Proud moment as club unveils new £106K HQ
The Strawberry Gardens Bowls Club, based behind the pub of the same name on Poulton Road, officially opened its new facility on Saturday.
Club members had been preparing for the new facility for two years.
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Hide AdThe new pavilion was made possible when the club received a £75,000 grant after a successful bid to Sport England.
Additional cash came from a number of Fleetwood businesses which sponsored the event.
The new clubhouse boasts an entrance lobby, changing rooms, ladies and gents toilets, a club kitchen, office, storeroom and workshop with greenskeeping equipment.
Before the new pavilion, members had been using a dilapidated building which dated from the mid 19th century and was one of the oldest buildings in Fleetwood.
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Hide AdIt was believed to be a former stable but had to be demolished.
The club, believed to be one of the oldest on the Fylde coast, has been based on the premises since the 1850s.
Dave Walters, honorary secretary of the club, said: “It has taken two years of planning and hard work but we have finally made it.
“Apart from being good news for us, it will be good new for every team we play because they will be able to make use of the facilities.
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Hide Ad“It’s a proud moment for the club to unveil a clubhouse like this.”
The official opening was followed by bowling on the green and there was free tuition for non-bowlers and anyone joining on the day was able to take advantage of half price membership. Refreshments were also served on the day.
The club has thanked all the sponsors who backed the scheme and helped provide the substantial amount of additional cash to ensure it could go ahead.
Financial support came from James Jackson’s Central Garage, JP Dell Funeral Directors, Mike Sanderson Electrical, Phil Cossey Plasterer and Marina Quay Fisheries.
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Hide AdThe new clubhouse was first used in a competitive match on Tuesday afternoon, when Cleveleys Working mens Club were the visitors.
Strawberry Gardens Bowls Club currently has 11 teams playing in seven leagues, and includes three ladies teams.
Dave added: “The club is thriving and this new facility can only help.We think it is something that the town itself can be proud of.”
Among those attending the launch were Dave and Maureen Shaw, who run the neighbouring Strawberry Gardens pub.