Neil Parish MP opens new bowls centre

Neil Parish MP formally opened Mid Devon Indoor Bowls Club’s new playing surface on 5 October at an event also attended by Tiverton Mayor Janet Rendle and local councillor Neal Davey. 

Before cutting the ribbon Neil Parish gave a short speech in which he said: “This is a wonderful facility with a very warm and  welcoming feel and I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to perform the opening ceremony."

Tiverton High School year 7 students had a unique opportunity to play bowls with England national bowlers.  Lily Sinclair and Lucy Bristow played a bowls match with England players Mark Royal, Ian Bond, Barbara Bellamy and Ruth Rogers.  The girls were each presented with a special engraved medal to mark the event.

This was followed by a demonstration pairs match between Mark Royal and Ian Bond versus Barbara Bellamy and Ruth Rogers, which was won by the ladies.  Lunch was enjoyed by all and in the afternoon, club members played a tournament with the four England bowlers.

Club President Jose Kimber said after the event that it had been a huge success which had been enjoyed by everyone.  Local England player Ian Bond, based in Crediton, commented that the club now had a great playing surface which is one of the best he has played on.

The new playing surface was made possible by a grant from the Sport England Inspired Facilities programme, which aims to build on the legacy from the 2012 London Olympics to encourage more participation in sport.

The club was greatly assisted in obtaining the grant by the support of the Mid Devon District Council Grants Officer, Paul Tucker.

The Mid Devon Indoor Bowls Club is located in Amory Park, Tiverton and welcomes new members, whether they are new to bowling or have played before.  For more information come along to the club any morning between 9am and 1pm or telephone 01884 243333.