Ladywell Bowls Open Day - Sunday 25th May

Ladywell Bowls Open Day

Ladywell are holding their annual Open Day as part of the Bowls England Big Bowls Weekend on Sunday 25th May, where anyone, from small children up to grandparents, can come along and try bowls for free.

"The whole point for us is to get more people interested in playing bowls - and hopefully, eventually joining our club," says Ladywell Club Captain, Phil Welch. "I think a lot of people have this idea that bowls is an old person's sport. But if you look at the teams in the Commonwealth Games, and clubs around the world, lots of younger people are taking part in - and enjoying - bowls," he adds. "So, the Open Day is a chance for anyone from the smallest children to grandparents to come along, have a go, and get a bit of coaching from some of our experienced players. And, of course, we'll have free refreshments, too!"

Phil explains that the basic principles of bowls are very simple. "Essentially, you and your opponents have the same number of bowls - or woods, as we call them. And you need to bowl them to get as close as possible to a small white ball called a jack. The player who gets closest gets a point for each of their woods that is closer than any of their opponents' woods. So, if all four of their woods are closer than any of their opponents' woods, they get four points. It really is that simple."

He adds this means that it's very easy for anyone to pick up the basics and enjoy a game in just a few minutes. But the way the bowls are made makes it a bit more difficult. "Each wood has a bias, which means that it has slightly more weight on one side than the other. So, when you bowl it, it doesn't roll in a straight line - the weight makes it curve around towards the side with the extra weight. So, you can't just bowl straight at the jack, you have to bowl to one side. And that's where the skill comes in!" Which is ahy he says that it can take a long time to master the game. "But that's like any sport - practice makes perfect."

As well as learning how to play the game, one of the other aspects of bowls that Phil hopes people will pick up at the Open Day is the social aspect. "When we play other clubs in competitions or friendly matches, there's always a very welcoming atmosphere, with lots of chatting during the game. And matches can go on for two or three hours, so, like cricket, we usually break for tea and cake or biscuits halfway through, when you can continue chatting with your opponents. So, although it can get quite competitive, it's all played in a good spirit - and I think people will pick that up when they come to the Open Day."

So, if you're looking for something to do, the Open Day at Ladywell Bowling Club sounds like an enjoyable way to spend a Sunday. As Phil says: "Bowls is quite literally a game for everyone, so we'd encourage everyone to come along and have a go."