Leek sports club bowled over by £750 JCB donation for new kit

A Staffordshire Moorlands sports club has been bowled over by a £750 donation from digger giant JCB to buy new kit and help boost membership.

The company stepped up to the mark to help Leek Park Bowling Club and Leek Park Ladies Bowling Club buy new sets of woods and equipment which were unveiled at a recent ‘Have A Go’ Open Day at their Brough Park base.

The open day saw 15 potential new recruits trying their hand at the sport for the first time and using the five new sets of bowls, mats and measures bought with the JCB donation.

Ladies Club Secretary Marj Povey said: ”Over the past few months we have had a few sets of woods donated but the open day session could not have taken place without the extra equipment bought with the JCB grant. Within 20 minutes all the equipment was in use and we were all busy on the greens.

“We really cannot thank JCB enough for the donation and appreciate their faith in us to use the money with purpose, it has really boosted our enthusiasm and made us more determined to get people of all ages bowling whether competitively or for pleasure.

“Bowls has many benefits for health and well-being not least as an opportunity to exercise outdoors and make new friendships.  Research and our first-hand experience have highlighted the benefits of bowls to people who are living with dementia and those recovering from cardiac issues and physical injuries.

“Members of the Bowling Clubs are keen to promote Crown Green Bowling and are willing to spend time with newcomers to teach, coach, encourage and enable them to enjoy our sport. The new equipment will allow novices to trial different weights of bowls before committing to buying their own equipment.”

With more than 60 male and female members, Leek Park Bowling Club has teams in the Uttoxeter Veterans, Stoke on Trent, North Staffs Parks and Congleton Veterans Evening Leagues as well as taking part in tournaments and competitions, while Leek Park Ladies teams play in the Staffordshire Ladies League Divisions 1 and 3, as well as taking part in other County tournaments and competitions.