The bowling green at WFSSC is a members’ club, open to anyone.
The green has been restored and brought back to life from an unplayable standard to near match readiness. It has taken five years of care, reseeding and renovation.
There are, however, a number of jobs still to compete, which is why the bowling section of the club are crowd funding. We need accessible pathways to and around the green, handrails for safety down the steps and slope plus a bowling pavilion for storage, inclement weather and social engagent. The bowling section, many of whom have joined from CLWB are leading on the fundraising, with the aim to move their match play permanently to Withnell Fold next season.
The sports club is a welcoming, inclusive place to play bowls alongside croquet, cricket and tennis. Beginners, improvers and experts can all work together encouraging school children, older people and, with the accessibly improved, disabled people to will benefit from this environment.
Why are we crowdfunding?
It's heartwarming to see the community spirit as we embark on an exciting new chapter for our bowling club! After the unexpected loss of our previous green, we've been incredibly lucky to find a new home here at beautiful Withnell Fold. Now, we need your kind support to bring this green to life, creating a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy both friendly games and competitive matches and to become a thriving, self-sustaining hub where our community feels truly at home, we're reaching out for a helping hand.
How we’ll spend the money raised
Your generous donations will directly contribute to:
* Continuing to restore the green to its full glory: This includes carefully recutting and boarding the runoff ditches and nurturing the surface to achieve a smooth, fine texture perfect for play.
* Creating accessible pathways for all: We envisage a green that everyone can easily access. Your contribution will help us lay new, sturdy pathways with handrails around at least three sides of the green and a major walkway from the car park, ensuring wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges can join in the fun.
* Building a welcoming community space: The existing shed has served its time, and we dream of replacing it with a larger, more versatile unit. This new space will allow us to serve refreshments, store essential equipment, and provide a sheltered area for everyone when the weather turns. With power and water, it will become the heart of our social activities.
More than just a bowling green, we aspire to create a vibrant, year-round community hub. We want to break the perception of a seasonal sports facility and offer a range of social activities, making our club a place for private and group gatherings throughout the year.
Community impact
Crown green bowling is a wonderful sport that brings people of all ages and abilities together. It's a fantastic way to connect generations, promoting both physical activity and vital social interaction. By supporting our project, you'll be helping to combat social isolation, foster meaningful connections, and boost the mental and social well-being of our community.
The essential upgrades to our new green will enable us to host a wider range of activities and transform our club into a cherished local landmark – a place where the community feels welcome, actively participates, and takes pride in supporting for years to come.
Every donation, no matter the size, will make a tangible difference in bringing this vision to life. Thank you for considering a contribution and becoming a vital part of our journey to create a thriving community asset at Withnell Fold.
How you can play your part
There are three 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! We have already secured some very generous offers of help from our local businesses. The bowling community is as strong as ever in the local area and we support each other whenever we can.
2. Spread the word. Please share our project on your social media pages and support 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 do our best to promote your business on our social media pages and at the club. We have already received some really generous from our business neighbours.
We are a sports and social club and with your help will have pride in our crown green bowling facilities. Our club is open to all ages and abilities, and we aim to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for anyone interested in joining the sport or simply enjoying our facilities. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a complete beginner, there’s a place for you here.
Our mission is to continue to foster a strong, supportive community where people can come together, stay active, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being part of a sports club. We want to encourage new participants to experience the benefits of bowling, build friendships, and be part of something special.
To realise this vision, we will need to invest in creating accessible pathways for all, including disabled and wheelchair users, and build a comfortable shelter. We believe this investment is crucial in upholding our commitment to our community, fostering active lifestyles, combating social isolation, and nurturing both mental and physical well-being.
Our community is at the heart of everything we do. We are passionate about working together, expanding our welcoming membership, and continuing our dedication to being a diverse and inclusive club where everyone feels they belong. We are embracing this new chapter with resilience and a deep belief in the power of community spirit.
