Alison Fremantle, Science & Leisure Representative, recently enjoyed a day out learning about science with Buckinghamshire Federation of WIs. Read about it here.
Walking Netball
I am pleased to write that Walking netball has resumed at the Spelthorne Leisure Centre in Knowle Green, near Staines. This group was started up by some of the Halliford WI ladies and extended to the Oxshott Owls (Surrey) to make up numbers.
It is now open to non-members as the leisure centre has taken over the running of the group. Participants meet on Wednesdays at 12 noon. There is no need to book, and presently costs £2.00 per session (this may rise in the future), payable at the leisure centre reception. I met Amanda, a super coach, and the players last month, and they were so glad to be starting Walking Netball again.
As the leisure centre now supplies equipment, the equipment previously provided by Sport England is now no longer needed and so is stored at the MFWI office, ready to use again. Hence, if any groups (at least 10 people) would like to start playing, I can tell you all about it (perhaps visit a WI meeting) initially, and possibly invite a coach from Walking Netball to show you more. Someone in the group would need to be responsible for the equipment (it belongs to the WI), but I could help with getting you started. Contact me at MFWI (see page 2) if you are interested.
Bowls
To hear first hand experience of Walking Netball from WI members click here: WI Walking Netball youtube video.
The NFWI announced a new partnership with the Bowls Development Alliance (BDA) to run a national bowling programme for all WI members in England. Outdoor bowling is something I am very familiar with, and can thoroughly recommend. Anyone can go along to a nearby club and be welcomed with open arms (ladies especially) and offered free lessons for up to 6 weeks, with only green fees to pay. However, the BDA is keen for more ladies to take up the sport, and would like to help us to find venues. I’m sure many members are like me, have been bowling for years and would be happy to tell anyone what an enjoyable, sociable and rewarding form of exercise it is. It’s true – anyone can play, REGARDLESS OF AGE OR ABILITY. I was a coach for my club and got many adults (some with disabilities) and children started.