Our love affair with bowling
About Tenpin
At Tenpin, we are proud to be one of the largest ten pin bowling brands in the UK, offering a great day or night out for all. Ten Entertainment Group Plc, the parent company of Tenpin, was formed in 2017, but its owners have a long history in the sport which pre-dates this time. Tenpin Limited is a member of the Tenpin Bowling Proprietors Association with more than 50 bowling alleys across the UK with plans to add more. We have over 20 years of bowling history so we know our stuff! Several of our existing sites were formally known as Megabowl back in the day until we refurbished and rebranded, then became the show-stopping, all-singing, and dancing entertainment centres we are today
More than just a bowling alley
Here at Tenpin, we’re not just about 10 pin bowling though. Our other indoor activities include laser tag, karaoke, soft play, escape rooms, and our newest concept, crazy golf. These are complemented by our fun-filled arcades, pool and table tennis tables. We also have a great food and drink offering across our bowling alleys, including fully licensed bars, where you can also keep up to date with the latest from TNT and Sky Sports.
Our varied family-focused entertainment offerings have helped a visit to your local bowling alley remain as popular as ever. But where did the UK’s love affair with bowling all start?
Evidence of tenpin bowling in World War II
Sweden was the first country in Europe to offer a ten pin bowling experience in 1909, but the first evidence of the types of lanes we’re now used to seeing at bowling alleys in the UK came about during World War II. This is because they were introduced in US military bases in the UK, as the sport was extremely popular with Americans.
1950 onwards
At the end of the 1950s, two American manufacturers of tenpin machinery - AMF and Brunswick realised they had essentially saturated the market for their products in America. So next, they decided to conquer the UK. In 1960, the first UK bowling alley opened in Stamford Hill. The Guardian recently republished an archive report of the news of its opening, where the sport was described as making “a great contribution to human happiness” and creating a “warm glow of euphoria” around “a streamlined, mechanised, modern version of the old English game of skittles”.
The governing body for the sport in the US, the American Bowling Congress (ABC) took an interest in the expansion into the UK market and helped British bowlers set up their own governing body. In 1961, the British Tenpin Bowling Association was formed and the association’s first general secretary Maurice Glazer was eventually awarded an MBE for his services to the sport in the UK.
More than seventy years on, bowling still proves to be a great way to spend time with family and friends and enjoy a little bit of friendly competition.
Benefits of bowling
Bowling is a game where style often takes a backseat and where the sweet sound of a strike can make anyone's day. But have you ever stopped to ponder the deeper impact of this seemingly straightforward sport? Beyond the neon lights, the polished lanes, and the unmistakable clatter of pins, there's a world of benefits that often goes unnoticed.
You see, bowling isn't just about trying to knock down ten pins with a hefty ball. It's a dance of precision, strategy, and sometimes sheer luck. It's a game that brings people together, forging connections and sparking rivalries. Whether you're a seasoned pro with your own custom ball or a newbie who still uses the bumpers, there's a place for you in the bowling alley. It's an inclusive sport, one that welcomes all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
Bowling, with all its quirks and charms, is a silent champion for mental health. It's not just a game; it's therapy disguised as fun. As we delve deeper into the world of strikes, spares, and the occasional gutter ball, you'll discover several ways this age-old sport bolsters the mind and lifts the spirit.
Strike out stress
Ah, stress. That pesky little gremlin that seems to have taken up permanent residence in our lives. It's that nagging feeling that keeps us up at night, wondering if we've replied to all our emails, if the kids have done their homework, or if that casserole in the oven has turned into charcoal. Life, with its endless to-do lists and unexpected curveballs, can sometimes feel like you're juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Phew!
Now, imagine a place where you can channel all that pent-up frustration, anxiety, and stress into one singular action. A place where you can, quite literally, strike out all those worries. Welcome to the world of bowling! Picture this: you, standing at the start of a glossy lane, with a weighty bowling ball in hand. As you take a deep breath, you visualise all your stresses and strains as those ten pins standing mockingly at the other end. With a determined stride and a focused aim, you release the ball. It glides, it spins, and then - crash! - those pins scatter in all directions, much like your scattered thoughts being brought to order.
