by Terry Bearpark
Indoor bowlers in Easington are now enjoying a game on a brand-new mat, thanks to a generous donation from a local company.
The bowlers, who meet in the village hall every Tuesday morning, have struggled to get a decent game because their 25-year-old mat was falling apart. Now, thanks to a donation of £1,000 from Easington-based Gassco AS, bowling has improved considerably with the hi-tech, medium-pace mat, which measures 45ft by 6ft.
The donation has also allowed the bowlers to purchase four new steel jacks, which are the target balls used in the games. On Tuesday, Gassco business services manager Catherine Botterill visited the village hall to officially open the new mat by trying it out for herself.
Bowling club member Christina Keyworth said: “We are very grateful to Gassco for their donation and support, and thanks to them we can now enjoy many years of great bowling without having to worry about the condition of the mat.”
New members are always welcome to join in; bowlers meet at 10am every Tuesday morning at the village hall. Bowls are available to borrow for those without, and refreshments are provided. On average, eight or 10 bowlers attend each week, and they are hoping to visit other bowling clubs in the area.