Gold medallist encourages people to try bowls

A Commonwealth Games medallist and members of a Kent bowls club are encouraging more people to try the sport, describing it as welcoming, social and "life-changing".

Sian Honnor, who won three gold and two bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games, said bowls offered opportunities for people of all ages and abilities at the Oyster Indoor Bowls Club in Whitstable.

The former Team England flagbearer took up the sport more than 30 years ago after being introduced to it by her grandparents.

Club member Darren said bowls had helped him return to sport after an injury. "This has certainly changed my life," he said.

"There's no difference between somebody with a disability or somebody who's able-bodied. You know, it's great."

Speaking during a BBC Radio Kent visit to the club, Honnor said: "This is very precise, very tactical. You need to weigh up where the bowl is going to bend."

One of the club's younger members, 19-year-old Harry, said he had taken up bowls seven months earlier after being introduced to it by his grandparents.

Noreen said she enjoyed the variety the sport offered.

"You can play in a very high-level match or you can play in a roll-up like this where it's very relaxed," she said.

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