Bowling is one of Scotland’s most popular sports and the Tartan bowlers have a great record in international competitions.
Indeed, Balerno Bowling Club has contributed to that success through the late John Summers, who won major honours at home and abroad, and Melanie Innes, who won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Melanie was in the B2/B3 mixed pairs and mixed events are one of the popular disciplines played at Balerno.
We invite you to come an join us free at our informal Hats events on Saturday afternoon and Monday evening. There is no obligation and instruction can be provided if you have not been on a green before.
Our Saturday sessions are from 2pm and Monday night games start at 7pm. Just turn up.
Bill Stark, the club’s secretary, said that some people have the perception that bowls is a game for those in their later years, but this is not the case.
He added: “This is a sport that all the family can enjoy and we believe the club is Balerno’s best kept secret.”
For those who do join and want to take the sport further then men’s and women’s teams play in several leagues in the Edinburgh area and we also ompete in Scottish events. Competition is keen.
Stark said: “We are happy to provide free coaching for those new to the sport and under-16 bowlers are free so come along and try our facilities. We have a well-stocked bar and a sizeable function room which is available for members to use. Regular social events are held there.
“We also have a social membership which allows people to use the club and also to enjoy several games of recreational bowls a year.”
Contact the club on 0131 449 3798 and view the website on www.balernobowlingclub.co.uk or contact us on info1@balernobowlingclub.co.uk and we are at 5 Ladycroft, Balerno EH14 7AG, that’s to the left of the Co-op store. Turn left at the school and we are at the end of the lane.
PICTURE: Helen Girdler bowling in a competition at Balerno. Picture Nigel Duncan
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