Shirley Fewtrell profile

 When and how did you get into playing Bowls? 
In 1993 my late husband, Doug, and I had returned to the UK after spending six years living and travelling overseas on a 38ft yacht. Our search for a property ended with purchasing a run-down cottage in Hawkchurch on the Somerset, Dorset and Devon borders. 
Taunton was our nearest shopping centre and we kept passing Donyatt Bowling Club on our way there. One day we decided to have a look to see what it was like. We were made very welcome and given a chance to try it out. It was the indoor season, so our introduction was on carpet. At that time Donyatt was very successful and had John Wiseman, an ex-England Bowls Captain, as an investor together with several England players and John’s good friend, David Bryant, a frequent presence and occasional coach. 
I took to the game pretty well and enjoyed getting to know many other clubs and bowlers around Somerset and Devon. I managed to get my Indoor County badge for Somerset within a few years. 

You are a qualified County player. Can you explain what that means? 
In 2002 I joined Seaton where I gained my Devon Outdoor County badge in 2007. It was a lot harder in those days as the criteria for Men getting their badges was much easier than for Ladies. I’m pleased to say that things have been evened out since then. To gain a County badge now you must enter County competitions and win games to achieve County points, the further rounds you go through the more points you win. When you have achieved 30 points you apply for your badge and are usually presented with it in front of other County players at a game early in the following season. You can then put your name forward for selection to play in games against other counties. 

How has the game changed over the years? 
The game has changed in a lot of ways, mainly for the better. When I started, Ladies were not allowed to wear trousers and when we attended County competitions, we had to wear our blazers and hats. I was once reprimanded for forgetting my hat! Things are a lot more relaxed now which is good and we can wear trousers and shorts However. I do think in some ways standards have slipped as a lot of bowlers do not seem to understand the basic rules of the game or etiquette. 

What is it that keeps you coming back for more? 
Bowls is a great game which welcomes married couples or single people where they will never feel out of place coming on their own. The game itself is a team building experience as well as a personal challenge. Even if your side has lost, you may be able to feel satisfaction that you have bowled well and done your best for the team. 

Do you have a favourite format? 
I enjoy Singles games when you have no one else to rely on and, in effect, have to go it alone. In team games everyone seems to enjoy Triples where you have an ‘extra’ wood. One short, one long and one in the middle as they say, or better still, three on the jack! In competitions, the two wood Singles is a test for everyone but it shouldn’t be, as you only have two woods to bowl in most club games. 
 
Do you still play Indoor bowls? How does it differ from Lawn Bowls? 
I gave up playing indoors some years ago as it was taking up too much of my time and my husband was no longer bowling. I did play friendlies for Nomads Mixed Bowling Association with players from all over the South West, and the England Bowls Umpires Association, South West, where I was match secretary for both at various times. 
Playing indoors is very different. At the beginning of the season your first few bowls are likely to go in the ditch as you have to rein back on the force you would use outdoors, but once you adjust to the different weight, the carpet is much more consistent. Games are not rained off either but you do have the challenge of playing on carpets of different consistencies. As very little exertion is needed to bowl indoors a lot of older players who can no longer manage outdoor greens find they can still cope indoors. That is not to say that it is only for older bowlers. Some clubs have a younger contingent and if you watched the World Championships on TV you will have seen what an aggressive and competitive game it can be where younger bowlers excel. 
Indoor bowling definitely has its place, but it is hard to beat being outside on a summer’s day facing the pleasures and challenges of a lawn green which has so many variations. One rink varies from another; the line can change from one end to another, and the green may be fast  with good weather or ‘pushy’ if there has been rain. 

How would you sell bowls to someone who hasn’t played before? 
Bowls can be a great sport for all ages. When new members join, you can often recognise people who have played other sports by the way they take to the bowls quickly. I played tennis when younger but had to give it up due to an eye problem when I could no longer track a fast moving ball, which doesn’t apply in bowls! I also loved to swim and wind surf when we lived on our boat. 
Most people I know who have never tried bowls are sceptical and reluctant to try as it is a ‘game for old people’ or  like ‘watching paint dry’ but I know from experience, the pleasure and satisfaction it can bring. It is a very social game, inclusive and challenging, which is good at any time of life. I would encourage anyone to give it a try before they judge and see if they like it.  
I do not bowl enough at present to maintain the standard I would like to, and my game is very up and down but then other bowlers find the same thing even when they are bowling a lot. There is no accounting for form, and you don’t know until you start a game whether it will be a good day or not. There is a saying that anyone can beat anyone – it’s all on the day. I think that is what keeps us coming back for more.