Bowling Club Benefits from Grant

Members of Wollerton Bowls and Social Club were presented this week with a grant to help with the renovation of the buildings at their premises in Mill Road. Five members of the Towns and Rural Communities Association (TARCA) visited the club to present members with a cheque for £2,860 towards the cost of building a new shelter and improving storage facilities. The work became necessary when an existing wooden scoring hut became unsafe.

TARCA Chairman Marion Venables accompanied by committee member Pauline Gear and  Treasurer Graham Stockton prsent the cheque to Wollerton Club Chairman Randall Hardy, Secretary Gordon Smith and Treasurer Michael Morgan
TARCA Chairman Marion Venables accompanied by committee member Pauline Gear and Treasurer Graham Stockton present the cheque to Wollerton Club Chairman Randall Hardy, Secretary Gordon Smith and Treasurer Michael Morgan
The TARCA committee is made up of residents from Meres and Mosses Housing Association and has a number of roles, including the assessment of applications from North Shropshire to Shropshire Housing Group’s Community Development Fund. More details about the Community Development Fund can be found here on Shropshire Housing Group’s website; the Community Chest makes available grants of up to £500, whilst grants of up to £5,000 can be obtained from the Community Development Fund. Members of TARCA who attended the presentation were Marion Venables (Chair), Lesley Ashcroft (Secretary), Graham Stockton (Treasurer) and committee members Pauline Gear and John Higginson.
Around 20 members of the club attended the evening, which included refreshments and a game of short-mat bowls. The club was founded in 1932, and is thought to be one of the oldest crown green bowling clubs in Shropshire. It is also said to have been the first bowling green in the county to have floodlights installed. These days the friendly atmosphere of the club attracts members from across the Market Drayton area. The fact that it also has some of the lowest membership fees in the locality may also contribute to its popularity.
WBSC_ClubLogoSChairman Randall Hardy says, “Everyone at the club is very grateful to TARCA for their support with the renovations. The work is being carried out at present and we hope to have an official opening of the new shelter later in the year, to which all local residents will be welcome.”
Wollerton has teams in several local leagues, with daytime and evening matches. It also runs in-club competitions throughout the season. The club is looking to recruit new members of all ages and abilities. It offers a free six week trial membership to potential new members, along with taster sessions. Bowls, jacks and mats can be provided by the club.
For more information please contact Gordon Smith (01630-653362) or Jenny Morgan (01630-685251) or see the club’s webpage.
 
TARCA committee members and Wollerton Bowling Club members witness the handing over of the grant.
TARCA committee members and Wollerton Bowling Club members witness the presentation of the grant.