A tired wooden clubhouse at Dursley Bowls Club has been given a new lease of life thanks to a £53,000 refurbishment backed by the club, local councils and Gloucestershire Freemasons.
The clubhouse had become increasingly worn after many years of service, while the bowls club itself was flourishing. Members decided it was time for the facilities to match the strength of the club and rolled up their sleeves to raise £12,000 towards the work.
Stroud District Council provided a major boost with a £17,600 grant, while Dursley Town Council contributed a further £5,000.
Gloucestershire Freemasons then stepped in to help the club find the final £6,000, donating £2,500 through Gloucestershire Masonic Charity Action (GMCA), which helped unlock further fundraising.
GMCA trustees Rob Stephens and Sean Sullivan recently visited the club to see what the funding had achieved – and were persuaded to have a go on the green themselves.
“Covid made people realise just how valuable social clubs such as this one are,” said club secretary Gill Meadows.
“We provide fun, friendship, fitness and fresh air to our seventy members aged from ten to ninety-five. Why sit at home on your own watching television when you have this on your doorstep?”
After a quick lesson from Level Two Bowls Coach Gill, Rob and Sean took to the green.
Both were instantly hooked.
“I think it’s a great pastime,” said Sean. “On a beautiful day like this, in such a lovely spot so close to Dursley town centre, with everyone enjoying themselves playing and chatting, I think it’s a tremendous way for just about anyone to spend their time.
“The clubhouse now reflects the strength and comradeship of the club: it’s bright, airy and welcoming – especially the bar!”
Rob added: “I was immediately struck by how friendly and welcoming everyone is.
“The atmosphere here is completely relaxed and yet the club manages to get to a very high level in national competitions for a small provincial town club.”
The club has a long history in the town. Listers set up Dursley Bowls Club in 1949 and, when the company closed down, bequeathed it to the town.
More than 75 years later, it has grown into an important community asset, bringing together people of all ages and helping strengthen the local community.
Ian Davies, head of Gloucestershire’s 2,500 Freemasons, said: “I’m really pleased that the grant, which comes from our members, has meant that the club can continue to give so much pleasure to so many people.”
