Riverside Indoor Bowls, a registered charity, are still in the process of persuading the West Lindsey District Council to return indoor bowls to the West Lindsey district after closing the original facility a few years ago.
The Scunthorpe Indoor Bowls Club held a very successful Open Day for new players in September. It gave Colin Ridley and Linda Grocock, Riverside Indoor Bowls (RIBs) Trustees, the opportunity to meet some of the West Lindsey District Councillors – Emma Bailey, Linda Mullally, Karen Carless, and North Lincolnshire Councillor Neil Poole. They were given some interesting history of the Club and a tour of the Indoor Bowls Hall by Ray Robinson, the President and Secretary who can be credited with a lot of its success.
Ray explained how popular the Open Days are with members of the public. There is no pressure; just go along and have a go. Colin and Linda admired the way the Club was run by the volunteers and saw it as an inspiration for RIBs’ Trustees. They shared some interesting information in the busy café and it was good to see some children having a go. The event was advertised as a Bowls Drive but it also emphasised it is a social and fun event for all the family.
Scunthorpe and Lincoln both have impressive indoor bowling facilities so RIBs ask: “Why can’t our local people have the opportunity, and learn what an interesting game it is?” Indoor bowls can be sedate or challenging but the technique and participation in the game are only small factors. Bowling provides connection, significance and achievements – all basic human needs. Indoor and outdoor bowls are a lifeline for mature people, and nationally also attracts younger age groups. A bowls hall is not just a building – it is a centre – a lifeline when age is creeping up on them. Bowlers become goal orientated which is super important as they age. Surely pensioners deserve a social life which also provides them with wellbeing?
Please show your support to RIBs and write to your Councillor asking for the opportunity to play indoor bowls. It can open up a whole new life with some wonderful experiences and the opportunity to make new friends. There are still some very experienced skilful bowlers in the district, only too willing to pass on their knowledge and skills.