It’s not only Team GB’s curling team who have been enjoying a wave of publicity since their Olympic medal success. Lancashire’s only curling rink has also been making news across the North West and beyond.
The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre in Brock, Lancashire has been inundated with media requests since Team GB won a gold and silver in Beijing. Home to the North of England’s only dedicated curling rink, the centre has long championed this unique sport.
Activities manager, Ruaraidh Whyte, has been busy on and off the ice in the weeks following the Olympics. He has been interviewed on Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine Show and ITV’s Granada Reports with journalists keen to find out more about curling. The Flower Bowl’s Alfie Topping also appeared on a slot on BBC North West Tonight.
The Lancashire Evening Post ran a full-page article on The Flower Bowl after journalist Ellie Double tried her hand at curling. A news reporter from Rock FM visited the Flower Bowl to record a feature that appeared on the radio channel and its website. BBC Lancashire, Preston Hub and Lancs Live also all published online stories.
There has already been a surge in bookings at The Flower Bowl since the media coverage. Ruaraidh says: "We always knew that when we got round to the Olympic cycle that it would have an effect, so we're hoping it pushes the amount of people that want to have a shot. Hopefully we can try to retain them and get a bit more hype to keep that going all year round and hopefully grow the sport in England itself. Maybe get some new English champions, and who knows, maybe Team GB again in the future.”
The Flower Bowl offers a range of curling sessions for beginners, families and children as well as having clubs for school and other junior groups. Curling is also a popular team building event as it’s a sport most people haven’t tried so everyone is equal on the ice. The Flower Bowl events team can organise a bespoke package to suit your exact requirements with food, drink and activities included.