Members of Sunderland bowling league strike gold at trophy prizegiving

Members of a Salvation Army supported bowling league have celebrated another knock-out year of sporting fun and friendship.

The tenpin bowling league provides fun and exercise for adults with disabilities and additional needs at Sunderland Bowl each Tuesday during term time. 

Led by volunteer Peter Lovegrove and supported by The Salvation Army’s Austin House Family Centre in Southwick, they end each season with a medal and trophy handout to celebrate the achievements of members.

Peter, who has been running the Tuesday Afternoon Champions League for about 16 years alongside his job as a community activities co-ordinator, said: “The bowling league offers a safe environment for people to have fun and meet new people. The main thing is the social side, people can make friends but also have a bit of healthy competition with each other. 

“Numbers have really started to increase over the last couple of seasons. We have 56 in the league and usually about 40 people coming to a session.”   

At the trophy celebration held over the summer, each participant gets a certificate, medal and mini trophy, with cups awarded to those who have achieved the highest scores across individual games and the season. 

Peter added: It’s about giving something back, and showing people they are part of something. The trophies make them proud because it’s something they have earned and worked hard for.

“The league is run by volunteers so it’s thanks to them that we can put this on each week.” 

It is part of the church and charity’s Enabled programme, which provides empowering spiritual and social fellowship for people with disabilities, their families and carers.

Ron, has been bringing his son Andrew, 37, to the league for about 10 years. He said: “Andrew comes every Tuesday for at least two games. He's part of a group of friends who all cheer each other on. I've got to know them all as well and I get on great with them and their parents, it's a lovely atmosphere.

“Andrew’s got loads of trophies now, and he loves this presentation, he’s a bit of a showman! I would say to anybody it they want to play to get in touch. I’d definitely recommend it.” 

Sue brings her daughter Sophie, 32, and Julie brings her son Craig, 36. They also volunteer when Peter is on holiday.

Julie said: “They love it. It’s a chance for them to interact and be with their friends. 

“It gets exciting on presentation day, towards the end of the season they get competitive and you have to keep reminding them it’s only a game!” 

Sue said: “It’s a social afternoon. As they are unable to go out on their own, we bring them here and sit out the way and let them have their time and do what they want to do. It’s a safe space, and they know where we are if they need us.” 

Graham Wharton, Community Manager at Austin House, was on hand to give out the awards. He said: “It’s a privilege to come down and support at the end of the season. It's just gone from strength to strength, which is down to the dedication and work that Peter, Pat and the team put in. 

“When you watch them play and see the expressions on people's faces, it's one of those things you wish you could bottle. You think you're having a bad day but you come here and see the enjoyment, the sense of fun, it just kind of blows your mind. 

“It’s also about being able to say thank you to carers and support workers because they're the unsung heroes. This shows in a very practical light touch way God's love at work within the community.” 

You can find out more about the league and about Austin House here