IT MAY not be the first game that springs to mind when trying to be more active but residents are invited to feel the benefits of bowls by taking up a beginner's course.

People are encouraged to feel the benefits of being more active by trying the course to enable them to receive a boost, feel more refreshed and enjoy a great way to meet new people.

‘Bowl for Health’ is a six-week programme designed for complete newcomers to bowls, providing an overview of the basics and how to play a match.

Run by welcoming coaches and club volunteers, the programme is due to start up again in 2020.

The programme is being led by MSP, after being successfully rolled out across Merseyside over the last two years.

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The idea for Bowl for Health was developed and successfully piloted in 2017 by Formby Village Sports Club, and the programme has also had support from the National Lottery Community Fund.

One participant – Tom, 60, explained how taking part has helped him to feel less isolated.

“Being on my own is very difficult – it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that you can’t turn around to speak to anyone," he said.

"I got a note through my door about the Bowl for Health course and I was really interested in joining. My father was a great bowler in Liverpool and I used to go and watch him play, but I’ve never played before myself.

"I’ve only been playing bowls for a short time, but I’ve found the activity very invigorating – both from a physical and mental side – so with this you get the best of both worlds!”

Danny Woodworth, from MSP, added: “Being active doesn’t need to mean joining a gym, it’s about finding an activity that you enjoy - people have told us that bowling is a great way to enjoy gentle exercise in a relaxed and sociable environment.

"Bowl for Health is for anybody to join in with - it doesn’t matter what your age, experience or level of fitness is.”

A new Bowl for Health course is starting up at:

• Rainhill Bowling Club (Victoria Terrace, L35 0LH) from 10am to midday on Saturday, March 28 (for six weeks). For more information or to book your place please contact Eric Davies on 0151 426 5818 or email eric51davies@gmail.com. For further information about the programme please visit merseysidesport.com/bowlforhealth or call MSP on 0151 728 1811.