Walsall-based bowls club celebrate being back on the green – and encourage others to join them
Members of a Black Country bowls club are happy to be back on the green following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.
Now the members of Pelsall Crown Green Bowls Club are inviting other people to try their hand at the sport.
A special open day is to be held on May 30 and officials hope to attract new members.
The event will form part of the national Bowls' Big Weekend event aimed at encouraging people to consider taking up the sport.
Club officials hope to attract new members of all ages and say it is an ideal sport for working men and women and younger people as well as retirees.
Committee member Paul Nash, aged 63, said: "We only allow six people on the green at the moment because of Covid restrictions.
"We can play against other clubs at the moment but have to keep numbers down and cannot have spectators.
"On Monday when further restrictions are lifted we hope to go back to near normal.
"We hope to get across the idea that bowling is not necessarily a sport for older people and has many attractions for younger people.
"It is the type of sport that factory, shop and office workers and businessmen and women can do after work instead of going to the gym.
"It is a social activity as well as a sport and we play in leagues against other clubs but do not take things too seriously.
"We have a membership of 65 signed on for the season and although this is a little down on our normal numbers we are hoping things will take off next month when other restrictions are lifted.
"On the Open Day the green will be open between 10am and 4pm.
"No experience is necessary and bowlers, both young and old, can come along and enjoy a game with no obligation to join.
"Experienced players will be on hand to show beginners the basics and equipment will be provided and fully sanitised in line with COVID-19 regulations.
"I joined the club in 2018 shortly after moving to the area and it helped me to quickly make friends.
“I had never played the sport before I joined the club but was quickly hooked and I only wish that I had started sooner.
"If anyone is concerned that the equipment might be expensive to buy I can tell them that second-hand bowls can be bought online for as little as about £20."
