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Skittles celebrated at town's photo exhibition

Ross Pollard,Somersetand
James Diamond,West of England
News imageJoss Barratt A woman wearing an animal print cardigan is preparing to throw a skittle ball down an alley with people watching her from behind.Joss Barratt
The game of skittles has been played for hundreds of years

A photo exhibition highlighting the game of skittles has been described as a "wonderful celebration" of the tradition.

The exhibition was put together by photographer Joss Barratt and showcases personal and candid photos taken during competitions in Bridgwater, Somerset.

The sport, which goes back hundreds of years in the West Country and is similar to tenpin bowling, has close ties to Somerset with many clubs and leagues.

Councillor Leigh Redman, the deputy mayor of Bridgwater, said: "Skittles has played an important role in the town's social history and Joss Barratt's work captures that sense of community with real warmth and authenticity."

News imageJoss Barratt A group of men are cheering in a skittle alley after performing well at skittles. Two men are sitting at two long tables which have drinks on them.Joss Barratt
One of the photos in the display highlights the joy of winning a game

The photos are on display at the Engine Room, the base for Somerset Film.

Deb Richardson, creative director at Somerset Film, said: "I was looking for something that showcased working class culture in Bridgwater and skittles was the thing!"

"People ask why skittles and I say 'why not?'.

"It's a really important part of this local community.

"I don't worry about the future of skittles, having met the teams and the inter generational nature of it," Richardson added.

News imageTerry is smiling at the camera. He is wearing dark-framed glasses and a navy t-shirt. There is a skittle alley behind him and two people stand in the background.
Terry Innalls says members of his family play skittles with him

Terry Innalls, from Bridgwater, has been playing skittles for more than 60 years.

"I started playing when I was 19," he said.

Many Bridgwater teams and leagues are made up of generations of the same family.

Innalls said: "In the team now I've got a granddaughter that plays in the mixed league, three grandsons that play in the mixed league and I've got a great-granddaughter tonight who is sticking up."

In the game, "sticking up" refers to the person responsible for resetting the skittles after they have been knocked down.

News imageJoss Barratt A woman is shown throwing the ball down a skittle alley. She is wearing a red top, black shorts and white trainers. A man stands and watches in the background.Joss Barratt
The exhibition captures the community spirit behind the game

Photographer Joss Barratt said he really wanted the photos to capture the feeling that "you're there with them and not looking at them."

"On a bigger picture it's not about skittles it's about sort of social cohesion and social continuity," he said.

The exhibition "The Skittle Players of Bridgwater" will be at The Engine Room until Thursday 21 May.

News imageJoss Barratt A woman gets ready to throw a ball down a skittle alley. She is wearing boots, jeans and a grey jumper. There are pictures in frames on a grey-coloured wall behind her.Joss Barratt
Another photo that is on display at the Engine Room in Bridgwater

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