Carpet Bowling Club Got New Equipment in Time for Summer Season
The Brighton and District Carpet Bowling Club has received grants that have improves their equipment and improved access to their sport, from the Municipality of Brighton, in time for their summer season.
Club member Kathie Woodcox told us last year they replaced the carpets thanks to a grant from the municipality… and this year?
The current club is about 20 members strong, with bowlers ranging in age from being in their 60s to their 90s.
During the summer season, they play every Monday afternoon from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the King Edward Community Centre and starting October 23rd, they will play on both Monday and Thursday afternoons.
Last year, Woodcox applied to the Municipality of Brighton’s Community Grant program and received funding to purchase the new carpets and in 2023, she applied to the same fund to receive additional funding to purchase 7 additional bowl sets.
Carpet bowling is a mixture of curling and more similar to lawn bowling, which was no doubt created to move indoors to play during the winter. The bowling balls used are designed so they are weighted or biased on one side which means the balls will arc or curl in one direction when thrown.
Woodcox told us new bowls means more people can try the sport.
“This is a fun game, that involves gentle exercise, movement for mobility and memory, along with social interaction,” Kathie Woodcox. “People interested in playing the game can come out and try it 3 times before deciding to become members and we now have new bowls that they can use.”
There’s never been a better time to give it a try.
The Brighton and District Carpet Bowling Club charges a modest fee of $25 yearly membership, and $5 per game day.
“We definitely meet the Municipality’s criteria for funding, carpet bowling keeps seniors active, teaches them new skills and keeps them young at heart,” added Woodcox.
Carpet bowlers play two eight-end games with a short break in between games.
With the new carpets and the new set of bowls, Kathie encourages newcomers to come out and try the game.
“We welcome new players, there is always someone ready to teach the game,” added Woodcox.
Looking to try something new summer? Why not try carpet bowling on Monday afternoons at King Edward Community Centre, located at 75 Elizabeth Street in Brighton. Drop-ins always welcome, pack some clean, soft soled shoes and learn a new sport!
Written by Alicia Vandine
