A RALLYING call has been issued for people across Bromsgrove to help secure the long-term future of a bowls club which has been in the district for 51 years.
Stoke Prior Bowling Club (crown green) had 66 members at its height but is now down to 25.
It has had some successes over the years, winning leagues and titles but it has been financially decimated by Covid-19.
The club had been battling to stay afloat after having to finance the move to a new site in 2018 and establishing a brand new green at Stoke Prior Country Club.
On top of this came Covid-19, which meant that the club’s activities were drastically curtailed, and revenue plummeted.
While some bowling among members has recently been possible to some degree, including some club competitions, members have missed competing against other clubs in the four leagues they have regularly competed in.
President Bob Hale said: “We have lost a few members because of age and we have had some youngsters join but we do need more people.”
Because of its nature crown green bowls is an ideal sport for social distancing.
There are usually four pairs on the expansive green enabling plenty of space for them to be at least a metre apart.
Players have their own bowls and the club has followed Coronavirus guidelines, sanitising the jacks and mats in between matches.
The club has launched a fund-raising campaign and a drive to recruit new members to keep the club viable and ensure it continues into 2021.
So while appreciating many clubs and businesses are presently struggling because of the pandemic, it has urged anyone who is able to help the club, either financially through sponsorship or by joining.
Anyone wanting to try out crown green bowling and/or become a member should email Bob at [email protected] or call him on 07896 771256.
