A SHORT Mat Bowls Club will be starting in Colebrooke in the near future, with the help of a grant of £8,100 from Sport England.

Chairman, Fred Oliver, explained: “We were inspired by the Crediton Rotary Club’s annual industrial bowls competition to apply to Sport England for the funds to start a short mat bowls club in Colebrooke.

"We formed a committee and, at the third attempt, managed to secure all the funding needed from Sport England to start a club.

"The equipment includes two mats, an electric mat winder and enough bowls for up to 16 players per session.

"Our object was to enable people to play without any financial outlay. We even offer three free taster sessions so that potential members can see if the game suits them.”

The game of short mat bowls can be played by people who have conditions which prevent them from playing more energetic sports.

The equipment includes an electric mat winder which takes the strain out of laying out the mats.

The club currently meets from 7pm to 9pm on Wednesday and Friday evenings in Colebrooke Parish Hall.

Taster sessions are planned for 6pm to 7pm on those evenings.

The club is keen to make full use of the generous funding by Sport England, by opening the club to as many people in the Crediton area as possible.

Colebrooke Parish Hall has plenty of availability for additional sessions in the afternoons if the demand exists. The club also hopes to start a junior session once it is established.

If you are interested in joining, or trying a free taster session, please contact the club via the contact page on its website: www.colebrookeshortmatbowls.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact Fred Oliver on 01363 84847.