Everybody learns from our special Alzheimer's bowls day

Laughter, applause and some very fine woods signalled another extremely successful bowls afternoon for some of our local neighbours with dementia.

The occasion, organised in collaboration with our friends from the Alzheimer’s Society in West Sussex, has become an annual event, with more than 20 participants enjoying an hour or so on our green this year.

With more than a dozen members of the club helping out, and plenty of post-match refreshments on offer, it was like one big party, with participants learning a little of the art of bowling and our bowlers a bit about what life is like living with dementia.

As chairman John Milsom said, the annual events are an eye-opener for those among us lucky enough not to have to endure the impact of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia every day of our lives.

Welcome diversion

“Sometimes it’s not easy showing some of them what to do. I never realised until I did it that it was such a difficult thing.”

And for those who do live with it, the bowls afternoons prove a welcome diversion, both for those with the condition and their partners and carers.

There was an intimate feel to the afternoon, with spouses supporting each other and cheering and applauding some fine efforts on the green.

Tim Wilkins, who arranges the bowls sessions on behalf of the Alzheimer's Society, as well as many other participation pastimes, says the bowls days are hugely popular, with more wanting to take part each year.

John added: "It’s such a lovely day, and it’s so lovely to see how many of our members come along to help out."