Roll-up! roll-up! for our Open Morning on Saturday

Pictured left: Former double Olympian

Colin Dale has taken to bowls.

Determined to reveal as yet undiscovered bowling talent, Stamford Indoor Bowls Club is introducing the sport to newcomers at its state-of-the-art stadium off Exeter Gardens tomorrow (Saturday) from 9.30am.

The club, which boasts a membership of more than 500, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and will stage the first of its New Year free Open Sessions until noon when anyone can try their hand at indoor bowls under the watchful eye of the club's coaches and experienced players.

Open the year round with its six-rink, 40-yard square artificial surface, viewing gallery, meeting room and bar, the club has a restaurant and a catering during the winter season (September-April) and offers a haven for those keen to enjoy the sport or just watch it flourish for players from eight to 80 plus.

Stamford IBC runs on a not-for-profit basis and is staffed entirely run by volunteers.

"We already have an enthusiastic crop of juniors, " says club president Bob Warters, "and we also welcome those from eight to 80 plus looking for a fresh challenge which tests them competitively. For those less able, it's a way to meet new friends and relax in their spare time."

A recent survey identified bowls as a sport that can be enjoyed by the widest range of participants while being one of only a handful of ball games where men and women compete on equal terms.

"It tends to have an older demographic because you don't have to be as energetic. But tell that to the members of Stamford IBC who can get just as excited by the delivery of a precise bowl as anyone scoring a goal, hitting a six or serving an ace, "says Bob, a former golf and football journalist.

"Many of our members have played ball sports to a reasonably high level and have found that bowls still gives them that spark of competitive spirit, years after the body has rejected the idea of a tackle or a 20-stroke rally," adds Bob who offers Colin Dale (84) as a prime example. The former Barnack and Hunts county cricketer competed for Great Britain at hockey in the 1956 and '60 Melbourne and Rome Olympics, and is now determined to become as good as he can possibly be at bowls.

"What's cool about bowls is that all different ages can play it and be competitive. You can have youngsters, if they really practice, as good as someone who is much older, " says Bob.

"There's a lot of skill and strategy in the indoor game, it's fun and keeps you active and in touch with a community of people with a similar passion."

Among the club's main aims this year is to reduce its average membership age by catering for more former sports people looking for a new, competitive pastime to pursue at a time of their choosing.

For further details call the club on 01780 756452 or simply call in and take a look around.

Remember, the Open Morning starts at 9.30am on Saturday (January 9).