WHEN the Hillview Bowls team from Bunyip visited Andrews House in Trafalgar to compete in a carpet bowls competition recently they saw how some of their residents used a bowls launching device.
The reason that these players used this device was either the bowl was too big to hold in their hand or due to muscle weakness in their bowling arm which meant they did not have the strength to make their bowl go the desired distance.
Impressed with this device, the Hillview team took photos and measurements and asked two of their Monday afternoon bowls volunteers, Stewart Earwicker and Roger Dickinson, if they could make one for Hillview.
With immediate enthusiasm the boys got their thinking caps on and a discussion of ideas followed. Stewart and Roger adapted an old bedside table and made a device within a week!
The following Monday all were thrilled when Ken Rowlands, who previously had difficulty bowling, actually won the competition.
Others who once were not able to play bowls for various reasons are now joining in the Monday afternoon bowls.
This device has made it possible for people of all abilities to play and to be competitive.
