One of the most popular sports and recreational activities in our area is bowls. As part of the Purnell Bowls Complex, the indoor facility at Bristol Road, Paulton, enjoys a membership of over 170 of all ages and abilities.
The bowls hall was opened in September 2006 by bowling legend, David Bryant and former World Indoor Champion, Andy Thompson and now provides members with one of the finest indoor two rink facilities in the county. Members enjoy a friendly, yet competitive atmosphere taking part in the various leagues for ladies, men or mixed formats, as well as taking part in county and national competitions. They also enjoy friendly games against other outdoor and indoor clubs. The club hosts the Bath Parkinson’s Bowls Club and The Bath Visually Handicapped Club.
Although bowls is seen as an activity for retired persons, our club has a lively youth section meeting on Saturday mornings and indeed several youngsters have gone on to represent Somerset.
The indoor bowls hall is open all year, but the main season is from September to April, seven days a week from 9.15 a.m. to 10.15 p.m., with various leagues for singles, triples and fours for ladies, men and mixed.
The beauty of bowls is that it can be played all year round (Sept to April indoor and April to Sept outdoors), and is a very healthy and social activity, particularly during the dreary winter months. Whilst indoor bowls can be played by almost anyone (we have wheelchair assistance if required), it is an ideal activity if you have recently retired from an active sporting life, or just retired, or have no sports activity in the winter or looking for a pastime that both husbands and wives can enjoy together. Many of our existing members have not taken part in any previous sports activity, yet have found bowls an enjoyable pastime.
With the new winter season approaching, we are in a position to welcome new members and with that in mind we are hold Open Sessions every Saturday morning during July, so if you have seen the professionals playing on TV and feel you would like to give it a go, come along to the club from 10 a.m. – 12 noon onwards, where you will be made most welcome. All you need is a pair of flat sports type shoes, everything else is provided. You are never too young or too old, in fact our membership ranges from eight to over ninety, so if you are looking for something different where you can enjoy the game of bowls and make new friends in a very friendly atmosphere, come along to one of our open mornings.
For further information, please contact Club Chairman, Don Dart, on: 01761 471019 or Indoor Secretary, John Hansford: 01761 415957.
Bryn Hawkins