French lawn bowls club offers coaching for newbies

Lawn bowls is an intrinsically British game, not normally played in France, but the country’s first club was set up in 2006.

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Members play outdoors from May to September on a specially-built, six-rink green at The Royal Oak pub at Mareuil-sur-Belle and from October to April they play the indoor short mat game at the Salle des Fêtes at Saint-Martial-de-Valette.

Périgord Lawn Bowls Club has 35 members and is very active, organising competitions during the outdoor season at the Royal Oak, with different categories including singles, pairs, teams, novices and most improved.

September sees a Generation Cup where youngsters will take on the oldies and a charity fundraising day on September 11 and October will have the trophy presentation lunch.

President David Preston said: “My personal aim is to promote the game of English Lawn Bowls as a social sport where you can meet friends, make new friends and also have a competitive game in convivial surroundings. When all these come together it makes it all worthwhile.”

The club would love to attract new members and offers coaching and practice sessions to new bowlers. It also has bowls that can be borrowed.

“As regards new bowlers, they can expect to meet new people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities, learn the game of English Lawn Bowls, make new friends and enjoy the social interaction and camaraderie that the game of bowls provides.”

Annual membership is €20.

Contact David Preston at dpreston@wanadoo.fr or by phone on 05 55 78 59 94.