East Suffolk Council

Posted by on 5 April 2022 | Comments

A Lowestoft Bowls Club is keen to welcome new players to the sport.

Kensington Gardens Bowls Club is launching a new initiative this spring to welcome new players of all ages and from all walks of life to its beautiful cliff top setting in south Lowestoft.

The club’s aim is to offer free introductory sessions that will encourage and teach people how to play bowls while enjoying the fresh air, gently exercising and opening up the possibility of new friendships.

Local Councillors Peter Byatt, Malcolm Pitchers and Louise Gooch were eager to support the new project and have been able to provide equipment such as bowls, mats and jacks for the new starters from their East Suffolk Enabling Communities Budget.

Peter Browne from Kensington Gardens Bowls Club said:

“The inspiration behind these introductory sessions is the recognition that people need somewhere they can come and try the sport and have lessons without being thrown straight into league matches where they don’t know anyone, don’t know the rules, and are not sure what bowls are the right ones to use. This can knock people’s confidence. 

“We aim to encourage new participants to the game that will support not only their wish for physical activity but their mental wellbeing as well. Lawn bowls is a low impact, therapeutic exercise that can improve fitness, co-ordination, confidence, and self-esteem.  It can help people connect with others in their local community and also, if they wish, new members can be part of a local sports team. We’re thrilled a grant of over £1,600 from East Suffolk councillors has made all this possible.”

Councillor Louise Gooch, who was delighted to support the project and particularly enthusiastic about it as her grandmother was a local champion bowler, said:

“I really appreciate the skill and charm of the traditional game of bowls and I think this initiative from the current friendly players at the club is an excellent way to introduce new people to the many benefits of this outdoor activity. I encourage everyone to give it a try, in such lovely surroundings too.”

The first introductory days will be on the weekend of Saturday 30 April and Sunday 1 May, from 10am to 4pm, at the Kensington Gardens bowling green. Following this, the club will be running the new starters ‘You’re Better Bowling’ scheme beginning on 8 May at 10am and every Sunday thereafter until mid-August.  For more information, contact Peter Browne by email at peter.browne7@outlook.com or by phone on 01493 303158.

East Suffolk Council’s Enabling Communities Budgets support activities that are delivered by community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations, with each councillor having £7,500 per year to spend on community projects or to develop new projects in their ward to tackle local need.

Previous projects which have benefitted from Enabling Communities Budget funding include play areas, village hall refurbishments and equipment, community events, projects to cut carbon emissions and the purchase of defibrillators.

Community groups wishing to apply for the funding should contact their district councillor or visit the Enabling Communities Budget page of the East Suffolk website.