When Bob Pickett joined Wanstead Bowling Club, it not only filled the void left by early retirement but also improved his health and provided a sense of community and new friends
I had the opportunity to take early retirement. Very exciting, but the challenge was to fill the space previously taken up by work. I’m naturally active, so it was very important I came up with things to do to fill my time.
I had also just been diagnosed as pre-diabetic; taking regular exercise would be an important part of the lifestyle changes I needed to adopt.
As chance would have it, I glanced at the noticeboard in my local supermarket. There was a banner offering the chance to try out lawn bowls at Wanstead Bowling Club for free. I had played a few games a number of years earlier, so I visited their Overton Drive green. The club members were so welcoming, the green looked fantastic and bowling was as fun as I remembered.
I signed up as a member the next day.
Joining the club filled a range of needs. Bowls is a great, low-intensity sport, helping to maintain muscle mass, stability and concentration – it has been proven that concentrating for long periods helps maintain good mental health. Playing bowls on top of swimming brought additional exercise into my life, an essential part of responding to my pre-diabetes diagnosis.
After six months, blood tests showed my haemoglobin levels were normal; I was no longer pre-diabetic. Playing bowls on a regular basis (along with positive changes to my diet and sleep pattern) was definitely a factor in my improved health.
Joining the club also introduced me to a group of like-minded people. A number of social events are held throughout the year; quizzes, wine tastings, there is a lot to take part in. You can become as involved as you want. The club plays in a number of leagues so there are lots of regular matches. If you don’t feel ready to play competitive games, there is a roll-up (series of friendly games with other members) every Friday afternoon.
I now play in a number of matches throughout the season and get involved with the social side, helping to set up events, and I’ve built a whole new group of friends. I recently took over as the club’s marketing coordinator, giving me the chance to promote the club and introduce others to a great sport and social scene. The void created by retirement is well and truly filled!
If you would like to give bowls a try, we are hosting an open day this month. It’s free; just bring a pair of flat shoes and wear comfortable clothes. A cash bar and cream teas will also be on offer. So, whether you have a void to fill like me or just want to see what’s on offer, come and join us for an afternoon on the green.
Wanstead Bowling Club – located on Overton Drive, E11 2LW (next to the golf club) – will host an open day on 11 May from 12 noon to 4pm. Call 07702 075 788 or visit wansteadbowlingclub.wordpress.com
