MEMBERS of a bowling club celebrating its 275th birthday are gutted that the National Lottery isn’t backing them.
Hurst Bowling Club, believed to have England’s second oldest bowling green, is desperate to replace its 160-year-old damp, wooden club house.
They said that the smell of decay pervades everything in it and the building is beyond repair. They urgently need modern toilets suitable for disabled people, they explained.
For 10 years the club has welcomed lonely and isolated people who use Wokingham’s Link visiting scheme. They visit weekly to play bowls, chat and enjoy a cup of tea and cake.
The National Lottery’s community fund has declined the club’s grant request to help them rebuild, but the club does not know why.
Fundraiser Ronnie Ashley said: “I really understand the term ‘gutted’ now. It really stuck in our throats when they refused us a grant. They courted us for nine months, asking for different things.
“We gave them many details about tree surveys, light pollution, planning permission, architects’ drawings and bat boxes.
“Then they gave us the cold shoulder. We don’t know why. I think the problem is Hurst Bowling Club sits in an extremely affluent area.”
She felt the fund directed money to deprived areas with more black and ethnic minority people and ex-offenders.
“But we have people from all of Wokingham borough and around it. We don’t ask them for their pedigrees,” she said.
A spokesperson for the National Lottery Community Fund, said: “This was a tough decision to make and we understand Hurst Bowling Club is disappointed with the outcome. Our grants are highly sought after with demand exceeding the money available.
“Unfortunately, this means we are unable to fund all the applications we receive. We wish Hurst Bowling Club all the best with its great work and are grateful for the patience and support [members] showed while we explored a range of options with them regarding their application.”
The club, behind the Castle Inn in Church Hill, has raised £70,000 and Sport England has pledged £50,000. They still need £140,000 more. Last year they recruited 40 new members, bringing membership to 75.
“Our best 275th birthday present would be more donations and grants,” said Mrs Ashley.
The birthday year includes the first county match at Hurst for five years and an open day and fun day.
Last October Hurst MP Theresa May agreed to be the club’s patron.
“She told us there’s a bowling green at the Houses of Parliament,” said Mrs Ashley.
“She’s had a go but said she wasn’t good at it. I said it just needed practice.”
Dr WG Grace, the famous cricketer, played bowls at Hurst in 1905.
To contact the club secretary, email: smilner@superlative.org
