A community sports club in North Tyneside has been bowled over by support for its annual Open Pairs Championship.
Sponsored by SOS Group, this was the third Open Pairs competition hosted by Forest Hall Bowling Club, with the first held to celebrate the club’s centenary in 2022.
Based within North Tyneside Council’s Springfield Park in Forest Hall, the competition, attracted 48 players from across Tyneside and Northumberland to play in a series of friendly, competitive matches in glorious sunshine.
Paul Moorhead, Forest Hall Bowling Club’s Sponsorship Coordinator, says: “We’re all thrilled by how well the event went and by the standard of bowls played.
“Everyone at Forest Hall Bowling is passionate about attracting new players and there’s no doubt that competitions like this bring interest to the sport.
“We were especially pleased to have an event sponsor this year and SOS Group helped the whole day run smoothly by supplying equipment and refreshments.”
Paul, who bowled as a child but only really picked up the sport after giving up football eight years ago, adds: “We’re always looking to promote the game to new members. I know it’s often looked on as an older person’s sport but when you watch the internationals, you’ll see the younger players and the skill on show.
“In fact, one of our younger members is 17 and just won her first cap for England. Our very first international player!
“Bowls keeps you active and it’s good exercise. It has a fantastic social side, too, and lots of people just come to watch. We have league matches every Monday to Friday night, so there’s always something happening.
“Anyone can play bowls with the right support and, while it can be very competitive, it’s a fun game to play and very relaxing. We’d love to chat to anyone who’s interested in having a go.”
Forest Hall Bowling is affiliated to Bowls England and Bowls Northumberland and is a registered charity.
Andrew, an SOS Group Director, says: “Providing support for charities and community organisations has always been part of our company’s philosophy.
“Across the region, thankfully, there are people who make the effort and take time to make a positive difference to the lives of those around them. We love to see the positive results of supporting charities like Forest Hall Bowling and we’re proud to get involved wherever we can.”
For more information about learning to bowl at Forest Hall, please visit www.foresthallbc.co.uk.
