There appears to have been a severe falling off of younger people taking up the game of bowls during the past two or three years.

Some outdoor clubs in particular have seen quite serious depletions in their membership, as the older members fall off the shelf.

When I retired, eleven years ago, and transferred my allegiance to Wigginton Bowling Club, it had 120 playing members. This season the numbers are less than 50.

I know that sometimes a player who is particularly competitive may leave a poorly performing club to go to another which is enjoying a winning streak, but this has not been the case in my club.

Talking to members of other clubs, it appears that most, if not all, are having the same problem, and I wonder if anybody can suggest what can be done to get more people to take up the game?

Bowls is as much a game of comradeship as it is of trying to beat your opponents.

So come on, next time you see someone wearing a white top, and maybe a white hat, and grey trousers or skirt, chat 'em up and ask if they are a bowler, you could make a new friend, and who knows, change your whole outlook on life for the better.

Bernard Lyne,

Usher Park Road,

Haxby, York.

Updated: 11:35 Monday, June 09, 2003