Bob Pomeroy is the latest St Albans member to achieve his level one bowls coaching qualification awarded by 1st4sport.

Since January, more than 60 Hertfordshire bowlers have gained this first rung on the coaching development path.

Across the county there are 79 lawn bowls clubs and seven indoor clubs. To attract new bowlers and retain existing members clubs ideally need to have their own coaching resources.

It has taken a while to adopt the professional standard for those wishing to coach bowls. The tutors and assessors are tightly assessed and nationally examined by 1st4sport to ensure they maintain the quality of the delivery of learning.

The next coaching course starts at Harpenden IBC on November 13 when a further 12 candidates start on their road to a professional qualification in the sport.

Hertfordshire is at the top of the league table in terms of its coaches that now have a qualification in the sport.

In April St Albans Bowls Club will, for the fifth successive year, be offering free coaching courses for beginners.

For more information, contact Carole Ewer by email on carole@ewerfamily.co.uk or phone 01727 824483.