Designed as an 8-week community–based programme focussed on a fun and relaxed introduction to the sport of bowls, Bowl for Health combines up to an hour of informal bowls with the opportunity for attendees to socialise with new people in a welcoming environment. These sessions are intended to help improve physical and mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation amongst participants and can be a great pathway to bring new members into the club.

The Bowls Development Alliance and Think Active worked together with Atherstone Grove Bowls Club to promote and provide appropriate resources for the sessions.

With a chance to meet new people from the community,  Atherstone Grove Bowling Club invited local residents to take part in free sessions over July and August of this year.

Each event was well attended, with visitors being hosted by the friendly and enthusiastic members of the bowling club. They supported and encouraged participants during the bowling sessions, making the game and the sessions accessible and fun. This was followed by the opportunity to relax with a tea or coffee in the club house. 

The club have  had fourteen new social members sign up as a result of the Bowls for Health programme which is fantastic for both the club and the new members.

David Chapman, of Atherstone Bowls Club commented:

“The Bowls for Health programme at Atherstone Grove has been a great success. The bowls members at Atherstone have got behind it to provide assistance and guidance each week to ensure the sessions went smoothly and everyone enjoyed themselves and made new friends for life. The bowls club will benefit for years to come with the new members we have gained.”

The full credit for the success of these sessions lies firmly with the Atherstone Grove Bowling Club due to their positive and friendly attitude, and we hope that these sessions will continue to thrive.

More information on the Bowls for Health programme can be found on the Bowls Development Alliance website.