Vote for Milford on Sea Bowls Club in National Award

​Milford on Sea Bowls Club have been shortlisted for a Bowls England Award in the Fit for the Future category. 

Their nomination is based around the successful inclusion of Paul, who has autism and is now a full and active club member.

Paul, wanted to give bowls a go and went to an Open Day at Milford on Sea Bowls Club.

The members were unaware of his Autism to begin with, but it soon became apparent that he was struggling to follow the Coaching guidance throughout his time on the green. His limited verbal communication skills also impaired.

One of Milford on Sea’s coaches had a wealth of knowledge and experience of working with people with learning difficulties, so she took over Paul’s coaching with a clear focus on his abilities and not his disabilities.

The coach now delivers one-to-one coaching sessions with Paul, ensuring every stage is adapted to his own individual learning needs. A short talk was given to all members about Autism and Paul’s individual needs to ensure more understanding of some of his difficulties. Raising awareness amongst our membership was critical to the success of Paul’s inclusion.

Initially, Paul regularly played in the club roll ups with the one-to-one support of a few key supportive members, plus the combined support and understanding of all playing members. He even entered a competition, succeeding in winning his first round. Paul has also successfully engaged with the club’s special bowls and social events. As a club, Milford on Sea took pride in ensuring that every bowls event at the club was accessible to Paul to ensure full inclusion.

Paul is now a full member of Milford on Sea Bowls Club and participates regularly in roll ups, competitions and social events. Considerable improvements can be seen in Paul’s social and communication skills, which highlights the benefits of playing bowls in an inclusive manner.

To vote for Milford on Sea Bowls Club, please click here and scroll down to the voting link in the Fit for the Future section. (Strangely, It appears that you need to vote in the 'Unsung Hero' category before being able to vote for Milford on Sea Bowls Club in the 'Fit for the Future' category.)

Voting closes at 3pm on Thursday 19th January 2023.

The decision about who wins is down to a public vote, so they need your help! 

About Milford on Sea Bowls Club

The club was founded in 1933 and provides an inviting seafront location for its members to enjoy the playing of bowls and participate in our social events.

The Club’s Green has 6 rinks that are amongst the finest in the area and are situated on Hurst Road, Milford-on-Sea enjoying spectacular views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and the Needles.

The outdoor playing season runs from early April until late September. The mixed membership has Club roll ups on Wednesday and Friday afternoons and the club participates in the New Forest and Bournemouth & District Leagues. During the winter months the players enjoy indoor, short mat bowls.

Open to the Public

Locals and visitors are invited to give bowls a go on some days of the week when there are no league matches, competitions and/or special events taking place. Shoes and bowls available to hire. You can see the weekly timetable on the clubs website.

If you would like to play on the bowling green, please speak to the Duty Steward at the club who will be able to help you.

Milford on Sea Bowls Club
Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY
www.facebook.com/milfordonseabowlsclub
www.milfordonseabowlsclub.org