BOWLS is a sport that is easy to take up and clubs across the country will be opening their doors to people who want to try a new sport, have some fun and meet new people, so you’ll be assured of a warm welcome.

The Bowls Big Weekend aims to promote the welcoming, inclusive and socially distanced sport of Lawn Bowls and attract new members. This is a fantastic opportunity to get people back out on the greens this summer and at the last count there were more than 30 clubs taking part across the region and all the clubs have been working hard to ensure all events are Covid secure and safe for everyone.

One of those clubs is Thirsk Athletic Bowls Club, which is based in the picturesque setting at Thirsk Racecourse.

It has a proud history since opening in 1924, playing in four different leagues with a vibrant weekly schedule including the Friday evening “Bowling Buddies” and the “Sunday Social” events.

Club member Judith Bish said: “I would recommend anyone to start playing bowls. It is a lovely pastime with a bit of friendly exercise. I love it because it’s a social afternoon with a bit of competition and I get to meet people I wouldn’t normally meet.”

As part of the Bowls Big Weekend, Thirsk Athletic Bowls Club is hosting an open night on Friday, May 28, from 6.3 pm. The event is open to anytone aged nine to 90 who would like to have a go and would be interested in playing bowls either socially or competitively. For the open evening, participants are requested to wear flat sole shoes.

As part of the Bowls England strategic plan, the organisation believes everybody should realise the joy and benefit of playing sport, and there are so many reasons why bowls is ideally placed to unlock these fantastic advantages.

Thirsk bowls club Picture: Barry Hewson

Thirsk bowls club Picture: Barry Hewson

Rob Short, head of communications for Bowls England said: “Bowls Big Weekend is a superb opportunity for our clubs to showcase the sport to more people. As lockdown eases, families across the country are looking for fun, Covid-safe, outdoor activities they can all enjoy – and bowls is a great solution. With over 600 clubs having signed up, we’re confident this will be a fantastic opportunity for our sport.”

It’s normal to feel slightly apprehensive about starting something new, but bowls is a sport that is easy to take up. The rules of the game are relatively simple, the basic technique is not complex, and you don’t need lots of new kit.

Here are the top five reasons to give bowls a try:

Playing bowls is very doable – whatever your physique, bowls is a sport for everyone, and it will help improve your fitness levels and mental wellbeing.

Bowls is not expensive – to get going you don’t need lots of new kit and clubs put on taster sessions for free. Even when you get the bug, a set of bowls and joining a club is not expensive.

After football, bowls has the second highest number of clubs in the country – with so many places to play, it will take no time at all to get to a bowls club close to your home.

Compared to most sports, age and gender differences have less of an effect on a game of bowls – a perfect sport to spend time and enjoy a bit of friendly competition.

Bowls clubs are sociable places full of people looking to have fun – so bowls is a great way to relax, make new friends and feel part of your local community.

The sport of bowls takes a minute to learn, but a lifetime to master – why not give it a try?

You can find a participating club near you by visiting www.bowlsbigweekend.com and once you register for your free session, you will receive notification via email and the relevant club will be informed. They will then engage with you to help ensure you have a fantastic time with them.