrounding roads has several fast-casual restaurants.
For nightlife or drinks, the immediate area does not have a late-night bar other than the club itself. The nearest pub is the **Bedford Tavern** on Walter Road (about 3 km east), which does live music some weekends. Maylands (3 km north-east) has a popular small-bar scene (e.g. WHAT66, The Rosemount with cocktails, and 4RO) and is reachable by a quick bus ride or taxi. If you need a pre-show drink or post-show meal, consider driving an extra 5–10 minutes to one of these Bayswater/Maylands venues with more character.
Hotels and Accommodation: Bedford itself has no hotels, but good lodging is available a short distance away. The *Ascot/Belmont* area (5–6 km south along Great Eastern Highway) has several major hotels (e.g. Ascot Central Apartment Hotel, Holiday Inn Perth Airport) that offer affordable rooms. The nearby suburb of Maylands has a few motels and serviced apartments geared to travelers. For major events some people even stay in Perth CBD or near the airport, since the city centre is only about 15 minutes by train. In any case, Bayswater and Morley are the closest neighbourhoods with chain hotels, travel lodges and B&Bs – typically within a 10–15 minute drive of Bedford Bowling Club.
Late-Night Transportation: After the club closes (around 10 pm (clubsandpubsnearme.com.au )), leaving by ride-share or taxi is easiest. Both Uber and local taxis can be summoned to Bedford, though availability may drop late at night. Transperth buses continue to run until roughly midnight along Grand Promenade; catch a Route 950 or 950X north to Morley Bus Station or south toward Perth City, depending on your destination. If you plan to stay late, it’s wise to check return bus times in advance. Alternatively, a quick Uber to Bayswater Station (or beyound) will give you access to Perth’s train network for late-night travel towards the city and beyond.
What Makes This Venue Special
Several qualities make Bedford Bowling Club stand out in the Perth scene. First is its **community spirit**. The club actively markets itself as a gathering place for all ages – even its own website banner proudly declares it “*a Feel Good Place – inclusive and welcoming people from all walks of life*” (www.barefootbowls.com.au ). Bedford has built a reputation for social connection: local media praised its 2023 family day as “brilliant” and inclusive (www.bowlswa.com.au ). This mindset is rare among suburban sports clubs; many focus only on members, but Bedford goes out of its way with outreach events, new-bowlers programs, and social nights. In short, the club is known as much for its warm atmosphere as for its greens.
Architecturally, the venue is unpretentious but functional. The building’s simple, low-slung profile and large veranda are quintessentially Australian clubroom style, aimed at comfort rather than flash. While it isn’t an award-winning design, it is well-maintained and fitted with modern features: the recent **LED floodlight upgrade** allows a clear view of the greens even at midnight (clubbedford.com.au ). The hall’s versatile layout – with movable tables, a sound system and a dance floor – makes it adaptable for weddings, live bands or quiz nights, which is more than many clubs offer. Importantly, every feature (from the seating to the air-conditioning) emphasizes practicality for everyday users.
Some “legendary” aspects are in the club’s history and culture. For example, longtime members still fondly recall the earliest green conversions and fundraising skits of the 1970s. While not famous internationally, the club has produced several local bowls champions. What makes Bedford truly **special** is the small traditions: cheap all-you-can-eat steak nights (famously $15 a meal in earlier days (www.tripadvisor.ca ) (www.tripadvisor.ca )), volunteer-run sausage sizzles, and the chairs spelling out “Bedford” on the greens’ viewing deck. These homely touches, combined with its grant-funded innovation (the recent padel-court development (www.perthnow.com.au )), give it a unique personality. In effect, Bedford Bowling Club is a bridge between old-style Western Australian “bowlo” culture and a modern community centre: it honours bowls tradition while continuously evolving.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The club is generally wheelchair-friendly. There are gentle ramps to the veranda, flat entrances into all main rooms, and at least one accessible bathroom. (If in doubt, the staff will gladly assist any patrons with mobility needs.) Hearing aids should work fine – the club sometimes uses an induction loop for announcements – and service animals are permitted in public areas. Keep in mind that evenings can be dark around the parking lot, so take care of step heights outside.
What to Bring: If you plan to bowl, bring flat-soled shoes in good condition (no metal spikes or oily soles). Men often wear collared shirts due to competition dress rules, though polo shirts or smart T-shirts are acceptable for casual play. Families should bring hats and sunscreen in summer – much of the friendly socializing happens on the sun-exposed veranda. There is no coat check (Perth’s climate is mild), so simply store personal items under your table. You do not need bowling equipment or balls – the club loans these to beginners (clubbedford.com.au ). For payment, both cash and card are accepted (the club has EFTPOS terminals (www.barefootbowls.com.au )). It’s also wise to carry ID if you plan to drink; under WA law the bar may ask for ID on entry and keeps a simple registry of over-18s.
