ATHERLEY Bowls & Social Club has been at the heart of Hill Lane in Shirley for over 120 years.
With six indoor and six outdoor rinks, the club offers the ability to play the sport both indoors and outdoors, so members can get their Bowls fix all year round.
As well as the club’s bar, where membership holders can socialise and get together, plus Dartboards, Snooker, and Pool tables are also on offer to play.
According to Bowlr, the average age of an indoor (October-April) club player in the UK is around 60-73 years-old.
With this being the average retirement age being around 64-65, Bowls is the perfect way for people to interact with others, and make new friends from outside the work life you have completed.
On the social and competitive aspect Bowls can bring, Operations Director Pat Lawson said: “I am here all the time as I own my own business here, I work behind the bar, making teas and coffees for everyone.
“Its very socialable, it’s very very challenging, and it is probably the most competitive sport I have ever played.”
Member and team Flintsones competitor Carl Longfellow added: “I joined due to an existing member from another club playing outdoors, then I came here to play the indoor version, and I have enjoyed it ever since. I probably play around five-six times a week.
“It certainly beats sitting at home, watching the telly, good for your head, good for your mind, good people, good bar here as well, that is always the most important thing (he laughed).”
