Bowling club '˜thrilled' as all-weather surface is finished

The Gosport Bowling Club on Anglesea Road is now the only club in the area to boast an all-weather green, which will allow members to play all year round.

Social secretary Tom Stark, 70, said: ‘It has been just over 14 months since we applied for the green’s funding and we are thrilled that it has finally been completed.

‘Previously, we haven’t been able to play throughout the year, because grass surfaces simply cannot handle wet weather conditions – we would organise socials in that time, but it just didn’t have the same atmosphere.’

Mr Stark said that the club was very fortunate to have such supportive funding, as well as a great team on the committee.

He said: ‘TML, the Co-operative, ASDA, Waitrose and Morrisons gave us some support, and we have been very fortunate with how brilliant they all were.

‘I’d also like to thank Avril, Peter, Richard, Dianne, Robbie, Derek and Brian, as well as Ken Stanbury, the club secretary.’

With the new playing surface now installed, the club plans to expand its membership and become more inclusive of all ages.

Mr Stark said: ‘We are trying to get some of the schools involved with the sport – a couple of them are interested in adding it to their curriculum, which is fantastic news.

‘We want to press the fact that this is a sport for all ages – not just for us golden oldies!’