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Despite a recent government report Stamford Indoor Bowls Club is determined to buck the trend by opening its doors to potential newcomers to try the sport on Saturday (January 14, 10am to 4pm)
The government report claims there has been ‘little progress’ in recent efforts to increase participation in sport and physical activity since London hosted the Olympics in 2012.
The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) says the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) "lacks a compelling vision for integrating physical activity into everyday life".
But members at Stamford’s 6-rink complex in Exeter Gardens, which is run totally by volunteers, are determined to do their bit to meet the chief medical officer for England’s recommended guidelines for activity, which currently stands at only two in five adults.
Bowls may not be the most physical of sporting pursuits but in the Stamford club it boast one of the finest indoor bowling facilities in the country and already provides competitive and social activity for around 400 members, seven days a week.
With an age profile of eight to 80 and beyond, many of them are former footballers, cricketers, golfers, tennis and rugby players and have found the year-round sport of indoor bowls a compelling opportunity.
It not only re-kindles their competitive spirit but provides a haven to meet and greet friends and use its restaurant and bar up to eight hours a day.
Says a spokesperson for the club, which is approaching its 35th year: “With the World Indoor Bowls Championship currently taking place at the Potters Resort and televised live on BBC and online this week and next, there has never been a better time to try the game for yourselves.”
Use of equipment at the club’s open day is provided free of charge, together with expert tuition and free parking. It’s an opportunity not to miss, though if potential bowlers are not able to attend, Saturday morning coaching extends through to April.
With the country currently focussed on cost of living and health issues, here’s an opportunity for the local community to try something different that is both cheap and accessible for all.
For more information visit www.stamfordindoorbowls.co.uk
‘A’ TEAM POINTS BID
With the indoor bowling season at its halfway stage, Stamford ‘A’ team have a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Lincs League (South) table when they visit Boston A on Saturday.
The home team has been weakened by call-ups to the county side which is playing simultaneously in defence of the Liberty Trophy against Durham, so Stamford will be hoping to claim a lions share of the 14 points available.
But Boston can be unpredictable on their home surface and is current league champions will be determined to improve their bottom placing in the table.
Stamford B are also in action on Sunday at home to Grantham looking to avenge a 40-shot (12-2) defeat in November.
Stamford A v Boston A ( away, 2pm, transport leaves from club at noon): M Humphreys, C Ballard, O Aspinall, A Warrington; W Aspinall, M Ramsden, M Linnell, R Martin; R Allam, T Barwell, N Wright, J Holroyd; W Morris, D Miller, A McNaughton, M Dolby.
FOOTNOTE: The funeral of former Stamford IBC and Ketton bowler Doug Want takes place at Great Casterton church on February 6 (12 noon).
MIXED MISS OUT
Determined to recover from a disappointing start to their season, Stamford’s mixed team held the initiative for long periods during their visit to Grantham in the Lincs county league (South).
At half way (11 ends) Stamford held a six shot lead but were unable to hold on and as the closing ends approached they trailed by one yet held a five count, only for Grantham skip Ian Cole to trail the jack for match-winning shot and secure 10 of the 14 points at stake.
Full credit to Grantham’s Paul Bailey who included two more former Stamford bowlers in a rink that won 26-11.
Elsewhere Mike Ramsden’s rink included a six count in a 23-16 win while Carol and Bob Warters, Howard Neath and team captain Shirley Suffling took the rink honours 24-14.
Lincs Mixed League (South): Grantham 75 (10 pts) Stamford 73 (4).Stamford names only: L Cave, V Du’Kett, M Wallace, D Cave lost 15-19; J Lonslow, H Gordon, E Wallace, M Ramsden won 23-16; M King, J Suffling, P Jones, D King lost 11-26; C Warters, H Neath, S Suffling, B Warters won 24-14.
COUNTY SELECTIONS
Stamford bowlers have been selected to represent Lincolnshire in two vital inter-county matches on Saturday.
Katie Bailey will skip a rink in the Atherley Trophy at New Earswick against Yorkshire, while Paul Dalliday and Simon Law will play lead and No.2 for Ean and Tris Morton (Spalding) against Durham at Doncaster IBC. Stephen Harris, who has dual membership at Stamford and Spalding, is also included.
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