in running for top award

A BOWLS club is in the running for a prestigious national award.

Begbrook Green Bowling Club has been shortlisted for Bowls England's annual Club of the Year award, and is up against three other clubs from the 2,700 affiliated to the sport's governing body across the country.

Representatives of the club, which is based just off Frenchay Park Road in Stapleton, will find out if they have won the overall title at an awards ceremony in Leicester on February 25.

world that we often find ourselves in, I would urge you all to consider improving in these four key areas of your life.

Try different methods to reduce your stress, eat healthily where you can, make sure you exercise properly – even regular walking outside in the fresh air has huge benefits. Think about your sleep routine… read a book before bed instead of your phone and try to settle down at the same time each night, to allow your body to find a rhythm.

Anyway, enough preaching from me – let’s talk about something that’s far more fun… now is the time to think about the skiing season. I’m actually writing this the day before I join the British Chiropractic Association ski trip to Chamonix in France.

We are ready to hear two of the greatest sports chiropractors in the world lecturing us each evening after we finish skiing. There’s nothing like coming off the slopes, having a beer with friends and learning from the best.

Apart from the obvious positives, we all know that skiing can be a hazardous occupation. Take a look at the five most common injuries from people who take part:

1. Head injuries

2. Medial collateral ligament (MCL) or knee sprains

3. Anterior cruciate ligament (also knee) sprains

4. Wrist injuries

5. Shoulder injuries

I was slightly surprised to see head injuries at number one but a lot of the research was based on downhill race skiers – and they definitely rattle their brain when they crash! Now MCL injuries, we certainly see plenty of those with regular skiers, as patients twist their knees when they fall on and off the slopes.

In essence, it’s the same injury that we treat footballers for when they get tackled, then strain and twist their knees. I know how painful it can be as I suffered an MCL injury on the first day of a trip a few years ago, when I was skiing too fast down a black run.

A serious MCL injury will take 6-8 weeks to heal and it’s so important to get it right. Treatment varies as the ligament gradually gets better. In general, this might consist of rehab, laser work and instrument-assisted therapy – this features a special metal tool to manually stimulate the ligament and break down the scar tissue that forms in the wrong place.

Treatments typically take place once a week and then ‘voilà’! – the pain has gone and the knee is as good as new. Of course, the best way to avoid skiing injuries is to get fit before you go. Make sure you are exercising your legs for a couple of months if possible.

My favourite skiing prep is going to HIIT classes at the gym. Failing this, try regular squats, running up and down stairs, or going on your bike.

Let’s hope I’ve managed to get it just right…

Big Weekend and Bowls Bash initiatives.

Ken said: "All this by voluntary members, who have worked particularly hard for the past year.

"Bowls is truly a sport for all – whether you are young or young at heart. There is no age barrier.

"It is a very social activity, which only takes a minute to learn but a lifetime to master.

"The club welcomes those that have never tried the game as well as more experienced bowlers."

The new season commences in April and the club is inviting anyone who would like to find out more or is interested in some free coaching to get in touch.

Ken Maynard, from the volunteer-run club, said it had had an "outstanding" year, attracting many new members, providing coaching and introducing newcomers to the sport through fun and open day events including the Bowls

For more details visit the club's Facebook page, call Jane Warburton on 07712 315981 or email jewarburton12@gmail. com.