Clubs unite to offer Bowls' Big Weekend throughout Shropshire

Bowls clubs from across Shropshire have teamed up to promote Bowls' Big Weekend.

Pictured at the Old Shrewsbury Bowling Club, back left, Tony Poole, Trish Jones, Chris Jones, Jan Patrick, Derek Clark, Joyce Bothwell, Janet Clark and Rich Jones, with front left, James and Freddie Jones

From May 28 to 31, clubs will be running open days and free taster sessions suitable for all ages and experiences.

According to Bowls England, 20 per cent of new players join the sport on the back of open weekends, and Shropshire is hoping to add to its 7,000 bowlers countywide.

On Sunday and Monday at Old Shrewsbury Bowling Club, free sessions will run from 11am to 4pm.

Janet Clark, Jan Patrick, Joyce Bothwell and Derek Clark

Trish Jones, club secretary, said: "This is a great opportunity for people to come and give it a go.

"It's a very inclusive sport and there's a great friendly atmosphere and good camaraderie.

"It's good exercise, out in the fresh air and everything you need will be provided on the day."

Pauline Wilson, development officer at the Shropshire Crown Green Bowling Association, added: "The aim of the weekend is, of course, to encourage people to play bowls. Clubs had a complete non-season last year and as a result have lost members. This is a national initiative to get people to try bowls

"In Shropshire this is going really well with 30 clubs already signed up. Clubs are trying hard to promote themselves and refresh membership after the pandemic.

Pictured at the Old Shrewsbury Bowling Club, back left, Trish Jones, Chris Jones, Jan Patrick, Derek Clark, Joyce Bothwell and Janet Clark, with front left, James and Freddie Jones

"Shropshire is a rural county and our bowls clubs are often little social communities in their own right supporting health and mental welfare as well as providing safe spaces to try sport. People can be as competitive or not as they want with levels ranging from social to elite bowlers."

Pauline added: "All our clubs are trying hard to re-ignite their clubs membership this season and for many this is a significant milestone on that route."

Clubs involved in the initiative throughout Shropshire include Childs Ercall BC; Albrighton; Bowring; Bridgewater; Bylet; Cheswardine; Edgmond; Hadnall; Hanmer; Llanymynech; Nantwich Park Road; St Georges; Tilstock; Wem United Services; Wollerton; Wrockwardine Wood; Allscott; Calverhall; Charlton; Chelmarsh; Chester Road; Madeley CC; Old Shrewsbury; Victoria BC; Wem Albion; Wollerton; Bishops Castle; Bridgnorth; Ellesmere; Newport.