YOUNG people were bowled over as a club's popular open day shattered longstanding myths about bowls, including that it is 'just for older people'.
Children as young as ten tried the sport for themselves at Barbourne Bowling Club at Redcliffe Street off Park Avenue in Barbourne, Worcester on Saturday.
The initiative was part of the Bowls' Big Weekend organised by Bowls England and it was a measure of the popularity of the open day that 25 people arrived at the club in the first half hour, better than club leaders had anticipated.
Although more are expected to join after this open day, the club currently has 102 playing members and 27 social members including five juniors. The age of players ranges from 10 to 85, proving that the sport has a cross-generational appeal which is growing all the time.
Founded in 1897, Barbourne Bowling Club is certainly not stuck in the past and the members are keen to see new blood - and new talent - flourish. Tucked away among residential streets in Barbourne, the club has been hailed as something of an oasis and, if it is one of the city's best kept secrets, members do not wish it to remain so.
At the moment twice as many men as women play although the number of women playing is increasing.
President Stella Tipper said: "It's something you can do whatever age you are. People think it's an old person's sport. The only reason people think it's an older person's sport as because you don't have to give up. It keeps people fit - and it's social."
The sport also gives people the chance to compete on level terms, whether they are 10 or 80.
Another important aspect is the social dimension - whether people are married, single or widowed they can come along and make new friends says June Bell, one of the club's members.
As a result, joining can be good for people's mental health, especially as it is 'such a friendly club' said Mrs Bell.
Tea, coffee and burgers were served at the open day between 11am and 4pm. Costs of joining the members only club are £25 per annum for social members and £90 for full membership.
Club captain John Chadaway, 79, of Claines said last year's open day saw them sign up 28 new members where as one a few years before saw only four people turn up.
However, since the open days went national with Bowl England's involvement, the open days have proved much more popular, he said. Alistair Hollis, head of sport development at Bowls England, was there to see the successful open day in full swing as people found their groove trying the sport for the first time.
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"We have had people who live two streets away and one of them said 'we have lived here for years and didn't know this place existed'. We are hoping people discover the sport. We have a very active social scene through the winter," said Mr Chadaway.
Activities include quizzes, bingo and dominoes. The sport is also considered ideal for people who can no longer play golf or tennis.
Coach Julian Smith was sharing some techniques with 10-year-old Holly Newell who showed an immediate aptitude for the sport.
He said: "We're trying to bust open the stereotypes and we want to break down those barriers. This is not a sport exclusively for older people. There's a good atmosphere here today with lots of people turning up."
His tips must have worked because Holly proved to be something of a natural when she bowled and hit the jack.
Her grandfather, Dilywyn Price, 77, said he wanted to join after trying the sport, deciding to attend when information about the open day popped up on his phone.
"I said 'we will come down and have a go' and I have enjoyed it. I never even knew the club was here," said Mr Price who lives nearby.
The impact of Covid was felt by the club but members feel it has now recovered and interest in the sport is blooming again.
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