There was a heavy police presence at the Egremont Bowls Club on 9th July. However, no charges were brought against any of the members and relations appeared to be very congenial, despite the fact that the regulars were planning to teach the police officers a lesson in Crown Green Bowling.
It was, in fact, a community event between the police and the Crown Green Club, reviving a tradition of recent years. It was intended to raise the profile of the club and perhaps help it to gain new members. "Community engagement is a vital part of neighbourhood policing," explains Police Community Support Officer, Charlotte Davies.
To prove that this was friendly rivalry, experienced club members actually explained to the police officers which side of the wood was the bias.
The guests were greeted by Jim Wise, who knows what policing is about, having served as a special constable himself from 1962 to 1989. Jim told us that the club is thriving with nearly seventy members, enjoying friendly competition for trophies, but it will always welcome more.
He also introduced us to the club's 16 year old star, Stephanie Moffatt. Currently Cumbria's Under 18s champion, she has also competed for a place in the England Trials for Under 25s, missing out very narrowly. She is certainly knocking at the door of the national team, and improving all the time.

Gemma gets personal tuition	Stephanie directs a wicked wood straight at the Editor