Disabled Section News

The Disabled Section of the club was formed in 1982 by the late Harry Rafton, a keen bowler himself who wanted to help bowlers with disabilities to continue to enjoy the game. Since then the section has continued to thrive, with old bowlers and also people new to the sport.

Currently we have about 15 players that come each Friday morning from 9.30 - 12.00. After an enjoyable game they stay for a sociable drink and lunch in the club restaurant. Those involved sometimes have little else in their lives, and so look forward to getting the chance to play sport and also meet people on a regular basis.

Some members have suffered strokes, whilst others have other physical handicaps. We also can cater for blind bowlers, and have included 2002 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Ruth Small in our numbers.

Four rinks are used for bowlers that are seated on chairs or in their own wheelchairs from one end. Two wheelchairs have also been adapted to allow bowlers to travel up and down the green and play from both ends. Another rink is reserved for those bowlers who can walk and play conventionally - games on this rink are usually pairs or triples.

Volunteer members from the club return and retrieve bowls for the static players, push the bowling wheelchairs on the "wheelchair" rink, and provide support if required by the walking players.

The club is a friendly gathering of people who enjoy being together to play and encourage the skills of bowling.

Angel Indoor Bowls Centre

Avenue Du Puy

Tonbridge

Kent TN9 1QH

01732 771200

01732 771262 (office)