Media take up the GIBA's challenge

INDOOR bowls want you. The Guernsey Indoor Bowling Association are on a recruitment drive.

When the sport was at its height of popularity in the 1990s, the association had more than 1,000 playing members.

Now they have 320.

In response to that they have set up a working party that is headed by former Commonwealth Games bowler Jenny Nicolle to look at the problem.

'Bowls is a sport that is suitable for any age or ability,' she said.

'It's a good all round sport and it's brilliant fun for all ages. We've got great club facilities as well.'

The first initiative they have come up with is the Monday evening Umbrella Bowls Drive.

People are invited to go to the indoor bowls stadium at the Hougue du Pommier.

The next session is on Monday 28 January starting at 6.30pm.

'We've started up a friendly league on a Monday when non-members are encouraged to come along and try the sport,' said Nicolle.

Another scheme is the Wednesday Late Night League.

Starting at 8.30 every week, beginners are partnered with experienced players who can help them with their game.

There is a certain type of person who, Nicolle believes, would be ideally suited to bowls.

'We're trying to get sportsmen and women who no longer are able to play the sport they used to play,' said Nicolle.

Flyers have been sent to doctor and dentist surgeries to promote the sport.

They are also putting bowls forward as a fun event for companies.

Another way they are promoting the sport is with the Media Challenge.

For the next two Saturdays, the Guernsey Press, BBC Guernsey and Island FM will battle for a trophy.

The teams have been practising for the last few weeks as they get ready for the big event.

Island FM DJ James Bentley says he was surprised when he tried the sport for the first time.

'When we first had a go I didn't think I'd enjoy it, but I really have,' he said.

'I've not done it before and it's a little bit different. It's really good fun and it's getting really competitive within our team so God knows what it's going to be like when we play other teams.

'I didn't think that bowls could be so competitive.'

Bentley cannot wait for 7.30pm tomorrow when he partners the station's new manager, Martyn Parr, as the Island FM Jumping Jack Flash.

They are first taking on the Guernsey Press Backpagers pair of Rob Batiste and Aaron Scoones.

Bentley says he is out to claim the trophy.

'There's no point if you're not going to try and win,' he said.

* FOR more information, contact Jenny Nicolle on 07781 152080 or see www.giba.org.gg.?