A Shropshire bowling club which began when a group of players set an ambitious target to restore a historic bowling green in Monkmoor six years ago, has been backed by Homes Plus, the new name for South Staffordshire Housing Association, Severnside Housing and Stafford and Rural Homes.
Monkmoor Bowling Club has received a donation from our My Community fund, which supports projects making a positive difference to homes, lives and communities.
The new chapter in the life of Monkmoor Bowling Club began when a group of friends discovered that a piece of land next to a local pub had once been a hugely popular bowling green. The friends – some with a bowling history, others new to the game – set about bringing it back to life.
“We were told that the club used to be one of the biggest in Shropshire and a lot of people said they used to bowl there as children”, explained club member Richard Saunders. “We found photographs showing players standing on an immaculate bowling green. It was hard to imagine looking at the ground then, but we were determined to bring it back to its best.”
Five years later and after a lot of back-breaking work on the part of the dedicated volunteers, the green is on its way back towards its previous immaculate condition and the club is fielding a couple of teams in a local league as well as welcoming new members keen to try the sport for the first time. It is proud of its environmental credentials, too. Grass cuttings are composted by a community allotment and rain water is harvested to keep the playing surface green.
“There is a lot of interest in the area, with people stopping by when we’ve been working, to ask about getting involved in the sport,” said Richard Saunders. “It is starting to look really good now but there is so much more we want to do. The support from Homes Plus is fantastic. It’s going to help us make the club area safe and accessible for everyone and will allow us to meet the needs of new and experienced bowlers of all ages.”
Monkmoor Bowling Club applied for sponsorship from our My Community fund.
“We were really impressed by how much the club has accomplished in a short space of time,” said Chief executive Sarah Boden. “The club members have worked incredibly hard to achieve their vision. It is now a growing club, open to everyone and an asset for the community.
“In the last year we have all gained a new appreciation of the importance of outdoor exercise. Great places like Monkmoor Bowling Club are supporting mental and physical wellbeing as well as bringing local people together. We were delighted to be able to help the club and wish them all the very best for the future.”
Local charities, voluntary groups and community organisations can apply for funding from the My Community fund here.