The Benefits of Bowls - Q&A with Alloway BC's Beryl Black
Bowls is a sport for all ages and abilities, bringing immense value to communities across Scotland by fostering friendships, providing competitive opportunities, and ensuring that no one feels isolated. We spoke to Beryl Black of Alloway BC and discovered how bowls has helped her stay active, make new friends, and give back to the club through volunteering.
Read the full Q&A below...
Q: How did you first get involved in bowls?
A: “I first became involved in bowls in 1999 when my husband, Ian Black, a qualified coach, was asked to teach at our new bowling club, Alloway Bowling Club, which was part of the newly opened Cambusdoon Sports Club. Ian invited me to join too as I was at home recovering from Sepsis and had been extremely unwell. I was pleased to learn a new skill, get some much-needed fresh air, and enjoy friendly company. Since everyone was new to bowling, Ian was kept very busy teaching us not just the rules of the game but also the etiquette to follow.
“We decided from the start to have no set uniforms and that all ‘sweeps’ would include both men and women. Teams were chosen randomly by drawing numbers from a bag, which also determined rink number and playing position. This approach worked well, and we had a great time learning the game and getting to know each other. We formed friendships that have blossomed to this day (26 years later) and sadly too, attended funerals of dear friends over the years.”
Q: Why would you recommend others to try bowls?
A: “Bowling is a great sport for all ages and abilities. We add value to our communities, we spread friendship. We are open everyday, ensuring Bowlers never feel lonely. Many of us have tasted sporting success in winning Cups and prizes, achievements that we may not have experienced in other sports.”
Q: What does your club do to welcome new members?
A: “Newcomers always feel welcome and included. Our Club - Cambusdoon includes Cricketers and footballers and we boast that we cover from birth to death in our local community! Over 26 years we have come a long way, developing our Constitution, skills and knowledge of the game of bowls. We hold competitions and play friendly games against neighbouring clubs.
“We joined Bowls Scotland just before the Pandemic struck and thanks to their advice and superb support we managed to keep our Club open. We now have a modern version of a uniform - a top with our club colours and a club badge. We initially gained our BowlsMark Bronze Award, followed by the Silver and this year the Gold. We are very proud of our success and have had lots of laughter, fun and friendship along the way.
“We hold a ‘Try Bowls Day’ near the beginning of each season which has enabled us to attract and welcome new members. We also invite the children from the local Alloway School to spend fun days with us. Bowls Scotland trained us in the use of ‘Fun Games’ and the children love their time with us.”
Q: Tell us about your experience as a volunteer within our sport?
A: “Many of our members are very supportive in their willingness to volunteer for a variety of jobs and duties to help keep our club maintain high standards. I, myself have been, a sweep organiser, club Secretary and finally President. I was the First Lady President of the Bowling Club and my tenure lasted for six years. Unusually long, partly because of the pandemic. I stepped down last year because I felt that, for our Club to thrive, new ideas were needed. I loved being President but it was time to step aside and allow others to ‘have a go.’ I believe that is how we remain fresh and creative.
“We have many new ideas to introduce - encourage young members to enter National Competitions, Invite members from other clubs to attend Competitions and Hospitality at our Green and Club House and many other ideas still to be thought of.”
In addition to her volunteering at club level, Beryl is also a member of Bowls Scotland’s SAMH Working Group. This group brings together volunteers from bowling clubs across Scotland who are working together with SAMH to create specific mental health resources for older people which could be distributed through bowling clubs. Group members are providing insight around their experiences of the sport and club culture to support SAMH on this project. For more information about the working group, please contact Bowls Scotland’s Equality, Inclusion and Welfare Manager, Roz via: rozasli@bowlsscotland.com
Bowls Scotland want to thank Beryl for sharing her experiences. It is great to see the club championing youth participation, inter-club engagement, and maintaining high standards through BowlsMark, we wish them all the best for the upcoming 2025 season.
If Beryl’s story has inspired you to Try Bowls, our Club Finder Map can help find a welcoming club in your community. Just enter your postcode to search for bowling clubs in your area, Try Bowls and BowlsMark clubs like Alloway BC are highlighted with coloured pins.
To read more inspiring stories about how sport can help form community connections and friendships visit: https://sportscotland.org.uk/find-your-team