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School kids join oldies in bid to revitalise bowls

Ian Haslam,in Tottingtonand
Angela Ferguson,North West
News imageBBC Two boys are wearing blue and black school PE tops as they stand on a bowling green with the single-storey club house behind them. They are standing either side of a man who is wearing glasses, a light blue baseball cap and a blue sweatshirt and trousers.BBC
Pupils from a nearby high school said they were enjoying joining club members for bowling sessions

A bowling club has been playing host to a group of schoolchildren in a bid to dispel the perception that it is a game for older, retired, people only.

Pupils from Tottington High School have been invited to take part in weekly sessions at Tottington Park Bowling and Social Club in Bury, Greater Manchester.

Club chair, Geoff Leach, said he approached the school in a bid to bring younger members into the club to help revitalise the sport.

"You talk to people in the village and say, come and have a game of bowls, and they'll say 'I'll come down when I retire' and that's the problem," he said.

News imageA man with glasses and grey hair is standing on a browling green. He is wearing a green jumper and a blue gilet with a Tottington Park Bowling and Social Club logo.
Club chair Geoff Leach said they wanted to ensure younger generations could get involved in the sport

Crown green bowling has been described as being under threat among younger generations, with some bowling greens in parts of the UK in danger of closure as part of council money-saving plans.

Mr Leach said the sessions were proving popular.

One boy who has been taking part in the programme told BBC North West Tonight: "It's just like everyone can be here and anyone can be here.

"I'm trying to get into the proper league as my friends do it and I find it fun. So I'm trying to get into it next summer."

Another pupil said it was a good way to "connect with the community".

News imageA man stands on a bowling green, wearing a black hooded top. He has short light brown hair. Blurred out people playing bowls can be seen behind him.
PE teacher Neil Wilson says bowling is "an excellent wellbeing opportunity"

Bowling club member Jean Crabtree, who plays alongside her husband, Peter, said the scheme was "brilliant" and she hoped it would continue and that the young players would hopefully carry on.

"We need some new young blood," she added.

Mr Crabtree said: "Really, in Lancashire bowling is dying and we just need a boost.

"If you just get two or three kids that carry on then it will be worth it."

Neil Wilson, a PE teacher from Tottington High School, said it was "a really good inter-generational project", which the pupils had really enjoyed.

"I think it's important that we diversify the curriculum and have a look at different opportunities so our students can achieve their personal best," he added.

He said bowls was "an excellent wellbeing opportunity and it brings people together with teamwork and individual skills".

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