CHIPPENHAM MP Michelle Donelan says she won't be giving Holt Bowls Club members a "run for their money" anytime soon after being given a lesson ahead of one of its centenary celebration matches.

She was inspired to contact the club after reading in the Wiltshire Times about the club celebrating its centenary this year with a match against Bowls England players.

Club coach Chris Poole explained how to play the game when Miss Donelan visited on Sunday morning ahead of another centenary match against the Barbarians.

Mr Poole is a Bowls Development Alliance-qualified bowls coach who works with Holt Bowls Club members.

The MP said: “It was great fun and there are members of all ages but it is certainly harder than it looks with lots of skill needed. I won't be giving any players a run for their money anytime soon.”

Chris Moore, the Holt Bowls Club chairman, said: “Michelle did really well and picked it up really quickly.

“She had about an hour’s coaching and then delivered the first wood for our centenary game against the Barbarians.”

The club has organised three matches to celebrate its centenary, having already played Bowls England and Bowls Wiltshire.

The Barbarians team comprised officials and players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Miss Donelan added: "I loved attending the Holt Bowls Club centenary game and having a go myself.

"The club faced severe difficulties at the beginning of the pandemic but have successfully turned it around with more members than ever.

"The last 18 months have been so challenging and I heard first hand how the club had provided a lifeline for so many - helping prevent loneliness and giving support and friendship."

The BDA is a Sport England-funded organisation tasked with recruiting more people into bowls by promoting and funding activities and initiatives.