RESIDENTS are invited to attend an open weekend to try their hand at playing bowls in Basingstoke.

The Loddon Vale Indoor Bowling Club, based in Basingstoke Leisure Park, is holding an open day weekend across September 14 and 15.
 
With more than 350 members, the club wants to open their doors to the community.

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Their aim is to share the game of bowls, their facilities and the friendly, social atmosphere they provide in the hope of adding new members to the team. 
 
The club prides itself on changing people’s perceptions about the game not just being for the older generation and also boasts an active junior division.

A couple of their younger members from the English Bowls Youth Development Scheme (EBYDS), even took away victories in the under-18 and under-14 categories at the national finals earlier this year.

Both will go on to compete in the national finals in Melton Mowbray in October.

Being part of the club and playing the sport have also reportedly helped support the mental health and wellbeing of some of its members, according to their sponsorship director Jim Heyneker, by simply being there for them and providing a release from loneliness. 
 
If you have ever been curious about bowls or interested in trying it out, you can go along to meet the club at the Basingstoke Leisure Park and see what it’s all about during their open day on September 14 and 15.