Bowls supplies the answers for intergenerational concerns

Consumed with World Cup and Wimbledon fever, tennis and football are the main sporting focus for many local residents in Torbay. However, for Safer Communities Torbay, it’s the traditional game of lawn bowls that is causing a stir.

Due to the ‘You Said We Did’ consultation initiative launched in summer 2009, Safer Communities Torbay were able to identify the key areas of concerns of local residents. Both young and older residents highlighted a willingness to better understand each others generational traits. In response, Safer Communities Torbay has launched a series of intergenerational projects designed to bridge the gap between the young and old.

The Torbay Schools Bowls League, brain child of Roger Mann, Chairman Torbay Sports Council, is a new scheme going from strength to strength. Commencing in 2009 with four local schools, the scheme was initially designed to bring sports to those who would not normally participate. The bowls league has seen a surge of interest in its second year with entrants tripling from four teams to twelve.

Tuesday 6 July saw the climax of the league with final winners Torquay Boys Grammar School crowned champions after defeating Tower House School in a nail-biting final. Torquay Boys Grammar School were presented with the trophy from Commonwealth Games England bowls squad members Natalie Melmore and Sam Tolchard, beacons for the game and both proud Torbay residents.

Natalie was very supportive and positive about the scheme saying:

“It’s a fantastic way to get the young and old from all walks of life together and socialising. Hopefully this is the beginning of a positive relationship between the generations.”

Sam Tolchard also commented;

“This is a really good way of getting people involved in the sport. It’s positive for the sport and for each generation, its great to see them working together and enjoying each others company.’

Lawn Bowls may not be the most obvious of sports to encourage generational integration yet, Roger Mann has certainly seen the benefits of the scheme in improving relations;

“Seeing the two generations integrating is really rather wonderful. The way they talk and interact is so positive; you would never know they were generations apart’. All parties are clearly benefiting from the scheme with many of the bowls club members happy with the upsurge of youngsters interested in the sport. These young people are a credit to their peers, they have been wonders to work with”.

The students were also positive about the scheme and its outcomes, a St Cuthbert Mayne School student saying:

“I always thought bowls and old people were boring but they are really supportive and help us loads. Old people aren’t so bad after all.’

Alongside the continued success of the Torbay Schools Bowls League, Safer Communities Torbay are keen to capitalise on the growing awareness of intergenerational projects. Victoria Park is a targeted venue for a planned ‘Pick-Nic’ designed to gather all aged residents to clean up the park and enjoy an afternoon picnic. Supporting this event are garden tidies, whereby local youths are being asked to clean and tidy elderly residents gardens who may not be able to do it themselves.

Many will associate lawn bowls with Sir Francis Drake and the conquering of the Spanish armada. However, with the continuing efforts of Roger Mann and Safer Communities Torbay, the sport may soon be more commonly associated with the conquering of intergenerational divides.