Date: 29/08/2007
New crown green bowls players aged between 7 and 78 have taken to the sport, thanks to the efforts of Manor Park Bowling Club, who, with the support of High Peak Borough Council, have been working to make bowling a sustainable sport for everyone.
Over the past year, the council has been working with 6 bowls clubs in the borough to enable them to manage the bowling greens themselves and access funds for development.
The members of Manor Park Bowling Club used the move to self-management to increase the profile of the sport of crown green bowling, which in turn has increased their membership.
With the help of the Glossop Bowling Development Group, a partnership which includes community and council sport development officers, 7 members of the Manor Park club took referees courses gaining first class certificates, and 5 members passed the instructors / coach course.
Manor Park Bowls Club also joined the Glossopdale Youth Action Group and became affiliated to the Glossopdale Sports and Recreation Forum. As a result, 10 schools have shown an interest in using the bowling facilities and enjoying the expertise within the club.
Over the past 3 weeks, the club has been running taster sessions for beginners. Nearly 80 new comers to the sport of all ages have attended, confirming that crown green bowling is a sport for all.
Dave Collier from Manor Park Bowls Club, said: "I am really delighted with the progress we have made. It puts bowling back on the sporting agenda in Glossop. Thank you to all who have supported us."
Councillor Andrew Bingham, High Peak Borough Council's Executive Member for Social and Community Development, said: "This is a splendid example of how the council is helping community groups to thrive and develop in a way, which is really benefiting all of our residents - particularly young people."