82 By the Dart • Dartmouth at Play


Gillian Bowden President of Dartmouth Bowls Club


What do you have to do as president? Not a huge amount! I present prizes, represent the club at functions and organise some games and events.


When does the bowls season start? April. We often have an early birds’ game at the beginning of April and then we are off! A lot of clubs have to stop for the winter to give their grass a chance to recover but we have carpet here so we can play all year round.


Do you play other clubs? Absolutely. The men’s and women’s teams enter various leagues, I have to say the men are doing slightly better than the women.


Is it a myth that it’s an older person’s game? No! It really is. Partly because we play during the day when young people are at school and work and partly because it does have a reputation for being a sport for oldies so young- sters are reluctant to join. But, saying that, we do have one 18-year-old who brings down the average age significantly!


Did you come to the game later in life? I started playing properly when I retired but my dad used to play and when I was little he would often say to me ‘let’s have a roll up’ and we would have a little game. That’s how I learnt the rules.


Do you keep fit playing the game? Yes, it’s not a fast paced sport but there is an awful lot of walking and it keeps the old grey cells going too.


Are you after new members? Definitely. As with many sports in small towns our numbers are dwindling. The men’s team play with 16 and the ladies need nine and we are sometimes struggling to reach those numbers. Please come and join us, any age. You don’t need any experience.


How do you all get on as a group? Really well, there isn’t much to argue


about with bowls so it’s all very friendly. We have an opening bowl high tea every year, before the official season starts with sandwiches and scones and jam. Some of the ladies get together at the beginning of each season and spring clean the clubhouse and changing area.


Do things get heated when you meet rivals in other clubs? Some people are competitive; you can see it in their eyes! They play to win but I’d say the majority take part because they enjoy a day out! We love visiting other clubs. Generally it’s all very friendly - we always shake hands before and after a game, say congratulations and smile!


Do you have your own balls?! Oh yes, that is very serious! Everyone only plays with their own ‘wood’. A game could be severely affected if someone doesn’t have their own balls.


What job did you do? I was a hairdresser and owned a salon on Broadstone called Gillian’s. It’s still


going now and it’s still got my name but I don’t have anything to do with it.


How long have you lived in Dartmouth? It will be 50 years this New Year’s Eve. I think we can call ourselves true Dartmouthians!


Do you have a favourite restaurant? That’s hard as we like so many. We eat out quite a bit - I couldn’t just pick one… sorry!


What would you take to a desert island? A good book I wouldn’t mind reading over and over again. Pictures of the family and a decent bottle of wine!


What’s the last thing you do before you go to bed? Read, I always have done. I can’t go to sleep unless I’ve read a few pages.


If you want to join the bowls club call 01803 834126


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