A FATHER and daughter team will show people that they can be bowled over by a popular sport in this year's Doors Open Days celebrations. 

Lorna McCartney and her dad John are leading Gourock Park Bowling Club into Scotland's largest free festival for the first time. 

To mark the celebration of places and spaces, members of the club will be on-hand to provide free coaching sessions across the whole of September to anyone interested in taking up the sport.

Lorna and John will be using their own experience to show people how enjoyable it can be. 

Greenock Telegraph:

John, 82, has been bowling for 70 years, with 60 of those spent at Gourock Park. 

He is the club's longest living past president and honorary president. 

The dedicated bowler says this is an exciting time for the club and he's looking forward to sharing that success with potential new members. 

John added: "The club is more vibrant now that it's ever been. 

"Bowling is a very enjoyable sport and it's so important that we let people see how enjoyable it is. 

"We have beautiful scenery here as well. I think we have the best greens in the district."

Lorna, John and the team will welcome people as part of the official Doors Open Day celebrations on Saturday September 9, from 10am-noon. 


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To give even more people the chance to get involved, the club will also run free coaching sessions on Fridays from 2-4pm and on Saturdays from 10am-noon for the remainder of September. 

If participants decide to join after the taster session, their £10 introductory membership will be held over until 2024. 

Greenock Telegraph:

Lorna says the club has welcomed a 'steady stream' of new members over the last decade as it heads towards its centenary in 2027. 

She says she's seen the positive impact the sport has on people. 


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Lorna added: "Everyone who tries it loves it. 

"It's a really supportive and friendly environment. 

"We know how fantastic bowling is for physical, social and mental health and wellbeing, and how it can change lives.

"We want everyone to have the opportunity to give it a go."

No booking is necessary for the Doors Open Days session and for the free September sessions. 

People should wear flat, smooth shoes to take part.