BASINGSTOKE'S oldest bowling club raised hundreds of pounds for a suicide prevention charity by holding a 24-hour 'bowlathon'.
Members and guests were bowling morning, noon and night at Basingstoke Town Bowling Club, in Fairfields Road, from midday on Friday, July 26 to midday on Saturday, July 27.
Carol Scott, president of Basingstoke Town Bowling Club, organised the event and explained her personal reasons for why she chose to raise money for Papyrus, a charity that helps with the prevention of suicide among young people. Throughout the 24-hour period, the bowling club raised £471.78.
READ MORE: Basingstoke Town Bowls Club to hold' bowlathon' event
"My brother-in-law committed suicide when he was 18, back in 1977 when mental health wasn't really talked about.
"As a family, it's always been quite a big thing to try and help youngsters because I wouldn't want families to go through what our family did," she said.
She added: "It's been lovely, the weather has been glorious - not too hot."
On the first day alone, around 30 people attended throughout the day, with many more joining for a barbecue in the evening.
Speaking on Friday, July 26, Carol said: "There's been a steady stream of people coming up which is lovely
"We started at 12 midday, our oldest member, a lady called Joyce Cook bowled the first wood and we had a six-year-old boy playing this morning - Sonny - he bowled the second wood. We like to encourage youngsters to play here.
"Luke Murphy [Basingstoke's MP] is coming, we enticed him with the barbecue and we'll get him on the green and tomorrow lunchtime the deputy mayor is coming."
Speaking about how the first day went, Carol said: "It's been a nice, gentle roll up, there is no competitiveness, people have come up to enjoy themselves.
"Bowls is that kind of game, yes I know there are lots of competitions but actually it's a very sociable game, and all ages are welcome.
Carol, who joined in 2015, has been the president for one year. She was assisted with organising the event by Tracy Thomas, the ladies' team captain.
Tracy spent much of the first day shopping, purchasing burgers and sausages for the evening barbecue before preparing for her overnight stint.
She said: "I'll be here all the way through the night, I've got my Winnie The Pooh outfit ready.
"There will be a little bit of music but not too loud and we'll take it in turns to have a bit of a kip on the air beds. I'm looking forward to the bacon rolls in the morning"
Tracy spoke of how she admired Carol's charity event. She said: "It was all Carol's idea for the bowlathon, we've got to support the old president, haven't we?"
Carol added that the club is always on the lookout for new members, and invites those of all ages to the bowling club's weekly roll-up at 6pm on Thursdays.
She said: "You don't have to bring anything except wear flat shoes and we don't mind what age you are."
Find out more by visiting https://www.basingstoketownbowlingclub.uk/community/basingstoke-town-bowls-club-20224/home
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