Bowls club tells EMMA DUNN anyone can come and give it a go

PEOPLE who want to try their hand at bowls are invited to have a go at Westlecot Bowls Club.

The club, which has members ranging from 12 to 90, is holding an open day on Saturday, April 26 from 11am until 3pm.

Westlecot Bowls Club, in Bowling Green Lane, off Springfield Road in Old Town, has facilities for both indoor and outdoor bowls.

Club secretary Mike Shawyer said: “Come and have a go with no obligation. A lot of people come because they know a member and get introduced and give it a try.

“There is quite a skill to it and we have got some of the top bowlers nationally in our club playing either indoors or outside.”

People who want to have a go next Saturday just need to wear flat soled shoes. Equipment will be supplied.

Anyone who cannot make it to the open day can go on a Monday evening and join the social bowls commencing on May 12 from 6pm.

Another open day will take place on May 31 from 11am until 3pm.

“We do a lot of social bowls indoor and outdoor,” said Mike. “There is an opportunity to play just for fun with no competition at all, but with the outdoor side of bowls Westlecot is probably the most competitive club in Wiltshire.”

The club has a high level of competitive bowls, with members taking part in Wiltshire and Swindon and District leagues, as well as national competitions.

The club was formed in 1910 and is now a successful mixed club.

With two six rink outdoor greens and a five/six rink indoor green, members of all abilities can enjoy their bowling experience all year round.

They currently have 123 indoor members, 84 of which are men and 39 are women.

The indoor season has just finished, but they have 370 indoor bowls members.

“We are one of only two indoor clubs in the town. There are 14 or 15 outdoor clubs. A lot of people come in the winter season for indoor bowls,” said Mike.

One of the club’s younger members has just qualified as a coach, and will be offering his services at the club.

 

  • Indoor club membership, from mid September to mid April, is £30 per season then £3 for each two hour session.

     

    The outdoor season, which runs for the rest of the year, is £110 but there are no additional fees to pay.

    More information phone Sheila Matthews on 01793 539268 or John Wilson on 01793 694455. Visit westlecot.co.uk.