Gail’s testimony to the physical and social benefits of Crown Green Bowling at Formby Village Bowling Club
1. Why did you decide to try Crown Green Bowls? Who prompted you to give it a try?
My father was a very keen bowler and, as a child, I spent many hours on a Saturday afternoon
watching him play in matches. I have played badminton for most of my life but had to give up at 50
when my knees couldn't take it anymore and I have missed having a sport in my life. I have often
thought of taking up bowls since retiring but never seemed to have enough time to fit it in and
wasn't sure if I would be able to manage the game with dodgy knees. When we lost my father - in -
law earlier this year, I found his bowls tucked away at the back of the wardrobe. His initials were the
same as mine and his bowls were stamped G.W. so I thought it was time for me to have a try for
myself. I looked online and was delighted to find details of a local club. My enquiry was promptly
replied to and the club provided me with two taster sessions on a one-to-one basis before I had to
make my mind up. This was absolutely ideal as it gave me a chance to see if I could cope with the
game. Subsequently, I have also taken advantage of some free coaching by one of the club members
and am often given pointers by my fellow bowlers.
2. What, if any, have been the physical benefits? In what way do you think it has helped you
physically?
I started out being quite stiff and sore after playing at first but this has gradually improved. I am
happy to report that my knees are coping and I am finding that I feel stronger, more flexible and
fitter since taking up the sport. It also gets me out in the fresh air for a few hours each week so I am
developing a healthy glow!
3. What, if any, have been the social benefits? In what way do you think it has helped you socially
and your general well-being?
I really look forward to bowling days. The game itself is great fun and my fellow bowlers are very
welcoming and friendly. I was concerned that folk would be unhappy at having to play with a
beginner but this is certainly not the case. One of my doubles partners said to me the other day "we
don't do sorry", when I apologised to her for a poor shot. That made me feel so much better and
takes the anxiety out of my lack of skill. I have also signed up for a day out to Samlesbury in August
and there are lots of other social events coming up which my fellow bowlers have encouraged me to
join.
4. What would be your message to others to give Crown Green Bowls a try?
Don't waste any more time! There are health, wellbeing and social benefits to be had from this
sport. I am so glad I decided to try bowling - for me, it’s a bit like coming home!
1. Why did you decide to try Crown Green Bowls? Who prompted you to give it a try?
My father was a very keen bowler and, as a child, I spent many hours on a Saturday afternoon
watching him play in matches. I have played badminton for most of my life but had to give up at 50
when my knees couldn't take it anymore and I have missed having a sport in my life. I have often
thought of taking up bowls since retiring but never seemed to have enough time to fit it in and
wasn't sure if I would be able to manage the game with dodgy knees. When we lost my father - in -
law earlier this year, I found his bowls tucked away at the back of the wardrobe. His initials were the
same as mine and his bowls were stamped G.W. so I thought it was time for me to have a try for
myself. I looked online and was delighted to find details of a local club. My enquiry was promptly
replied to and the club provided me with two taster sessions on a one-to-one basis before I had to
make my mind up. This was absolutely ideal as it gave me a chance to see if I could cope with the
game. Subsequently, I have also taken advantage of some free coaching by one of the club members
and am often given pointers by my fellow bowlers.
2. What, if any, have been the physical benefits? In what way do you think it has helped you
physically?
I started out being quite stiff and sore after playing at first but this has gradually improved. I am
happy to report that my knees are coping and I am finding that I feel stronger, more flexible and
fitter since taking up the sport. It also gets me out in the fresh air for a few hours each week so I am
developing a healthy glow!
3. What, if any, have been the social benefits? In what way do you think it has helped you socially
and your general well-being?
I really look forward to bowling days. The game itself is great fun and my fellow bowlers are very
welcoming and friendly. I was concerned that folk would be unhappy at having to play with a
beginner but this is certainly not the case. One of my doubles partners said to me the other day "we
don't do sorry", when I apologised to her for a poor shot. That made me feel so much better and
takes the anxiety out of my lack of skill. I have also signed up for a day out to Samlesbury in August
and there are lots of other social events coming up which my fellow bowlers have encouraged me to
join.
4. What would be your message to others to give Crown Green Bowls a try?
Don't waste any more time! There are health, wellbeing and social benefits to be had from this
sport. I am so glad I decided to try bowling - for me, it’s a bit like coming home!