The lawn bowls outdoor season is in full swing and recently appointed Bowls Midlothian President Jim Hiddleston believes a new era for the sport has begun in the region.
A key initiative is the launch of a Youth Academy held at various clubs on Friday afternoons and led by Dahrlene Tough, Development and Academy lead.
Dahrlene was recently recognised for her commitment to this programme with a National Volunteers Award from Bowls Scotland. The initiative also involves visits to local Primary schools working with Active Schools.
Sponsorship from Arnold Clark, Asda and Melville Housing has been ring fenced to support development and academy projects.
Other innovations include a Midlothian wide “Roll into Bowls” campaign introducing new people to the benefits of the game.
Also, there has been significant modernisation of the organisation led by Secretary David J Kelly bringing the sport into the digital age with results of all competition available online www.bowlsmidlothian.co.uk
Over 50 years have elapsed since a Rosslyn member like Jim Hiddleston, who takes over from Andrew Robertson, has held the post of President – an omen, perhaps, as 1975 was the last time Midlothian won the prestigious Inter Counties Hamilton Trophy?
Supporting the Midlothian players will be team manager Colin Bonner starting away to Edinburgh on 9 May at Queensberry Bowling Club.
Anyone interested in being introduced to their local club for a taster session should contact Jim Hiddleston on 07936 883450.
