Redlands retirement home gets a new bowling green

Ingenia Lifestyle Chambers Pines project sales manager Lynda Ruddell said residents met every Tuesday and Thursday evening for a friendly game, some laughs and an easy workout on the green which opened in February this year.

She said the physical and mental health benefits for seniors who played lawn bowls was in abundance, with the sport offering low impact cardiovascular fitness, hand and eye coordination support, as well as mental wellbeing and social support.

Ms Ruddell said residents loved meeting each week.

“Residents look forward to heading down to the bowling green each week,” she said.

“Their passion for the game is contagious. They know how to play but they don’t take it too seriously.

“Having facilities available for the residents makes such an impact on their physical and mental health, the low impact exercise and the social aspect has the majority of the residents out and about.”

John Keeble and his wife Margaret learned how to play bowls from fellow residents after moving into the community more than 12 years ago and have been instrumental in teaching new residents how to play.

“We wanted to be part of a safe, fun community and as soon as my wife and I moved in we became interested in a number of the activities on offer, but bowls is by far our favourite,” Mr Keeble said.

“Over the years, more and more people have become interested in the game.

“We can have upwards of 15 people at every game. We have such a great time, I think we have more laughs on the green than anywhere else in the community.

“It doesn’t matter if you aren’t the best bowler, we have residents who are really good, and others who are still learning.

“...There is a bit of skill behind lawn bowls. People are improving their game and learning to get their bowl on the correct green. Some bowls can go a little haywire.”