Les Andrews started playing bowls some 15 years ago and he admitted he became “quite addicted” to the sport.

So much so that he’s now in his sixth season as captain of the men’s section at Cirencester Bowls Club and he’s an active captain too because in the summer he plays three times a week.

He is also a coach, a role that gives him a lot of satisfaction.

“I coach potential new members,” he told The Local Answer. “Hopefully we’re going to be offering improver coaching sessions as well.”

Now 72, Les was a golfer back in the day.

“I played at Lilley Brook and South Cerney,” he said. “But I had major surgery 15 years ago and I was looking for something less physically demanding.

“I started to play bowls and became quite addicted.”

He played off 23 when he was a golfer but ask him which sport he prefers and he says “bowls” without a moment’s hesitation.

“It doesn’t take long to learn the basics,” he said. “And once you’ve grasped the basics it’s a very interesting game in terms of strategy. You need an eye for it.”

Les, who also played badminton when he was younger, is originally from London and moved to Cirencester, where he still lives, 30 years ago.

“It’s a lovely town,” he said, “it’s like a big village. It’s not very often I walk through town and don’t meet someone I know.”

A lot of those friendly faces are members of Cirencester Bowls Club and Les, as you’d expect, is a very big supporter.

“We have 70 members and quite a few social members,” he said. “It’s a lovely club.”

His wife Chris has tried bowls but golf is her number one sport.

“She plays at Lilley Brook, she’s a confirmed golfer,” laughs Les.

Les, meanwhile, is hoping that the sport of bowls can capitalise on the exposure it will receive at this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. 

“It will feature prominently,” he said, “hopefully people will see what an enjoyable game it is to play.”