Bowling club in fight for survival

CROMPTON Bowling Club is on a knife edge as it looks for a major boost to survive the tough climate.

The Glebe Street club, which has 150 members, is desperate to increase its membership and attract sponsors.

Darts, cribs, bowls and a bar are offered at the venue, as well as Sunday quiz nights and an artist on Saturdays, but the club still struggles to bring in fresh faces.

Bob Horrocks, club secretary of 13 years and member for 45 years, said: “When I started coming here there were seven divisions. Now there are only four.

“The members are keeping us going but we are constantly on a knife edge.

“People don’t have the money to come any more. We are okay as long as we keep having fund-raising days but we could really do with some new members or sponsorship to bring the cash in.

“In the winter we only open Friday to Monday as it gets so quiet. A lot of people don’t even know we’re here because we’re tucked into a housing estate.”

The club, which once had 250 members, has a loan of £9,500 which it is slowly managing to pay off.

Mr Horrocks added: “There’s a lot of clubs in this area who would laugh that amount off — they would say it was silly money and they still keep going. We just want to keep going — to get ahead instead of always being on the breadline.”

Members are holding a fund-raising day with a raffle at the club, from noon until late on Sunday, May 29.

Prizes of a mountain bike and halogen grill have been donated by Warburtons and JD Williams respectively. Admission will be free but it is hoped that visitors will donate money on the night.

If anyone can donate a prize, would like to become a member or sponsor or wants details on hiring a function room, contact Bob Horrocks on 07972-206 461.