Chance to try Indoor Bowls

Following a report that the average age of bowlers has increased in the last 30 years from 61 to 73 and that the number of women bowling has fallen dramatically, Stamford Indoor Bowls Club in Exeter Gardens, has embarked on a campaign to boost its membership back beyond the 600 mark it boasted in 2018.

Already dozens of new bowlers have discovered the game at the club’s top quality, six-rink facility from the September intake and now more are expected at Saturday’s Open Day from 10-4pm when members will be on hand to show newcomers the benefits of the game.

The session is free and all equipment will be provided. Flat-soled shoes or trainers are all that is required.

Says chairman of the development committee Ian Hall, which is driving recruitment: “Bowls is a game for all ages, it’s fun and relaxing but can also be competitive which hopefully will attract those maybe not able to face the physicality of sports like football, rugby and tennis.

“It is also a very sociable sport and we have all the facilities here to cater for those who just want sign up for a roll-up with friends for a couple of hours or maybe just pop in for a coffee and watch others bowl. Companionship is just as important to the club as competition.”

In recent months more women have found bowls an attractive proposition with their own triples league being re-formed it has also provided an opportunity to meet friends socially using the club’s restaurant and bar.

For further information visit www.stamfordindoorbowls.co.uk

SENIORS LINE UP TO VISIT SPALDING

Stamford’s Over 60s team visit Spalding on Thursday 17 February, aiming to maintain their position at the top of the Lincs League (South) following their latest 97-57 home defeat of Skegness which earned them 12 of the 14 points at stake.

Team: D Bruce, R Clarke, P Burt, B Warters; T Barwell, B Crouch, T Scarr, M Linnell; D Heffernan, N Crees, M Smith, K Vinter; K Rippin, D Heffernan, D Miller, T Christie. res I Hall, H Gordon, R Blake.

DERBY CLASH

In what promises to be a fascinating ‘derby clash’ Stamford A face Stamford B for vital Lincs Men’s League (South) points as well as bragging rights.

The A team has been hit by last minute withdrawals but is determined to fulfil the fixture in a bid to maintain its lofty league position.

Stamford A : P Dalliday, B Crouch, D Miller, B Warters; M Ramsden, D Ford, N Wright, A Warrington; M Cullingworth, J Suffling, J Little, C Ballard; P Green, D Bruce, M Linnell, R Martin.

Stamford B : P Linnell, M Wallace, C Jones, D Middleton; D Edwards, K White, M Owens, A McNaughton; R Graham, K Rawlins, D Henshaw, D Heffernan; H Gordon, N Crees, K Rippin, M Hewitt. res R Blake, Mick Smith, B Orme.