Rules and Etiquette: Bedford follows standard club policies. There is a strict no-smoking policy indoors (outdoor areas only). Photography for personal use is permitted, but disrespectful or intrusive filming (especially of others without permission) is frowned upon. A respectful land etiquette applies on the greens: do not cross a rink during play and avoid loud chatter when someone is taking a shot. Children are welcome, but must be supervised – they are not allowed in gambling areas or to operate machines. Also note that on bowling evenings, players take the game seriously; be quiet and still when walking behind players. Finally, as in many clubs, the dress code inside the dining areas is “smart casual” – shorts and T-shirts are OK, but avoid sleeveless undershirts or decidedly beachwear when ordering a meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t assume finals, as the venue opens and closes on schedule (check the club’s hours for that day). Don’t arrive too late for popular events – Fridays often have early dining rushes. And don’t barter prices – the menu is fixed at club rates, which are already quite low. As an insider tip: if you want to mix with locals, ask to join a team for the next social bowls instead of sitting alone. The regulars will usually invite you in and even show you the ropes. Relax and enjoy – visiting Bedford Bowling Club is mostly about the social experience.
Do I need to buy a ticket or membership to visit Bedford Bowling Club?
No formal “tickets” are required for most events. Bedford Bowling Club operates like a community club: anyone can walk in, but to drink or play you must sign in as a member or guest. There is typically a small one-off visitors’ fee (around a few dollars) when you first enter the bar area for the night. Once signed in, you pay only for whatever food, drinks or games you use. Full yearly memberships are optional; they cut costs for frequent visitors, but casual drop-ins are welcome without long-term commitment.
How do I get to Bedford Bowling Club by public transport?
The club is about 3 km from Bayswater Train Station (Airport/Ellenbrook or Midland lines). From Bayswater, you can catch Transperth Bus 950 or 950X towards Morley and alight at the stop on Grand Promenade just outside the club. Local buses 67 and 68 on Walter Road can also be used with a short walk. For shorter trips, Route 653 runs along Grand Promenade on weekends. In summary: take a train to Bayswater or Let’s say Morley Station, then hop on a bus down Grand Promenade. The club’s address (145 Grand Promenade) appears on Google Maps to guide you precisely.
Is there parking available at Bedford Bowling Club, and is it free?
Yes. Bedford Bowling Club provides **ample free parking on site** (clubbedford.com.au ). The club’s lot can hold several dozen cars, and on-street parking is also plentiful in adjacent residential areas. You will not be charged or need a permit to park here. The location at Grand Promenade and Catherine Street is easy to spot, so you can simply drive in and park before entering the venue.
What meals and drinks are served at Bedford Bowling Club?
The club has a full licenced bar and a bistro. Expect typical pub-style meals: steaks, fish & chips, burgers, schnitzels, salads and pasta. One reviewer even noted “great steak, burgers, fish and chips” dinners at around $15 each (www.tripadvisor.ca ). They also offer daily specials (weekday roast dinners) and classic club dishes. On the drink side, there are beers (including taps for local ales), wines, spirits and soft drinks—all sold at moderate, “club prices.” If you have dietary needs, ask the kitchen staff – vegetarian options (dishes like veggie schnitzel or pasta) and gluten-free dishes are often available upon request.
Are children allowed at Bedford Bowling Club?
Yes. Bedford Bowling Club is family-friendly. Children of all ages are welcome to accompany adults. The club even runs family-oriented events (for example, a 2023 community day drew many families (www.bowlswa.com.au )). Kids can safely move on the verandah and veranda area, play the jukebox or watch bowls from outside. Naturally, minors cannot drink alcohol or use any gambling machines (pokies are only for 18+). Parents must supervise children at all times, especially near the greens and machines. Otherwise, feel free to bring the kids along – they often enjoy the playground of tables and the open lawn environment together with the sausage sizzle on club events.
What facilities and services does the club provide?
Bedford Bowling Club has a variety of amenities for visitors. There is a **commercial kitchen** and full catering service for events (clubbedford.com.au ), a **stocked bar** selling beer/wine/spirits (clubbedford.com.au ), and a pool table on the veranda (clubbedford.com.au ). Inside, you’ll find comfortable lounge seating, big-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms (including an accessible toilet) are on-site. Free Wi-Fi is typically provided in the lounge area, and EFTPOS (card payment) is available (www.barefootbowls.com.au ). If you need directions or have special requests (dietary, accessibility, etc.), just ask the friendly staff – they’re used to helping guests.
Is there a dress code or any rules I should know?
No formal dress code is enforced in most areas; people usually wear casual attire. However, if you want to join in a game of bowls on the greens, you should wear flat-soled shoes (no high heels or slippery soles) and a collared shirt (many men wear polo shirts for that reason). On the veranda and in the bar, T-shirts and shorts are fine, but avoid bare singlets as a courtesy. Also, the club follows the law: no smoking indoors (only in outside-designated spots) and no outside alcohol or food. As a courtesy, turn your phone to silent when games are on and keep voices down on the greens. Essentially just dress neatly and be respectful of others – the vibe is laid-back but friendly.
