MEMBERS of Ashcombe Park Bowling Club were invited to take their grandchildren along to the club on Sunday (July 2) to try out their favourite sporting hobby.

More than 20 grandchildren ranging in age from six to 13 were chaperoned by grandparents for the free bowling session.

Club coaches Ben Benstead, Frank Bertram and Ray and Norma Counsell, along with some of the top performing players were on hand to provide expert tuition.

Playing bowls is a simple skill which takes a minute to learn, but a lifetime to master as grandparents and grandchildren demonstrated.

During the afternoon session, children competed in six different fun bowling-related activities, including bowling golf, score a goal and target bowls, as well as a competitive game of bowls in their age groups called Yardstick, a fun game often played by adults for which individual scores are given.

Points were awarded accordingly, and prizes given to the winners, but everyone received a medal for their achievements throughout the day.

The winners were Roman Dockrell, nine and under; Ollie Waller, 10 years; Jessie Waller, girls 11 and above; Dylan Stroud, boys 11 and above.

Jessie, aged 12, said: “I have been coming to this day for the last four years and am now a junior member of the club.

"I love the peaceful atmosphere and the real sense of community here. I’m hooked.”

Ladies captain Lesley Paterson who organises the annual event said: “Old and young alike really enjoy this day.

"Bowls is truly a sport that can be played by anyone at any age and has a genuine ability to improve physical wellbeing and mental health.

"We want to inspire the next generation as they are the future and key to the long-term sustainable success of not just our club, but bowls across the country.

"Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we discovered a future bowling champion here at Ashcombe Park.”