BOWLS

THE NAME of Thamesdown Indoor Bowls Club has been dropped after 32 years.

It will in future be known as Swindon Oasis Indoor Bowls Club which should now certainly reflect its location.

The club was originally formed as Thamesdown IBC in 1976 and is the oldest indoor club in the town and the second oldest in the county behind Christie Miller, Melksham.

To launch the new name and the start of the new indoor bowls season the Swindon Oasis Club will be holding an Open Novices Evening on Friday September 12 from 6-9pm.

The evening is open to people of all ages who are interested in just having a roll-up or taking up the sport. Qualified coaches will be on hand to assist and woods supplied.

Participants though are asked to wear smooth soled trainers or plimsoles and change at the side of the green.

Anybody interested in taking part should in the first instance ring Ken Roe on 01793-853798.

The Oasis-based club obtained a substantial grant last year to purchase equipment and set up a junior section.

“We have 17 juniors at present and are looking to increase that figure,” said president Ken Roe, who was the driving force behind the ambitious plan to create a junior club last year. He is a firm believer in encouraging youngsters to play bowls and has been deeply involved in the junior section at Wootton Bassett, his outdoor club, for many years.

“We are aiming to go around the schools with a short mat for some taster sessions, and take it further with coaching every Saturday morning at 10am.”

Roe added, “We are looking to set up a junior league, junior competitions and arrange junior matches with other bowls clubs. And of course we want to increase our adult membership as well.”