Bowls is the perfect way to stay fit and make new friends in Exeter
Published: 25 March 2022
Anyone wanting to get some exercise, make new friends and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere should consider joining one of the city’s thriving bowls clubs.
That’s the message from Exeter’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Physical Activity Cllr Duncan Wood, who has just completed a month of lessons at Isca Bowls Club at the IscaCentre in Summer Lane.
Cllr Wood is taking part in 12 Moves in 12 Months – a challenge to try out a new activity each month during 2022.
It aims to champion some of the amazing community groups and organisations in Exeter who are supporting people to be more active in their daily lives.
Cllr Wood is spending time each week in a group or class to try new activities for himself as a great way to get active and stay healthy.
It began with yoga in January, Nordic Walking in February and bowls in March.
Cllr Wood said he thoroughly enjoyed his new challenge and developed his skills on the green as the weeks progressed.
He said: “I really enjoyed my bowling sessions, it’s a perfect way to spend time with friends and to make new ones. It’s also a sport that is really accessible, women or men, large or small, able bodied or disabled anyone can win.
“You are playing against yourself as much as you are your opponent. The challenge to deliver a great bowl is always there. The right strength of bowl, the right angle as it curves back in and the strategy around the other bowls already lying around the Jack.
“The difference between a bad bowl and a brilliant bowl is so subtle but it is a brilliant feeling when it all comes together. You know it’s a good one the second it leaves your hand.
“It’s up to you if you want to play singles or in teams of two or three, if you want to keep it a game between friends or take on the challenge of joining teams and taking part in leagues.
“Although it’s a very relaxing atmosphere and subtle rather than a strenuous activity you are still moving, stretching and leaning - almost without realising it. You do have that “feel good feeling” you get from being active after the game.”
Bowls coach David Oakey, of Isca Bowls Club, said bowling appeals to people of all ages and abilities and is a great way of meeting new people in a competitive but friendly atmosphere.
He said: “I would say to anyone considering bowls do please come along. There are lots of people who will be very happy to help you, and we just want people to be involved and playing bowls.”
For more information about activities at the Isca Centre call 01392 265390 or visit the Council’s website. More details about other bowls clubs in the city can also be found on the website.
12 Moves in 12 Months is part of the Live and Move #ShareYourMoves campaign to help people become more active in the city.
Due to the upcoming council election we will take a break from sharing Cllr Wood’s challenges until May, when we can catch up and a brand new activity will be revealed.
To share your moves use the hashtag #ShareYourMoves