The Philip Wright Crown Green Bowling Academy in Colne, built on a touching family legacy, is opening its gates to the community as part of a major national celebration this summer. The academy, founded in memory of chairman Daryl Wright's late son, is joining over 900 clubs across the UK for the 'Bowls’ Big Summer' campaign.
A Legacy Born from Tragedy
Established in 2012 following the tragic death of Philip Wright in 2009, the academy has spent more than a decade transforming lives from its home at Alkincoats Park. Boasting two pristine greens, the inclusive club aims to show that the sport is for everyone, offering sessions designed to welcome players of all ages and abilities.
Chairman and greenkeeper Daryl Wright explained: “We set this academy up in my son’s name, who got killed in a car crash with his best friend and his girlfriend. We had no teams when we first set up, but now we have 15 teams and 120 plus members.”
Community Sessions and Inclusivity
The club hosts a variety of sessions, from league matches to casual events like ‘Fab Thursdays’, where anyone can come along and play in an unstructured session with all equipment provided. These sessions were initially designed for the club’s work with the Stroke Association.
Bowls’ Big Summer capitalises on the excitement of the sport’s showing at the Commonwealth Games later this month, with bowls clubs involved throughout the summer until the end of September. People of all ages and abilities are invited to experience the sport first-hand and discover, or rediscover, bowls. Clubs across the sport will offer fun, flexible and informal ways to play, from relaxed open days and taster sessions to casual pay and play options that fit around modern lifestyles.
Accessibility for All
The club is proud to have several pieces of equipment designed to make the game more accessible to those with disabilities, along with trained coaches who help everyone improve their skills. Wright stated: “We have walking frames, bowls arms, six wheelchairs, so anyone can come along. It’s fabulous to see people enjoying bowls, at whatever level, all our volunteers are here to help make that happen.”
Bowls’ Big Summer is delivered by the Bowls Development Alliance, a partnership organisation working with Bowls England, the British Crown Green Bowling Association, the English Indoor Bowling Association and the English Short Mat Bowling Association. To get on the green yourself, visit www.Play-Bowls.com.
