Schoolchildren Join Seniors to Revive Crown Green Bowls in Tottington

Local pupils and club members team up to give bowls a new lease of life

Tottington Park Bowling and Social Club in Bury, Greater Manchester, has invited pupils from Tottington High School to take part in weekly crown green bowls sessions as part of an effort to challenge the idea that bowls is only for older, retired people.

Club chair Geoff Leach approached the school to encourage younger members and help revitalise the sport. He says the common response when people are invited to play is, "I'll come down when I retire," and that attitude is precisely what the club hopes to change.

"You talk to people in the village and say, come and have a game of bowls, and they'll say 'I'll come down when I retire' — and that's the problem," said Mr Leach.

Crown green bowling has been described as under threat among younger generations, and some bowling greens across parts of the UK face possible closure as councils consider money-saving measures. Despite those wider concerns, Mr Leach reports the Tottington sessions are proving popular with students.

"It's just like everyone can be here and anyone can be here," said one pupil, who told BBC North West Tonight he enjoys the game and hopes to join a league next summer because his friends play competitively.

Another pupil described the sessions as a good way to "connect with the community," highlighting the social as well as sporting benefits of the initiative.

Long-standing club member Jean Crabtree, who plays alongside her husband Peter, called the scheme "brilliant" and expressed hope that the young players will continue to return.

"We need some new young blood," Jean said.

Peter Crabtree added: "Really, in Lancashire bowling is dying and we just need a boost. If you just get two or three kids that carry on then it will be worth it." The comment underlines how even a small number of committed young players could help secure the club's future.

Neil Wilson, a PE teacher at Tottington High School, described the project as "a really good inter-generational project" and said pupils had enjoyed taking part. He also noted that introducing bowls into the curriculum diversifies students' opportunities and supports wellbeing.

"Bowls is an excellent wellbeing opportunity — it brings people together and combines teamwork with individual skill development," Wilson said.

The initiative at Tottington Park is one example of community-led efforts to sustain a sport that still attracts players into their 90s but faces pressure from changing participation patterns and funding cuts. Organisers hope the sessions will create lasting connections between generations and help keep local greens open for years to come.