Meet Graeme: Bowled over for four decades
Our Act Now, Age Better campaign encourages those aged 50+ to stay active and try something new to improve health and wellbeing in later life.
The Commonwealth Games are in full swing in Glasgow; the city is buzzing with athletes, spectators and fans from all over the world. Lawn Bowls has been one of Team Scotland's most successful sports throughout the history of the Commonwealth Games and this year has been no exception.
In the spirit of celebrating the games, we caught up with Graeme (54), aka the “Gaffer” McAdam, a bus driver for Lothian, Slateford Bowling Club Skipper and Edinburgh Bowling Association president, to find out more about his love of bowls.
How did you get into bowls?
I got into bowls through my dad. I started playing in 1985, when I was a teenager, and my dad was a member of Juniper Green Bowling Club. At school I played football and other sports, so playing bowls was just another thing to do.
What position do you play?
Skip, last person to play.
How often do you play?
Next week, I’m playing 6 days out of 7. In summer, I’m very active and play about 3 times a week, taking part in competitions. The summer season starts the 3rd week of April and ends the 2nd week of October. Then it moves indoors from the end of August to March. Bainfield is the only club with indoor bowling, but some clubs do carpet bowls which has benefits from the unpredictable Scottish weather.
What benefits have you experienced since taking part in bowls?
The social side is incredible; even if you get beat, it doesn’t matter. The social side is brilliant. Going about the town, meeting people, everybody knows me.
How has playing bowls helped you connect to more people?
When I started, there were not many young members; we began taking part in the junior league, visiting different clubs around the town. Through joining the committee, I’ve met loads of people around Edinburgh; it’s a real community.
If someone was on the fence about joining bowls, what would you say?
"Bowling is for everybody. Youngsters are starting to join clubs; we’ve got players from age 12 to their late 80s. Doesn’t matter ability."
I know someone who plays with a mechanical arm. There are wheelchairs and disabled access. Slateford had a ramp built last year for a disabled member. Bowls are pretty good at that, because we could have a member that might be ok now but then needs a wheelchair after a stroke. If you're looking for a sport to go along with your friends, your dad, your grandad, go for it! There are lots of women who play too.
It’s for everybody. There are no fitness barriers. You could be the next superstar, the next Alex “Tattie” Marshall.
Fancy trying your hand at bowls?
Our Act Now, Age Better campaign encourages midlifers to stay active today to enjoy a healthier, more independent later life. To find out more, including useful resources, visit our campaign page.
If you fancy giving bowls a go, find your nearest club here.
