Manor Park bowled over by school kids

Local park users were bowled over last week when roughly 50 children from local primary schools descended on Manor Park Bowling Club to take part in the second annual Crown Green Bowling Festival.

A team of the club's volunteers worked alongside the High Peak School and Sport Partnership's Children and Young People's Officer, Scott Thompson, to encourage the students from St James, Duke of Norfolk, All Saints and St Mary’s to get involved with the sport. 

Each taking twelve students each plus reserves, the children played in teams of three and competed in one of four mini-leagues, all squeezed into an hour.

The bowling club’s acting chair, Mick Owen, said: “Crown green bowls is one of the most accessible games available, and we asked the Partnership to invite children who don’t usually get picked to represent their school at sport to take part.

"We worked with each school separately in the weeks leading up to the event and introduced the children to the basics of crown green bowling, and today we saw the outcome of that hard work. 50 children achieving at sport in a friendly, supportive environment, and 8 very happy volunteers. And, better yet, it was great fun!”

Among the adults taking part in the event was High Peak mayor Dom Elliott-Starkey. Alongside consort Jean Wharmby, the two handed out certificates of achievement and medals for all of the children, and awarded the winning team, Duke of Norfolk, a handsome trophy.

Dawn Richardson, High Peak School and Sport Partnership Manager, said: "This event is a perfect example of what we aim to achieve at the Partnership - creating inclusive, enjoyable opportunities for all children to be active and feel successful through sport.

"It was inspiring to see so many young people engaging with a new activity, building confidence, and having fun in such a welcoming community setting. We’re incredibly grateful to Manor Park Bowling Club and their volunteers for their enthusiasm and support."