Jarrow bowling clubs encouraging people into the sport - and working with the community to fund defibrillator at West Park

Jarrow West Park is home to three local bowls clubs and together, working with a number of community groups, are fundraising towards a defibrillator for the park, which could help save lives.

Jarrow West End Bowling Club, Jarrow Bourgh Bowling Club and Jarrow Bowling Club, together with West Park Community Group and local charity Red Star, hope to raise money through a coffee morning as part of just one of a number of fundraising events towards the defibrillator.

The bowls groups are also looking to raise awareness of their sport and are hoping to attract all ages to take up the game.

Malcolm Johnston, Club Secretary at Jarrow West End Bowling Club, said: “Obviously we’ve seen how important defibrillators can be in football recently when one was used on a Denmark player.

"It would be a huge asset for the park and potentially save a life.

“We are open to anybody and everybody no matter age or skill and encourage anyone to come pay us a visit at the park and get involved.”

The bowling clubs take part in regular fundraisers with other community groups around West Park and have recently raised £850 for Macmillan with a coffee and supported St Clare's Hospice, with another coffee morning to raise money for the defibrillator planned for July 18.

Bowlers have been playing in Jarrow parks for over 100 years as since returning after the lifting of lockdown restrictions, members have seen an increase in popularity for the sport, with a number of new residents coming along to have a go on the green.

The three Jarrow bowling clubs host regular events, league games and fundraisers, with Jarrow Borough Bowling Club set to represent the area in the Northern Area final later this summer.

Malcolm added: “Bowls are a great way to get some exercise, socialise have some fun, so we encourage anyone to come visit us.”

Bowls takes place on the green at Jarrow West Park every weekday from 12pm-2pm and 6pm-8pm and on weekends from 3pm.

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