8-12’s Bowling Strikes gold
Last Thursday saw the first of our monthly bowling sessions at Tenpin Bowling in Stafford. It was a great success, lots of keen faces taking advantage of the newly refurbished bowling alley - and fantastic to see friendships being solidified and friendly rivalries born, and as the event organiser that was really exciting to see. It’s worth explaining how this came about…
When it was first suggested to us our son might be autistic, he had just turned 6 and it was a lightbulb went off - and we knew we needed support to navigate this journey and as great as the internet is, it isn’t the same as the support you get face to face, over a cup of tea. We started going to the Saturday stay and plays, and watching our son play alongside others - enjoying the trikes, activities and snacks. We also started going to the Play Shed on Wednesdays and for a while that was great too - and it gave us chance to catch up with other parents and share information and support. So when my son announced that he wanted to stop going to to play shed because he was too old for it, having turned 9 I was sad - knowing we were getting as much out of the sessions as he had been.
So, the bowling club idea was born - A organised activity for those who have outgrown the Play Shed and aren’t quite old enough for the Youth Group, or would’t have so much in common with them. It was also a chance for those parents to talk and catch up - share tips and issues with transition to high schools and everything else that comes with these almost teenagers. The joy of bowling is there’s gaps in between, it’s not full on for the whole hour, there’s spaces to let players calm and gather themselves, watch their opponents, eat some food, or do a victory dance. There’s a sense of accomplishment in getting a strike, or a spare - or even knocking any of the pins down.
We’re thankful for Tenpin for looking after us, making sure we had quieter lanes all togther and helping out when balls got stuck or bumpers needing raising. I’m also grateful for the help in getting this new club off the ground and the huge interest in places. The intense interest in places suggests that this is filling a gap much needed in the area - and it’s great to be able to help fill that a little.
The event on the 4th of June will have a few more places for budding bowlers and we’re applying for funding to expand out the places. drop the branch an e-mail to get onto the list for the next event and we’ll see you on the lanes
- Nia