Club pulls off event coup

Pa i s l ey Indoor Bowling Club pulled off a major coup as it won the right to host the British Isles Championships 2018.

The major two- week competition will attract some of the best bowlers from around the country and give a major boost to the local bowing community.

Club president Danny McAlister says securing the tournament was the easy part – now the hard work really begins.

He said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to host the championships.

“It is a really big achievement for everyone at the club.

“The club have hosted big tournaments before, including the UK ladies seniors finals and the senior finals so we do have experience at hosting big events, but this is by far the biggest yet.

“But it is a huge logistical undertaking for everybody here. Part of the tender process to host the competition included being able to host 500 people.

“There will be some really interesting match ups. The England-Scotland matches will be really well attended.”

Some of the best bowlers in the world will grace the greens between March 7 and 20 next year.

The tournament will include singles, pairs, triples, full rink and both ladies and juniors.

Danny went on: “We are looking to get sponsors on board as early as possible and local businesses are already showing lots of interest.

“Our stadium manager Agnes Love and our vice president Jim Corrigan went to this year’s competition in Belfast just to see how the whole thing works. It was good for them to get over.

“We have been working with the provost Anne Holland the council and they have been really helpful so far.

“Bringing the championships to Paisley bodes well for Paisley’s UK City of Culture bid and it all ties in nicely.

“The town will be full of people.

“Hotels will be full and restaurants and bars will get a boost, so it is great for the whole town.

“Hopefully, the whole bowling community will get behind Paisley Indoor Bowling Club and help us make it a massive success.”