2:15pm Thursday 5th June 2008
Trowbridge Westbourne Bowls Club are holding their annual open day from 11 to 4pm on Saturday June 7 at their club in Westbourne Gardens, on the Bradford on Avon side of Trowbridge.
Vic Ackland, who is helping to organise the day, said: "We are keen to attract some new members and are extending a warm invitation to anyone who would like to try our sport to drop in and have a go.
"Bowls is one of the few sports that you can be up and playing after only a short amount of coaching and we offer that at no cost to our members and to anyone who comes along to the open day."
The club was founded at Westbourne Gardens in 1913 and so will celebrate its centenary in five years. A project to investigate a possible relocation is still in the background but in the meantime and for the next few years, it's business as usual for the members who can continue to enjoy the private facilities including the large club house at Westbourne Gardens.
Malcolm Oliver runs one of the largest junior sections in the area at the club with children aged from 10 to 16 taking part.
Five of the club's juniors were selected to represent the county last year at Worthing in a match that Wiltshire won against Somerset.
Oliver said: "Bowls is a great hobby for the whole family. You don't have to be retired to pick it up, in fact some of the best bowlers are in their 20s-50s.
"There aren't many sports that you can compete on a level with your wife or husband or even your grandchildren, so we hope that people will bring their whole family to the open day."
Roger Hawkins, the club coach and competition secretary said there is a good competitive side to the club, with teams in the men's, ladies' and mixed local leagues but there is also a strong social side with many members just playing for fun.
"It's a great form of light exercise and really is a sport for all. Our green is one of the best in the county so our members have to wear flat soled shoes, to keep it that way."
On the open day visitors are permitted to wear trainers or any flat soled shoes without a pronounced heel.
Besides the open day, anyone wishing to try bowls is also welcome for the Friday evening roll-ups, starting at 6pm, or on Saturday morning from 10am to noon.
This season has opened with a newly resurfaced car park at the club.
Said Ackland: "Our members love the fact that they can drive right up to the green at our club.
"We can park alongside the rinks and don't have to carry our kit very far at all. And the new surface has done away with the puddles that we used to have to dodge."
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