Purchasing an automated sprinkler system

Aim

To purchase an automated sprinkler system to ensure just enough water is applied to make best use of water resources and optimise our green.

Who are we?

Winterton on sea bowls club is a small friendly outdoor bowling club situated adjacent to a playing field on the edge of the village with easy access and plenty of parking.  We welcome members from surrounding villages, holiday makers and day visitors to our area.

We play from April as the weather permits until late September.  If you have never bowled before, you are welcome to 'come and try' for free' on a roll up day which currently are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons.  Bowls will be provided and help is given where needed.

We have 50 members at present and are a self help club.  We rely heavily on members taking on different roles from administrative tasks to ground / club maintenance.  Whilst ground maintenance is carried out by a small core team, other tasks such as hedge trimming, simple painting,  building cleaning and upkeep; involve a wider group of members.  Anyone who is willing to help is welcomed with open arms.

Why are we crowdfunding?

The bowls club has historically drawn water from a well point and this collapsed last year and this coincided with warmest and driest summer recorded it has had a very negative impact on our green.

Over the Autumn we have raised funds to replace the well point but have been advised we also need an automated watering system to help repair the damage, prevent future damage and guarantee a viable, safe and effective playing surface for everyone including those who require additional support.

There are also a number of group homes in the village and surrounding area with people who have learning difficulties, we hope to inspire these residents to take up bowls too.

Last year we took part in a local fair and attracted a number of younger people by providing an improved playing green we hope to develop a youth membership.

How we’ll spend the money raised

We will be purchasing a 5,600 litre PE Water storage tank which we will fill from our new well point. £2,764.05

We will be purchasing a DAB Jet Pump complete with a 100 litre pressure vessel, pressure switch, gauge and drain down point.  Plus an electronic float inside the water tank to cut off the the pump in case of low water level (safety feature). £1,506.32

A range of pipework and cabling £420.03 will be purchased

An Orbit 6 Controller system £399.18

Irrigation system including  eight Hunter I25 pop up sprinklers and a ninth centre sprinkler with mobile tripod. £4,066.08

A range of sundry items including testing and commissioning of the system members will be trained in its use and maintenance. £465.37

VAT £1,924.21

Total £11,545.24

Club members are doing some of the enabling work such as laying a concrete base for the water tank.

Community impact

Currently our club provides 3 roll up sessions a week.  Immediately following the installation of the new automated watering system we will hold an additional weekly 'family focussed day' to be held on Sundays throughout the season.

We are exploring with local schools how to give them access to the green to promote bowling within the wider sports curriculum.  Thus talent spotting the next generation of players.

In our local area, there are a number of group homes for people with 'learning difficulties' and 'mental health' issues we hope to introduce bowling to these residents and offer a source of both enjoyment and mindfulness.

This coming season we are going to offer associate membership to those seeking companionship but who do not wish to bowl.  During the summer we already run 3 fun days and over the last winter we have started games afternoons (in our clubhouse) including, Darts, Pool, Card and Board games for members and we will promote this to the wider community.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made