Vale MP Alun Cairns joined members of Barry Central Bowls Club on Saturday to celebrate the launch of their newest piece of equipment; a specialised lawn bowls buggy allowing mobility-impaired players to take part in the sport.
The club raised over £4,000 from a variety of sources to purchase the buggy – including donations from local businesses and a large anonymous donation from a club member.
The buggy is designed to allow the player to perform a full bowling swing and to protect the lawns on which the game is played. The footrest plants the player’s feet on the ground when they are ready to fire their shot and the wide, lawn-friendly wheels are placed underneath the seat so as not to impede the swinging arm.
Local MP, Alun Cairns said, “Barry Central Bowlers are rightly proud of their efforts to secure this important piece of kit – it is a significant achievement.
“This buggy gives mobility-impaired players the ability to compete on a level playing field and the chance to continue their bowling career long-after they might have otherwise given up!
“I am impressed by the way club members pulled together to achieve this success and by the welcoming atmosphere and upbeat spirit that the club enjoys. I would encourage anyone thinking of trying their hand at lawn bowls to turn up for a taster session!”
During the event Alun Cairns was invited to try his hand at launching a few bowls - which he did with uncanny accuracy. The Vale MP was immediately invited to join the club’s competitive team. Sources close to Mr Cairns however, told the Barry and District News “It was clearly beginners luck, there was no finesse - he just chucked the bowls down the lawn!”