Residents across Sefton are being encouraged to feel the benefits of being more active by trying a beginners course in bowls. 

Taking part can give yourself a boost, feel more refreshed and is a great way to meet new people.

‘Bowl for Health’ is a six to eight week programme designed for complete newcomers to bowls, providing an overview of the basics and how to play a match.  Run by welcoming coaches and club volunteers, the programme is due to start up again for 2020 with six clubs across Sefton.

The programme is being led by MSP, after being successfully rolled out across Sefton and Merseyside over the last two years.  The idea for Bowl for Health was developed and successfully piloted in 2017 by Formby Village Sports Club, and the programme has also had support from Active Sefton and the National Lottery Community Fund.

One participant – Tom, in his sixties from Southport, explained how taking part has helped him to feel less isolated.

He said: "Being on my own is very difficult – it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that you can’t turn around to speak to anyone.  I got a note through my door about the Bowl for Health course and I was really interested in joining. 

"My father was a great bowler in Liverpool and I used to go and watch him play, but I’ve never played before myself.  I’ve only been playing bowls for a short time, but I’ve found the activity very invigorating – both from a physical and mental side – so with this you get the best of both worlds."

Danny Woodworth, from MSP, said: "Being active doesn’t need to mean joining a gym, it’s about finding an activity that you enjoy - people have told us that bowling is a great way to enjoy gentle exercise in a relaxed and sociable environment.  Bowl for Health is for anybody to join in with - it doesn’t matter what your age, experience or level of fitness is."

Sessions are starting up in April/May across Sefton:

• Botanic Gardens Bowling Club (Churchtown) starts 10.00am to 12.00pm Friday 17th April 2020, running for 6 weeks.  For more information or to book your place please call Rod Eckersley on 01704 224167 or email reckersley144@btinternet.com, or call James Warburton on 01704 505210. *n.b. there is a £10 fee for this course at Botanic Gardens, which will be deducted from your annual membership to the club if you decide to join afterwards.
• Crescent Bowling Club, Bootle (Moss Lane, L20 0ED) starts 1.00pm to 2.00pm Friday 17th April 2020, running for 6 weeks. For more information or to book your free place please contact Maurice Sweetman on 07772363112 or email m.sweetman@outlook.com, or call Mary on 0151 521 1582 or 07881707531
• Formby Village Sports Club (Rosemary Lane, L37 3HA) starts 11.00am Tuesday 5th May 2020 and 11.00am Thursday 7th May 2020, running for 8 weeks. These courses are for men only as the club’s ladies section is fully subscribed.  For more information or to book your free place please contact Eric Gowling via ericgowling@btinternet.com or visit www.formbyvillagesportsclub.co.uk
• Hightown Bowling Club (Sandy Lane, L38 3RD) starts 2.00pm to 4.00pm Thursday 7th May 2020, running for 6 weeks.  For more information or to book your free place please contact Diana Killen on 0151 284 8941 or email dianakillen@hotmail.co.uk
• Sandbrook Park Bowling Club (Orchard Lane, Ainsdale, PR8 3RA) starts 11.00am to 12.00pm Tuesday 7th April 2020, running for 6 weeks.  For more information or to book your free place please contact Dave Ogden on 07724042217/ dave.ogden8@btinternet.com or Tom McHale on 07576959955/ tmchale@sky.com
• Victoria Park Bowling Club (Esplanade, Southport, PR8 1RR) starts 10.00am Saturday 18th April 2020, running for 6 weeks.  For more information or to book your free place please contact Andy Muchall or Judith Muchall on 01704 874458

For further information about the programme please visit www.merseysidesport.com/bowlforhealth or call MSP on 0151 728 1811.