This article appeared in Homes & People Summer 2010

Pupils from Walbottle and All Saints secondary schools have been showing the regulars how it’s done at the West Denton Indoor Bowls club.

To give young people the chance to try something new and have a go at working with tenants from a different generation, YHN organised a series of indoor bowls events which took place during the spring.

Over eight weeks, pupils from Walbottle and All Saints schools received bowls coaching from members of the club, many of whom are YHN tenants, teaching them everything from the basics of the game to tried and tested tips and techniques, culminating in a competition between the two schools.

The aim of the project was not only to break down barriers between the different generations by giving young and old the chance to work together, but to give the young people the opportunity to get involved in a positive pastime.

Naturally, some of the young people were wary of the sport at first, but they soon got the hang of it and started to have fun.  Mr Smith, teacher at Walbottle Campus Technology College, said:

‘Under the patient and watchful eyes of the coaches the pupils who were sceptical about the sport became more and more enthusiastic as the weeks passed.  The mutual respect between the children and the coaches was great to see - the students can now wax lyrical about bias and the benefits of backhand shots, while the coaches are now familiar with the in-and-outs of Call of Duty!”

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