Staff
What has been a part of Meaford for over 100 years, is green and is tucked away along the bank of the Bighead River near the harbour? Give up? The Meaford Lawn Bowling Club green and clubhouse.
The club is ready to welcome lawn bowlers for the 2019 summer season.
So just what is lawn bowling? Is it like alley bowling? Yes, there are lanes, but no gutters or pins and it’s played outdoors. It’s a bit like bocce ball too. There is a small target ball like the pallino called a “jack” and the balls/bowls are rolled towards it. However, lawn bowls are not round. They are flat-sided and weighted so they curl when they roll. So it’s a bit like curling too. There are take-outs and draws. The scoring is similar and in team play there is a skip but there is no sweeping and no ice.
It is a game of skill and strategy and can be played recreationally or competitively. There is no commitment to a team. Club games are “jitney” style with team members drawn at random. It just may be the sport that is “the great equalizer”. Players don’t have to be tall like basketball players, fast like soccer players, or super strong. Age doesn’t matter either. There may be 12 year olds and 90 year olds in the same club and even playing together. Divisions by age and gender are only found in higher level competitions. Participants just need to want to have fun.
So fun-loving people of all ages are encouraged to, first of all, find the club down the laneway between Alex’s Gas Bar and Paul’s Repair. (approach on Sykes so you can make a right turn until the bridge is fixed). All you need are flat bottom shoes. The club supplies the bowls and instructors free of charge.
Clinics will be held Monday, May 27, Tuesday May 28, and Thursday May 30 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and Wednesday May 29 at 7 p.m. For further information please call Gladys at 519-538-3225 or Joan at 519-538-1020 and check out thier facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/meafordlawnbowlingclub
