Residents across Sefton are being encouraged to feel the benefits of being more active by trying a beginners course in bowls. Taking part can give yourself a boost, feel more refreshed and is a great way to meet new people. 

‘Bowl for Health’ is a six to eight-week programme designed for complete newcomers to bowls, providing an overview of the basics and how to play a match.  Run by welcoming coaches and club volunteers, the programme is due to start up again for 2019 in three clubs in Southport.

The programme is being led by MSP (Merseyside Sport), after being successfully rolled out across Sefton and Liverpool in the last 18 months.  The idea for Bowl for Health was developed and successfully piloted in 2017 by Holy Trinity Bowling Club in Formby, and the programme has also had support from Active Sefton and the National Lottery Community Fund.

One participant – Tom, in his sixties from Southport, explained how taking part has helped him to feel less isolated: “Being on my own is very difficult – it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that you can’t turn around to speak to anyone. I got a note through my door about the Bowl for Health course and I was really interested in joining.

“My father was a great bowler in Liverpool and I used to go and watch him play, but I’ve never played before myself. I’ve only been playing bowls for a short time, but I’ve found the activity very invigorating – both from a physical and mental side – so with this you get the best of both worlds!”

Danny Woodworth, from MSP, said: “Being active doesn’t need to mean joining a gym, it’s about finding an activity that you enjoy – people have told us that bowling is a great way to enjoy gentle exercise in a relaxed and sociable environment.  Bowl for Health is for anybody to join in with – it doesn’t matter what your age, experience or level of fitness is.”

Sessions are starting up in April and May in Southport:

• Botanic Gardens Bowling Club (Churchtown, Bankfield Lane, Southport, PR9 7NB) starts 10am to 11am Friday 12th April, running for six weeks – to book your place please contact Rod Eckersley on 01704 224167 or email reckersley144@btinternet.com (there is a small charge of £10 for this six week course, which will be deducted from the membership fee should you wish to join the club after attending Bowl for Health)
• Scarisbrick Bowling Club (The Pavilion, 1a Falkland Road, Southport, PR8 6LG) starts 10.30am to 11.30am Friday 10th May, running for eight weeks – to book your place please contact Roger Lloyd on 07821 995055 or email lloyd70@gmail.com
• Victoria Park Bowling Club (Esplanade, Southport, PR8 1RR) starts 10am to 12pm Saturday 11th May 2019, running for six weeks – to book your place please contact Paul Crummey on 07816 287273 or vpbcbowling@gmail.com

For further information about the programme please visit www.merseysidesport.com/bowlforhealth or call MSP on 0151 728 1811.