Radcliffe bowling club’s New Year resolution

Close Park Bowling Club has taken a big step to future sustainability by being the first club in Bury to sign a new 25-year self-management agreement.

The club was set up in 1979 and members will have seen a lot of changes to the park, the green and the club since then. This move will see them based in the park until 2029, securing their position in the Bury/Radcliffe bowling fraternity.

Self-management of sports facilities is not a new concept for Bury Council and sports clubs. Introduced around 15 years ago, it has enabled clubs to be more autonomous and allowed the facilities to be managed by the people who know what’s best for their particular site. Standards and satisfaction have increased as a result.

Councillor Jane Lewis, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “Close Park Bowling Club is a very forward thinking, pro-active club with the best interests of its members and the local community at heart, and this is a positive move towards maintaining bowling in the area.”

On behalf of the club’s committee and members, club secretary Janet Hopwood said: “This is a new era for our club and we are pleased to move forward in this way. We are looking forward to inviting old and new members to join us on the route and the council have made a support package available to us in relation to infrastructure maintenance and officer help and guidance, which will help us through the transition to full management, so we are not doing it alone.

“New members and teams are welcome to come down to Close Park. We also have a disabled group of bowlers who use the green and on non-match days everyone and anyone is welcome to give the game a try and perhaps even join the club. Contact details are on the park notice board.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 23 January 2014.

Photo opportunity: To arrange a photograph of club members and Cllr Lewis, please ring Mike Bent on 0161 253 5917.