George Eustice MP presented trophies and medals to visually impaired carpet bowls teams competing for the Harry Brown Shield in an annual inter-club bowls league organised by VisAbility. Competing this year were Camborne(VisAbility), Gweek(VisAbility), Shortlanesend(ABLE), and Ludgvan(CBA).
VisAbility has been involved with visually impaired bowling clubs for almost 20 years. The inter-club league began in 1996 when Elsie, wife of the late Dr Harry Brown, came home one evening after playing a match at her local club and told her husband her team had just been beaten by a group visually impaired and blind players. Dr Brown thought this was marvellous and decided to get involved with the clubs. He set up the shield in the hope that it would encourage more visually impaired people in Cornwall to play bowls.
“And that’s why we’re so pleased have Ludgvan join us for the first time this year” said VisAbility Bowls club coordinator, Lindsay Rodda.
“That’s right, so if you fancy giving bowls a try do get touch. If you’re not visually impaired then you’re also very welcome to join us as we’re always in need of volunteers at the clubs” added Tony Rescorla a member of the winning Camborne team.
Asked what it was it was like to have a local MP join your party, VisAbility Project Manager, Donal Fogarty, said “It was great actually. You know, a chap who lost his sight recently once told me that the worst type if blindness is not too look, so it was really refreshing to have George come in and take such an interest in what we do and we’re very pleased to have his support”.
George Eustice said, "I was delighted to be asked to present this year’s prizes and it was great to see a new team, Ludgvan, joining the league this year. Congratulations to Camborne on victory this season.
This is an amazing project, the ability and skill of the people is quite extraordinary, and the strong turn-out for the awards evening proves that the social side of the league is really enjoyed as well."
To find out more about more joining VisAbility as a player or a volunteer at their bowls clubs or any of their other projects you can contact Donal or Lindsay on 01209 711083 or email: [email protected]