An organisation for older people has been bowled over by a novel way of promoting health and fitness.
Age Concern is backing plans to encourage pensioners to take to the fast lane at Tenpin at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham.
The Senior Striker tenpin bowling sessions will be held every Wednesday between 11am and 5pm.
The aim is to introduce older people to a new sport while offering the chance to enjoy a friendly relaxed afternoon social event.
The usual pop music beat will be replaced by the dulcet tones of Frank Sinatra or the Beatles
Margaret Hanson, the Chief Executive of Age Concern North East Wales, says the Senior Striker sessions will be a great way for the over 50s to keep active.
She said: “I am delighted that Tenpin have offered to put these sessions on. It’s a great way to get out and socialise while trying something a bit different.
“We tend to associate tenpin bowling with younger people but there is absolutely no reason why the over 50s shouldn’t enjoy playing especially as most people will remember trying the sport when they were younger.
“I would encourage anyone over 50 to take up the offer and pop along, get active and enjoy a few games.
“It’s great fun and certainly isn’t as strenuous as you might think. In fact it’s a great way to keep fit as there are many health benefits associated with the game.”
The first taster session on Wednesday (February 9) will be free and after first week there will be a special Senior Striker charge of £2 a game.
Tenpin manager Vince Brown said: “It our way of offering something back to the community. We hope to attract a nice crowd of senior citizens, in fact anyone 50 or over.
“The ambience will be right and we won’t be playing the more up-beat modern music we normally play at our evening sessions. It will really be up the Senior Strikers what music they have we will try to accommodate their choice whether it’s the Beatles, Abba or Frank Sinatra.
“We will also be putting on a classic film to add to the experience and of course there will be complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits on hand and a chance to socialise with like-minded people of the same age group.
“I would encourage anyone from Wrexham, Flintshire or Denbighshire who falls into the age range to come down and try their hand at tenpin bowling.
“We are keen to make this a real social event where meeting up and having a chat is just as important as taking part in a game of tenpin bowling.”
Karen Crane, who is an Options Manager with of Age Concern North East Wales added: “For the first session, on Wednesday, February 9th, we will have some information boards on hand and plenty of leaflets and other advice on the services we offer.
“I would encourage anyone over 50 who wants to get a little active, get fitter or just simply wants to meet up for a social event while trying something a bit different to come on down to Eagles Meadow and try their hand at a Senior Striker session.”
One pensioner who says she will be giving it a try is Jean Nelson who said: “I have just moved to Ruthin from Cambridgeshire to be closer to my daughter and granddaughters. I have been looking for new activities and somewhere to go to meet up with other people my own age.
“I think it’s a smashing idea and will definitely be trying to get here for the sessions. It’s nice to have something aimed at my age range and something that will give me the chance to meet new friends.”