Can I hire the bowling hall or facilities for a party or meeting?
Yes. Bedford Bowling Club actively promotes its facilities for hire. The large function hall (capacity ~150) and secondary rooms can be booked for events like weddings, wakes, birthday parties or corporate meetings (clubbedford.com.au ). To do this, you would contact the club directly (through their office or website) to arrange a date and layout. Venue hire typically includes use of the kitchen and bar. The club states the rates are “reasonable” (clubbedford.com.au ), though you have to inquire to get a quote (rates vary by event size and day of week). Booking early is wise since holiday periods can book out fast.
What is Barefoot Bowls and does the club offer it?
“Barefoot bowls” is a casual version of lawn bowls where players wear non-spiked shoes or go barefoot with provided equipment. Yes, Bedford Bowling Club offers regular social barefoot bowls sessions. In fact, event listings show “Social Barefoot Bowls” happening virtually every day (www.bowlsexchange.com.au ). All you do is sign up (usually via the club, as drop-ins are often welcome) and turn up at the scheduled time. It’s aimed at fun rather than expert competition. There is no special gear you need – the club lends you bowls and hosts on-court coaching. It’s very beginner-friendly, so even if you’ve never bowled before you can join one of these sessions with friends.
What is the “Community Bowls” program mentioned at Bedford Bowling Club?
Community Bowls is Bedford’s summer program for new and casual players. It typically runs over 12 weeks each year, starting in November (clubbedford.com.au ). Teams of friends, family or coworkers enter jointly, and it’s more social than competitive – there are no strict rules about skill level, and coaching is available on the side (clubbedford.com.au ). The goal is simply to encourage anyone to try lawn bowls in a fun league format. The club notes that up to 150 participants can play each week during this season (clubbedford.com.au ). In short, it’s an open-invitation tournament that has proven very popular – basically a summer sports club tailored for the community. You can join by forming a small team and contacting the club when registration opens.
Does Bedford Bowling Club host live music or dances?
Yes – the club regularly holds social evenings that may feature live entertainment or a DJ. They often advertise “dance evenings” where members and guests come to dine and dance to music (clubbedford.com.au ). These are informal events (some are themed, like Spanish or Italian nights) rather than formal concerts. If a local band or soloist is playing, it’s usually on these member-only dance nights. For an exact schedule, watch the club’s news or social media. In any case, don’t expect a big festival stage – the music is typically club-level (sound system provided) and the focus is on socialising and dancing rather than a mainstream gig.
Is there an age limit or children’s program at the club?
There is no formal age limit for most activities – children of all ages can attend with parents. In fact, the club runs juniors and beginners programs during its Community Bowls season (clubbedford.com.au ). Young bowlers often participate in community events alongside adults. However, note that the licensed bar and gaming machines are only for 18-plus patrons. So families should keep children supervised around those areas. Otherwise, the club is a family-friendly venue with games on the veranda and activity for boys and girls. On busy nights, parents may want to keep children near a table or on the grass rather than roaming freely, just for safety.
How do I become a member of Bedford Bowling Club, and what are the fees?
Membership details are not published online, so for exact fees you would need to contact the club. However, we know that Bedford offers full bowls memberships (valid for a bowling year) and social memberships (non-bowling). In 2016 a reviewer quoted around $150/year for a membership (www.tripadvisor.ca ) – modern rates may be slightly higher due to inflation. Becoming a member usually gets you perks like discounted meals, voting rights in the club, and access to members-only competitions (pennants). But remember, you can still visit without joining by signing in as a casual (which typically involves a very small one-time fee for the club’s database). If you plan to bowl regularly, membership is worth it. Otherwise, feel free to remain an occasional visitor.
Is Wi-Fi available at Bedford Bowling Club?
Yes, the club generally offers free Wi-Fi to customers, especially in lounge areas. You can usually ask at the bar for the network name and password. (Keep in mind it’s a public network with many users, so speeds may vary.) In most cases the Wi-Fi covers the lounge, hall and veranda, but you might lose signal out on the bowling greens themselves. If you bring a laptop or tablet, it should work fine for checking email or social media while you relax.
What accreditation or certificates does Bedford Bowling Club have?
The club is registered with Bowls WA, the state bowls association (www.bowlswa.com.au ), which handles its affiliation. It operates under all standard Western Australian regulations for a licensed venue (health and safety, liquor licensing, building standards, etc.). It’s also a member of local community sports councils. Visitors don’t need to worry about this: it’s professionally managed. If you mean certifications like food safety or first aid, the club’s commercial kitchen meets local council standards, and staff are trained in responsible service of alcohol and basic safety. All in all, Bedford Bowling Club maintains the same regulatory standards as any reputable licensed sports club.
