Some suggest it originated in ancient Egypt while others suggest its origins came from ancient Rome but for most people, when you mention Lawn Bowls, they immediately think of Great Britain. But I think most people will agree that it is a quintessential British sport.

Bowls is a sport in which the objective is to roll biased balls so that they stop as close as possible to a smaller stationary ball called a “jack” or “kitty”. The surface on which it is played is a flat even surface of either grass or carpet. It can be played indoors or outdoors. It is played all over the world and particularly, but not exclusively, in Commonwealth or ex Commonwealth countries. The oldest Bowling Green in the UK is Southampton Old Bowling Green which, according to records, was first used in 1299.

This seasons Algarve Bowls came to an end on Saturday 9th March with the conclusion of the League, Super 10’s and Interclub competitions so I recently caught up with Frances Reynolds from Bowls Algarve to find out more about this interesting sport and maybe try my hand at it.

When did it all start here in the Algarve?

Bowls in the Algarve does go back some time with, unfortunately, a few less clubs now than previously. However, Bowls Algarve started in 2002 and has managed the Winter and Summer Leagues successfully since then. There is no doubt that the sport is very popular with English speaking nationals and in the past many resorts along the Algarve saw the attraction of adding bowling greens to their holiday complexes with a view of attracting the British holiday maker. But now with the establishment of the Algarve League it is an all-year-round sport and, given the climate here, attracts other nationalities who have made the Algarve their home.

Is it a very competitive sport?

Like a lot of sporting clubs, you have members who thrive on the competitive aspect of the game. While it may not look like a physical sport the game does require a certain level of fitness as competitive games can last up to 2.5 hours. Apart from a minimum level of fitness there is a level of concentration required. And for those who love strategy there is lots of that involved. But thankfully, it’s not all about winning. All the clubs in the Algarve have a strong social side and while a lot of partners may play the competitive games others are quite happy with a social game and the entertainment and companionship that is an important part of the game and the club.

If I have never played the sport before, how do I learn it?

A lot people who are playing here now never played the sport before. After retirement and relocation and in order to remain fit and healthy many found the sport. All clubs have experienced players who are only too happy to share their knowledge of the game to get you started. In fact, some clubs have recognised coaches and will offer coaching to interested people. All you need to play the game is a pair of flat soled bowling shoes and an open mind. Clubs normally provide bowls to get you started and once the bug has taken hold you may opt to buy a set.

Why not join?

The Algarve now seems to be home to many different nationalities, from South Africa, The Netherlands, Ireland, Sweden, Canada, Denmark, who are opting to make the Algarve their home. We would love to reach out to these new communities and encourage them to take up the sport. We would also love to see more Portuguese trying the sport. Encouraging some of them might help to improve the age profile of the sport and also improve our language skills!

Well, I know a lot more about the sport thanks to Frances and maybe I might give it a try sometime. There is no doubt that those who play it really enjoy the sport and the social aspect of it.

Contact details for clubs near you are:

Pedras, Tavira – peterharris224@icloud.com

Balaia, Albufeira – sec.ba@hotmail.com

Valverde, Almancil – mandpwilson@talktalk.net

Alvor – alvorbowlsclub@gmail.com

Floresta Bowls at Aldeia Azul, Lagos – florestabowls@gmail.com