Weekly bowls sessions to take place in Peterston-Super-Ely

The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Healthy Living Team has funded weekly bowls sessions at Peterston-Super-Ely Village Hall

With funding from Sports Wales, the Healthy Living team allocated Golden Fund monies for the project which aims to combat loneliness and promote independence and physical activity in those aged 60+.

The Golden Fund is a competitive grant fund available to organisations willing to offer new activities for people aged 60+. The scheme focuses on improving physical activity and sport opportunities for communities of highest need across the county.

The sessions have been in development since Golden Activator volunteer, John Barnes recognised an opportunity for a recurring social sport for residents in Peterston. John has since worked closely with the Healthy Living Team and led the first of the sessions on 30 September.

The activities will take place every Friday 9:30 – 12:30 and is available to Vale residents aged 60+.

Councillor Gwyn John, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Well-being said: “I was delighted to hear that today’s first bowls session was a success!

“The scheme will provide a fantastic opportunity for residents to socialise whilst partaking in a sport.

“It’s very important that we address issues surrounding health and loneliness that we know to be prevalent in the 60+ age group, and I’m sure that these sessions will make a real difference in the community.

“Well done to everyone involved!”

John Barnes, Golden Activator volunteer said: "It was great to see people of all abilities having a go and enjoying the new activity.

"Some of the participants at the first session were mixing in public for the first time in over two years due to the pandemic.

"This project, like others in the Vale, aims to encourage older people to socialise while partaking in a light physical activity which is highly recommended by health professionals."