Sport England: Active Together has provided £1,000 of match funding
Britannia bowling green irrigation system
Chesterfield, England, United Kingdom
Aim
Fundraising project to acquire an automated bowling green watering system at the Britannia Bowling Club, Brampton, Chesterfield
Who are we... 
Well-placed within the heart of the Chesterfield suburb of Brampton, Britannia Bowling Club are a Crown Green bowling club with competitive and social dimensions.
Vision
Britannia Bowling Club's vision is to play an increasingly important role in the local community and wider bowling fraternity. We aim to achieve this through greater interaction with local schools, community involvement and fundraising for local charitable causes, whilst keeping residents socially and physically active. It is our ambition to host prestigious local and regional bowling events.
History & Community involvement
At the heart of Brampton for over 120 years, past members have won the renowned Champion of Champions at the Waterloo. Originally a flat green the bowling club plays an important role in keeping residents socially and physically active. Increasingly in recent years new members have come via GP referrals for health and wellbeing. Pupils from a nearby Area Special School are frequent visitors undertaking activities in a safe outside environment. As well as league bowling the club hosts local Probus Clubs, Societies and Open Days and participates in the annual Brampton Festival.
Without a watering system in place we risk losing the green and with it the bowling club, its heritage and the important role it plays in the local community.
Covid-19
The last year has seen the ravages of Covid-19 and the prolonged hot and drought-like conditions of the spring/summer of 2020 take its toll on the Club's membership and bowling green. In addition the suspension of league bowling in 2020 and delayed start to this season has resulted in a significant loss of revenue from match fees, refreshment sales and raffles.
Nevertheless Britannia were the only club County-wide to organise a local mini league in 2020, inviting other bowling clubs to participate in line with governing body and national Covid-safe guidelines. This allowed for the temporary resumption of competitive and social interaction on and around the green, which had been sorely missed, and reflects the spirit and will to overcome adversity that exists within the Club.
Way forward
Despite the best endeavours of the membership operating a watering rota, the bowling green suffered badly in 2020, and members had to carry out significant maintenance in September to save the green. Having obtained expert advice and factored in the likelihood of more frequent hot and drought-like summers the decision was taken to install an automated watering system. By scheduling watering overnight less evaporation and scorching will occur and by utilising water harvesting from the clubhouse roof this will also reduce mains water usage. The overall result is less water is used and the green thrives.
Project Goals
The Club has sourced a suitable irrigation system from a local business. However the impact of Covid-19 on the Club's finances has resulted in a shortfall and the Club is aiming to raise £2,500 towards the cost of acquiring an irrigation system. Please view the many and varied rewards sourced from local businesses to encourage you to donate. Every contribution no matter how small will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read our Crowdfunder page.
How you can help us
- by making a donation - every donation helps towards our target
- by purchasing one of the rewards on offer
- by becoming a club member - see rewards section
- by signing up for one of our bowling taster sessions - see rewards section
Did you know...
Brilliant Bowling Benefits
Friendly Sociable Fun Competitive Active Fresh-Air Relaxing Downtime away from Screens (TV Mobiles Tablets etc) Inexpensive Accessible Suitable for all Ages.
Bowling promotes: Coordination Balance Flexibility Fitness Strength (arm shoulder and leg muscles) Endurance Concentration Strategy Mental Health Wellbeing Confidence Sense of Belonging Camaraderie Teamwork Respect.
What are you waiting for?
For a taster session please do get in touch by claiming your reward or visit www.bcgba.org.uk for a club near you.
This project successfully funded on 30th June 2021