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Very sad to hear.The problem is that Bowls in urban areas is perceived as a game only for senior citizens.Unfortunately there is an element of truth in this but so what? Why not?For the likes of Gunnersbury Park Why not is because it won't make big money and they cannot fleece wealthier punters - their Target market.But the current wave of wolves prey on that and sow the seeds of greed and opportunity within clubs and their landlords.It's clear now that these people and their backers take advantage of elderly club managements who simply get on with the sport they love.New blood is needed but not the sort that are preying on these clubs.I've heard so much on this from local people that it's truly appalling.It's greed and ageism and too many have blinkers on and vested interests to give a hoot about things for older people. All the hot air about London Sport for All and the importance of activity for all is shown to be yet another impotent load of gravy trainers who do nothing but produce soundbites yet show the Mayor of London's initiatives to be all guff and posturing for press releases.Look abroad and around the UK, Bowls is a sport that is thriving. The age groups are from 12 to when you drop. One of the few sports that Grandparents and grandchildren can play competitively together and is played in almost every continent. And is a Commonwealth Games sport. It's failing because of greed and opportunism and a bit of naivety on those who are only interested in the game they love. Pretty much the same for any sport.

Raymond Havelock ● 715d