Bilton Bowling Club have shown local MP Mark Pawsey the renovation at their bowling green made possible by the SUEZ Communities Trust funding.
Mark was shown around by David Croskell, Chair of the Management Committee, Steve Thorogood, Treasurer, and Margaret Kinder, Ladies Club President. The £20,000 of funding received by Bilton Bowling Club has helped to refurbish the ditch which runs around the edge of the bowling green. The green was previously surrounded by railway sleepers which were beginning to rot, risking injury to spectators, and damage to the bowls and the green. With the SUEZ Communities Trust funding, the green is now ringed by a newly restored ditch, lined with grass covered concrete blocks, which will help to preserve the green and provide a safe area for spectators to watch games.
The club plays games during the week and at the weekend against the other teams in Rugby, as well as teams from Coventry, Lutterworth and Leamington. The clubs play men’s, ladies and mixed games and the Bilton Bowling Club Ladies team won the Ladies Sunday Trophy for the area in last year’s season.
For those looking to get involved, Bilton Bowling Club is holding an open day this Sunday, 20th May 2018 between 11am and 4pm at which all are welcome to try a roll out on the green.
Speaking after having a go at bowling himself, Mark said:
“It was great to visit Bilton Bowling Club and find out more about how Suez’s funding has helped them to continue playing and to improve their facilities. It’s good to see funding going towards preserving recreational spaces which are open for the whole community to enjoy. I’d encourage anyone with an interest in bowling to go along on Sunday 20th where they will get a very warm reception, as I did when I tried my hand under Steve and David’s instruction.”
Mark continued:
“What was immediately obvious from speaking to David, Steve and Margaret was the tremendous sense of community and pride that goes into maintaining and organising the club. As well as their record of fielding both men’s and ladies teams to bowl, Bilton Bowling Club has also won a Rugby in Bloom Award 2017 for their grounds which is a testament to the hard work of club members and volunteers.”
Steve Thorogood, Treasurer of Bilton Bowling Club added:
“Bilton Bowling Club is grateful to SUEZ communities Trust for their contribution to this project. We look forward to being able to continue to provide opportunities for the Bilton and surrounding area communities to enjoy the game of Bowls. On the Open Day the club can provide the necessary equipment, participants should however wear flat soled shoes for the event.”