My new love for Bowling

When I retired from work little did I know what form my life was going to take?

Sadly my husband passed away six months afterwards, which left me doing all manner of household repairs, which we had planned to do together. Fortunately this kept me busy and sane and I had my little dog Foxy who was my constant companion who gave me great comfort. Where would I have been without her?

I had worked as a Care assistant on the district for the past twenty-two years more or less as a solo worker going about my duties on my bicycle tending to the sick, old and lonely So although I was well known in the area I  really didn’t have many going out with friends.

My husband and I used to go down to the Jaguar Social Club for a game of bingo on a Sunday night so I did know a few people there so I decided that I had to venture out on my own so as not to lose the link here with the outdoor world. Fortunately as I made to enter the Club a car stopped and hailed me.” Is that you Jo?” they said. On turning round I saw it was the couple that used to sit at the next table to us. They said, “Come on you can’t go in on your own “ And so it came about that they would pick me up and take me home each Sunday night after the game. Which shows what one step forward can do for you. We are the best of mates to this day, which shows life does go on after losing a loved one.

One thing I did do was attend a morning art class, which I continued to do and it was from here that I moved into the bowling scene.

One of the guys in the class asked me to give out some leaflets, as they were anxious to build up the membership of the Club knowing that I knew quite a lot people by sight having lived in the area for so long.

Well I decided to have a go myself and aren’t I glad I did as it is the best thing I could have done. I simply love it and in fact am getting quite good at it.

I was made captain of the ladies team last year and have made so many new friends. You just wouldn’t believe the joy it has given me having worked hard and long throughout my life and now to have some time to call my own for enjoyment.

I actually won the handicap competition in my very first year of joining the club, which gave me quite a lift. I haven’t quite equalled that since but then there is always next year.

Not only have I made new friends of both sexes but I have taken to going on little bowling holidays with the Coventry and District Bowling Club, which I now belong to as well.
So far I have been to Weston Super Mare, Bournemouth, the Isle of Wight and Cornwall, with Tenby in Wales planned for next year.

In the closed season we play indoor bowls with all the Clubs from Coventry intermingling with each other, there are competitions and Club games still being played but it is a much different game.  The game is much faster but equally enjoyable.

So for those at a loss as to what to do may I suggest you take up bowling and like me you will find fun and friendship throughout.  I can honestly say this is the best thing I have ever done as it keeps me fit and healthy as well as giving me new friends.

So come on everyone join a club and give it a whirl…