St Andrew’s Church in Monkseaton has developed a very popular indoor bowls club, formed some four years ago when Trinity United Reformed Church in Whitley Bay closed.
Some of the members then joined St Andrew’s and brought with them the well-established Trinity Church Bowling Club, which has now become one of the afternoon ‘leisure’ activities.
The Chairman, Albert Greenwood, is one of the original members of the club which started some 33 years ago at the church on the Esplanade. The present club meets on a Thursday afternoon at the church in Eastfield Avenue and is currently fully subscribed, which is testament to the enjoyment that members of all ages get from their carpet bowls club.
Bowling times and competitions are organised and members pay a weekly subscription to cover running costs for the church. One of the old bowling carpets was replaced last year and there are now two new carpets, allowing 16 people in total to be playing at the same time. Refreshments are also part of the afternoon.
If there are organisations in the area who would value St Andrew’s expertise in running a club, Albert would be pleased to advise, or if you are interested in becoming a member of the club, then please contact him on 0191 252 5790. The club currently has a waiting list, but membership can fluctuate so do get your name down if you would like to be part of St Andrew’s Indoor Carpet Bowls.
by Heather Carr