A sports club is opening its doors to the public to raise awareness about the work of the National Lottery.

National Lottery-funded venues are offering free entry, discounts and special offers through the National Lottery Open Week to say thanks to the people who have helped raise £30m for good causes

The Moonfleet 2000 Indoor Bowls Club was one recipient of the grants, and was awarded £687,424 at the turn of the century which was part of the funding that went into the £1.2m purpose built club situated on the Marsh Sports Ground.

Dorset Echo: As a thank you to anyone who has ever bought a lottery ticket, the Bowls Club are inviting members of the public inside the club to take a look at the facility.

There will be opportunities for a chat with members of the club over a free cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake.

The club will be open on Wednesday, March 13, Thursday March 14 and Friday, March 15 between 10am to 2pm.

Anyone interested in trying the sport out will be invited back on the Saturday, March 16, when the club holds its Spring Open Day.  

Michael Gale, the club’s chairman of directors, got into the sport around 36 years ago. He got involved when he used to go down and watch his uncle play in the Bournemouth area.

“Every Saturday, I’d go and watch him with my Dad and I was hooked. Mum then decided to play and pretty soon we were all involved.

“It’s a family orientated sport and a great couples game too."

One of the best parts of the sport is the community aspect of it, according to Mr Gale.

“There’s such a social aspect to bowls too and this club helps to connect to the community.

“We couldn’t have started the club and built this without the Lottery. We were very lucky at the time to also receive donations but it was two years of hard work for the grant."

Mr Gale went on to say that the sport is open to anyone from all age ranges and the club has helped people play for the national team after competing in the under 18s and under 25s categories, before representing England at a senior level.

Dorset Echo: “Just over a year ago, we had our junior's coach leave, but after enthusiasm from younger members of the club, they went on to do their coaching badges and they are 19 and 17-years-old."

The club offers a lot more than bowls, with a bridge club on Fridays, as well as an event organised by the social committee every month which include quizzes and bingo. A darts club has also recently been set up for members. 

As a bonus incentive, the first eight people who sign up for the 5-week beginners course on the Saturday will receive their tuition free of charge, where the normal price would be £25.

All anyone has to do to take up this offer is to bring along proof that they have ever bought a National Lottery Ticket.