Ammanford Visually Impaired Bowls Club saving locals

The club meets every Wednesday at 10.15am at the Dinefwr Indoor Bowls Centre on Manor Road.

Attendees bowl from 10.30am to 11.30am before having lunch together until 12pm.

John Wilson believes bowls should be put on prescription for those suffering from mental health problems. (Image: Newsquest)

Lyn Thomas loves to socialise at the club. (Image: Newsquest) Maureen Davies was first introduced to bowls by the Royal National Institute of Blind People. (Image: Newsquest) Manager of Welsh Para Bowls team, John Wilson said: “I’ve been advocating bowls for over 15 years. I wrote to the health minister to put bowls on prescription. By coming here, people have gone from the depth of despair to enjoying themselves.

“If you speak to a stroke survivor, they will tell you how much it helps. It’s helped hundreds of people get through difficult times. Every individual here used to be strangers and now they are lifelong friends.”

Lyn Thomas has been playing at the club for six years and believes it is the perfect place for people to socialise.

He said: “It’s been six years, and I’ve learned a lot by coming here. I’ve made a lot of friends. We have a good laugh.

“The coaches are so helpful and good to us. It’s great to have a chat, talk and have a bit of banter. It’s good to come out and mix with people. This place brings a smile to your face.”

Kirsty Vanlandewyck expressed how bowls improves her mental health. (Image: Newsquest) Diane Kerslake started coming to the bowls club after her husband passed away. (Image: Newsquest) Meanwhile, others attend the club to take their mind off the trials and tribulations of life.

Maureen Davies said: “I was first introduced to bowls by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) in Swansea. One of the coaches then came down and arranged a taster session.

“It’s been brilliant. My husband suffers from dementia, so I get my break here. Without this I would be in a right state. When I get home, I’m so relaxed. We have a gentleman who’s 103 years old who also comes to play with us.”

Diane Kerslake added: “I started playing three or four weeks after it started. It’s a nice environment. People are friendly and everybody gets on well together. My husband passed away so it’s a great way to meet people and have a break from the house.”

Peter Murphy has enjoyed the away days and playing against other teams. (Image: Newsquest)The bowls club play every Wednesday from 10.30am to 11.30am. (Image: Newsquest)

Brian Hobart getting ready to bowl. (Image: Newsquest) Furthermore, club members have previously had the opportunity to go on away trips and meet new people in other areas of Wales.

Peter Murphy said: “I’ve been coming for four years, and it’s been great. The coaches are brilliant. I had problems earlier in the year, but I find it good fun.

“We have done a few away visits too. It’s exciting to play against a different team. It’s not about winning. It’s about the banter and mixing with other people.”

Kirsty Vanlandewyck agreed: “It’s fun and enjoyable. I suffer from mental health so it’s nice to get out of the house.”

“Before lockdown we played in lots of competitions in Swansea, Cardiff and Haverfordwest. We also helped get the bowls started in Carmarthen.”