Beginners’ bowling sessions at Abbeyfield

Story: Lisa Harrison

Ever wanted to try out crown green bowling but weren’t quite sure where to start? Many local people have often walked past the bowling green at Abbeyfield Park and thought to themselves, “I wouldn’t mind having a go at that.” However, until recently there has been no clearly identifiable way of acting on that urge.

This has now changed. Local residents Lisa Harrison and Winnie Bentley organised a beginners’ session at the bowling green on Abbeyfield Park on Sunday 13th April 2008 to get an idea of how many people were interested in trying out the sport, following recent positive media interest in the national and local press.

This first event was a success, with Lisa and Winnie both very pleased with the turnout, particularly given the adverse weather conditions. As a result of this, weekly beginners’ sessions will now take place, teaching people how to bowl in a relaxed, informal environment at a pace befitting of the Sunday afternoon timing of the sessions.

Anyone interested in bowling, or just watching, is very welcome to come along to a session to try out the sport and see whether it might be something they’d like to take up. Bowling is a great form of very gentle exercise, and a very sociable sport, that almost anyone can play once they learn the basics.

Sessions are being planned individually at the moment because the organisers are still unsure of the exact match dates of the local men’s bowling team who manage the green. We hope to have this information very soon so watch this space to find out the timing of future regular sessions, but for now, there will be another event on Sunday 20th April 2008 from 2pm to 4pm at Abbeyfield Park bowling green.

No special equipment is needed, although people with their own woods are encouraged to bring them along. However, if you do come to the event, please wear flat shoes (trainers are perfect) to help protect the bowling green.

Should you require any further information, or if you can’t make it on Sunday but want to be kept informed about future sessions, please e-mail Lisa Harrison at sparky.lisa@gmail.com or telephone the Messenger office on 0114 242 0564.