Council supports club aiming to bowl residents over with free sessions

Council Leader Simon Tagg is backing efforts by Westlands Bowling Club to attract new members – during their 80th anniversary – after accepting an invitation to watch them in action recently.

The club – based at Westlands sports ground which is owned by the council – hosts matches up to five afternoons and evenings a week, in six different local leagues, from April to September with additional opportunities for away games. There are also regular social events including curry nights and end of season parties.

The sports ground features two well maintained bowling greens and a modern pavilion, a kind legacy from a former member of the bowls club. It costs £39 each year to play on the greens, with club membership available for an additional £7.

Tony Kemp, club chairman, said:

I would like to thank Council Leader Simon Tagg for taking the time to visit our club during our regular Friday social competition. He met lots of members and commented on how nice the gardens are by the greens. It was a very pleasant hour.

 

We have around 100 members which is quite healthy for a local bowling club but we’ve lost a few players recently – and we would like to boost the ladies’ teams as around 20 per cent of members are currently women – so we want to encourage people of all ages to come and have a go and potentially join. All equipment will be provided. That’s how I started three years ago.

 

Bowls is a very skilful sport. It’s a good form of exercise and it’s also a great way to get out and meet others. Because we have two greens, there’s usually an opportunity to play, whether you’re a member or not. There are plenty of benches available if people just want to sit, watch and enjoy the lovely surroundings.”

Westlands sports ground was officially unveiled by Dame Elizabeth Cadbury, from the Bournville Village Trust, on 4 July 1936. At the time, the bowls fee was 4d per hour. Other sports facilities now available on site include 10 refurbished tennis courts and a second pavilion.

Council Leader Simon Tagg added:

Residents have enjoyed playing bowls, as well as tennis, at Westlands sports ground for almost a century now. The venue has undergone a number of improvements and it’s great to see the excellent facilities continuing to play an important role in improving people’s quality of life. The council is pleased to support Westlands Bowling Club in its efforts to recruit new members.”

For more information about Westlands Bowling Club or the free taster sessions, please visit the club’s website or contact akemp49565@aol.com.