In 1988 I bowled my first wood on a bowling green aged 10 years old. I use the word "wood" in the true context as the only bowls small enough for me were the old lignum vitae bowls found collecting dust in many a club around the country. This was my first experience of the sport I have now loved for over 30 years but also an indication of the lack of support for young bowlers taking up the game at the time.
It was very tough to get involved in any teams at my first club due to there being a blatant disregard for young players being allowed on the green mixing with senior gentleman. This unwritten rule has come back to bite a lot of clubs on the backside as I now see the once strong clubs disappearing due to having no young blood progressing through the ranks to keep the legacy of decades of history alive.
Unfortunately this is becoming an ever increasing occurrence and I sometimes wonder whether any of the jobsworth characters who seem to litter many a club ever feel any guilt when they see their club close its doors for the final time.
