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Indoor bowlers in 24-hour marathon charity push

From the archive, first published Friday 2nd Nov 2007.

SCORES of indoor bowlers at a club near York are set to stage a 24-hour bowls marathon next month in a bid to raise £1,000 for two important causes.

The event at New Earswick Indoor Bowls Club will involve 54 bowlers, with three continuous triples matches running for the entire period.

Andy Webster, club manager, said: "Each bowler will spend two hours on the green and then four hours off over the 24 hours.

"The total travelling distance of all the bowls over the 24 hours will be approximately 250 miles."

He said the marathon was intended to raise money for the Breast Cancer Campaign and towards the £25,000 cost of resurfacing the green, which had to be done within the next four years.

"Given that the majority of members are aged over 65, and everyone has to wear something pink, it goes to show that you are never too old to party," he said.

He said the marathon would start at 6pm on Friday, December 14, and continue until 6pm the following day, and the money would be raised through sponsorship, raffle, book sale and a variety of other means.

He said the evening would kick off with a fun competition, which would benefit the Blind Bowlers Charity, followed by a book sale and a members' Christmas draw.

"Lots of supporters are expected to help keep up spirits during the 24 hours, with hopefully 54 bowlers sleeping on the function room floor - if they can," he said.

"The event finishes with a grand raffle on the Saturday and any offers of prizes would be most welcome. Already guaranteed is a hot air balloon ride, which was won by one of the bowls competitors in the recent York 50+ Festival Games.

"He enjoyed himself so much that he joined the club and offered his prize to help these worthwhile causes.

Mr Webster said members came up with the idea of the marathon. "I'm going to ensure strict rules are applied regarding the sleeping arrangements, and that only prescription drugs are allowed!

"We hope to get our restaurant and bar suppliers to sponsor the feeding and watering' of participants over the 24 hours. Saturday night is our regular quiz and bingo night to we are all set to finish with a packed house."

He said this was the second time that the club had organised such a marathon, but most of those taking part this time would be about ten years older than the previous occasion.