Queens ready to hit the greens

Considering the amount of discussion raised of late over the fate of our community elders, it is amazing it has never been thought of before, but Sydney is in dire need of a GLBT lawn bowls group, and retiree Peter Manson is the man to provide it.

Starting as nothing more than a dinner conversation between Manson and three other friends, the idea of a gay bowls team -” tentatively known as The Queens on the Green -” is already generating much excitement at Team Sydney and in the wider community among both young and old alike.

It’s been amazing how quickly Team Sydney and everyone has picked up on the idea, a somewhat incredulous Manson says.

Friends and I who are all a little bit older were all wanting to lost weight and stay fit, so started looking for a gay and lesbian bowls group.

Though there are a plethora of bowls clubs open to all, Manson saw a need for a GLBT-specific group that could offer acceptance as well as some bowling tips.

We didn’t want to join just an ordinary group because it wouldn’t have the type of atmosphere we wanted to be in. It’s just a matter of our interests are different and I think, particularly for some of the older guys, we just wouldn’t feel as free going and sitting back with a bunch of straight guys. I mean, if we see a nice young guy go past and want to say something, we just want to feel comfortable to be ourselves, Manson explained.

He is conducting research into various inner-city bowls clubs that would be able to accommodate the group -” Petersham is looking like a favourable option.

I’m very new to all of this so, at the moment, we’re just trying to get all the information we can and see who might be interested. Of course We want as many people as possible, but I suppose a minimum of about a dozen would be needed.

It’s a great game for older people, though we’d be happy to have young people join as well. It’s very popular with young people -“ they even teach it at some schools now.

It’s not a strenuous game but it’s outside so you get fresh air, and it’s really not as easy as it looks. It takes a lot of skill and practice, which keeps your mind active.

I suppose the main thing though is that we wanted something where we could feel like we could get out and socialise, but it’s something which is much more in tune with the way we are experiencing life, that’s not just about clubs and dancing.

info: If you would be interested in taking part in a gay bowls group, or could assist with finding a green, contact Peter at [email protected].
Fancy joining a gay lawn bowls group?