Lynnsport Indoor Bowls Club opened its doors last Saturday for a special bowls taster session and the event was hailed a resounding success.
More than 40 people of all ages took part across four hours, with many trying the sport for the first time.
Lynnsport Bowls Club secretary David Bailey was delighted with the turnout. “The day has been a huge success with over 40 people of all ages attending,” he said.
“It was especially encouraging to see younger people in attendance and giving the game a go. Bowls often has the stigma of being for older people, but today it has shown it’s a sport for everyone. Many found it addictive.”
Among the newcomers were Belinda and Andy Maginnis, who recently moved to King’s Lynn.
Andy described the day as “fabulous” and confirmed the couple will be returning.
Belinda added: “It provides a pleasant social event, enabling us to talk and meet more people in the community,” joking that she had spoken more to her husband during the session than in a long time.
Wisbech visitors Jean and Alan Finch also enjoyed their first taste of the Lynnsport greens.
“Having played short mat bowls before, this was a new challenge,” said Alan.
“Everybody has made us very welcome. What a great venue and atmosphere.”
The success of the day has paved the way for more opportunities to get involved.
Weekly coaching sessions begin on Thursday, September 26, between 2.30 and 4.30pm, with all equipment provided and no booking required.
Specially adapted buggies are available for those needing extra support.
Lynnsport also offers “Bowls Happy Hour” on Fridays (5 to 7pm) and Sundays (10am–12pm), open to novices and experienced players alike.
Event co-ordinator Steve Winter said the session had “exceeded expectations” and hoped it had “sown seeds for the future.”
Meanwhile, Shouldham Bowls Club player Andy Sayer was triumphant at the Yarmouth Festival of Bowls.
The event is considered to be the biggest outdoor bowling event in the country, with more than 800 participants from far and wide participating over four weeks.
For West Norfolk bowlers, it proved to be a memorable occasion as Sayer won the over-60s singles competition.
Sayer defeated some strong opponents to bring the trophy back home.
The event started with Sayer playing in a round-robin, winning his group, having lost only one game.
The second stage was again played in a round-robin style, bringing the winners of the first stage together.
Having won his first two games, he then faced Graham Keeley (a Wootton Park player), who was also unbeaten at this time.
After a close tussle and, at one stage, trailing 8-9, Sayer came out on top to beat Keeley 15-10.
In the quarter final, Sayer was always on top, winning 21-14.
The semi-final proved to be a closer and challenging game.
He found himself 14-17 down but dug deep to triumph 21-17 to progress to the final.
In the final, Sayer faced John Harvey. This proved to be a close contest with the scores level at 11-all.
However, he managed to find an extra gear to win 21-12 to be crowned the over-60s singles champion for 2025.
A delighted Sayer said: “It’s been a great Festival, and I’m so pleased to have won, knowing so many top players were participating. My thanks go to all involved in organising the four weeks of competitions.”
Earlier at the Festival, Sayer, along with his fellow Shouldham players Barry Footer, Regan Simper and Richard Bunton, had success in winning the fours competition.
The 2025 Festival of Bowls is proving to be a happy hunting ground for West Norfolk players.