The sheer act of bowling, with its rhythmic motions and the satisfying sound of pins crashing, can be a form of almost therapy. It's a physical representation of knocking down your worries, one frame at a time. And the beauty of it? Even if you don't get it quite right the first time, there's always another chance. Another opportunity to recalibrate, refocus, and release. So, the next time the weight of the world feels a bit too heavy on your shoulders, remember there's a bowling lane waiting for you to strike out that stress and roll into relaxation.
The Social Butterfly's Ultimate Boost
The beauty of this game lies in its ability to bring people together. It's not just about the strikes or spares; it's about the shared moments in between. The high-fives after a perfect shot, the playful teasing after a gutter ball, and the collective groans and cheers as the last pin teeters on the edge. Every roll, every turn, becomes a conversation starter, leading to laughter, stories, and yes, a big dose of friendly banter.
But let's delve a bit deeper. Beyond the fun and games, these social interactions play a pivotal role in our mental well-being. In an age where digital connections often overshadow face-to-face interactions, activities like bowling become even more essential. They act as a balm, helping to combat the creeping feelings of loneliness and isolation that many of us face. Being surrounded by loved ones, engaging in a bit of friendly competition, feeling the camaraderie – it all contributes to a sense of belonging and community.
And speaking of competition, who can resist the thrill of a challenge? The stakes might be low, but the excitement is real. Whether it's vying for the title of 'Bowling Champion' or setting cheeky wagers – perhaps the one with the lowest score treats everyone to a round of drinks or takes on the first karaoke song for the night – it's all in good fun. After all, it's these playful moments, these shared experiences, that make bowling nights unforgettable.
Delving into Mindful Movements
While it might not have you sweating and panting like a high-intensity HIIT session, bowling demands its own unique blend of concentration and physical prowess.
Every time you step up to that lane, you're not just throwing a ball; you're engaging in a dance of precision. The way you position your feet, the angle of your approach, the grip on the ball, the swing of your arm, and the moment of release—all these elements come together in a harmonious sequence. It's a moment where you must be wholly in the present, letting go of distractions and focusing solely on the task at hand.
This act of being completely present and immersed in the activity is, in essence, a practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness, as many of us are aware, is the art of being fully engaged in the present moment, and its benefits for mental well-being are well-documented. It helps reduce stress, improve focus, and foster a sense of inner peace. So, every time you're on that bowling lane, remember, you're not just aiming for a strike; you're also indulging in a mindful exercise that nurtures your mental health. Quite the two-for-one deal, wouldn't you say?
Achievement Unlocked: The Joy of Progress
There's an undeniable thrill that comes with watching your bowling skills evolve over time. Remember those early days? When the ball seemed to have a magnetic attraction to the gutter, and a spare felt like a distant dream? Well, look at you now! Perhaps you've transitioned from those frequent gutter balls to masterfully curving your way to a spare. Or even better, you've managed to hit that exhilarating strike, sending all ten pins crashing in a glorious display.
But the journey doesn't stop there. Every game, every frame offers a new opportunity to outdo yourself. And with each small victory, whether it's perfecting a new technique or finally beating your personal best, comes a surge of confidence. It's a testament to your dedication, practice, and resilience.
Moreover, for those who've delved deep into the world of bowling, there's a particular achievement that stands out - the turkey. For those not in the know, that's the coveted trio of strikes, achieved back-to-back. It's the hat-trick of the bowling world, and there's an unmatched euphoria that comes with it.
In essence, the journey of improvement in bowling is not just about the game; it's a reflection of personal growth, determination, and the joy of overcoming challenges. So, here's to every achievement, big or small, and the continued pursuit of bowling excellence! 🎳🏆
So, there you have it, four solid reasons why bowling is a hidden gem for mental health. If you've been on the fence about giving it a go, consider this your sign. And remember, whether you're a pro aiming for that perfect game or a newbie just trying to avoid the gutters, it's all in good fun. So, gather your crew, head to your local Tenpin, and let the good times roll!
Book your bowling alley experience at Tenpin today and see for yourself why it’s still such a popular pastime!