Bowled over
Edinburgh postwoman and Bowls Scotland captain, Megan Grantham successfully steered her team to victory for the first time in 10 years at the British Isles Women’s Bowls Council (BIWBC) Junior International Series.
Megan also recently took part in the Atlantic Championships for lawn bowls in Cardiff as part of the Bowls Scotland team, where she helped deliver a bronze medal in the fours as well as helping the team qualify for the 2020 World Bowls Championships in Australia – her next big focus
Megan first started bowling at the age of six at her local club. ‘Bowling has always played a big part of my family life,’ said Megan. ‘My papa (grandad) and my dad, as well as my younger brother and sister all played bowls, and my coach, Eleanor, has given up so much time to help me develop and improve my game.’
Megan first represented Scotland when she was just 13 at under-17 level. Now at under-25 level she has had the honour of being team captain for the past two years. In 2018, she was part of the successful team that won the British Isles under-25s pairs championships.
‘The highlight of my bowling career to date was being selected to play in the Atlantic Championships,’ said Megan. ‘This is a multi-nation tournament and qualifying event for the World Championships which are being held on the Gold Coast in Australia next year. I helped deliver a bronze medal in the fours and helped us qualify for all disciplines for Australia.
‘The thing I love most about bowls is it really is a sport for all with no barriers. An eight-year-old could be playing against an 80-year-old, man or woman, it really is a game for all. I try to encourage as many people as possible both young and old to try the game as it has so much to offer.
‘Not only does it help build character, but it also helps you with individual goals and targets and teaches you about being part of a team and working for each other. Most importantly though, for someone just starting out, it’s really fun and life-long friendships can be built.’
Megan has been working at Royal Mail for less than a year, but her family has strong ties with the business. Her father Peter worked as a postman in Edinburgh for just under 20 years and her auntie Nicki has been with Market Drayton Delivery Office for 22 years.
‘I can’t thank Royal Mail enough for their help and support, as without this, it wouldn’t be possible to achieve what I’m doing,’ said Megan. ‘Hopefully I’ll be selected for Australia 2020 and then the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022. I’d like to say a special thanks to my manager John Ramseywho is also a keen bowler and manages to play to a good standard at club level.’
