The idea
Situated on the edge of Marsden Moor National Park with fabulous views of the Pennine hills and the village of Marsden, Hemplow Bowling Club (HBC) is a well established, independent sports club and community hub. Our aim is to provide a friendly, social space for those wishing to play, and learn to play crown green bowls. Having celebrated it's centenary in 2021 the club now needs to renovate, revitalise and grow to ensure its continuation. Renovation of the club house, pavilion and outdoor shelters form key aspects of the rejuvenation of the club which along with the renewal and upkeep of the bowling green underpin our aspirations to remain one of the best crown green surfaces in the Huddersfield area and maintain the tradition of hosting county matches and junior finals. All monies raised will be used to fund renovations.
What we'll deliver
- replace the supporting roof beam in the pavilion
- refurbish the pavilion (painting walls and varnishing furniture)
- Repair and painting of outside shelters & benches, plus outdoors waterproof seat pads
- service and maintenance of specialist, professional greenkeeper mower
- essential replacement of 40yr old green fixed, internal timber edging – £1400 including installation
- reinstatement of green edges following timber replacement
Why it's a great idea
Funded through membership subscription, Hemplow is a small, friendly, local club available to all Marsden residents and is an integral part of the sporting and recreational facilities sited on Mount Road along with the Golf Course, Cricket Club, Tennis Club and Marsden Football Club (juniors). The upkeep of the bowling green and its environs is central to ensuring the longevity of crown green bowling in Marsden. The sport of crown green bowling is inclusive, enabling participants of any age, gender or ability to participate. It brings both health and social benefits to all players including those with long term health conditions or disabilities and others who are looking to improve their physical and/or mental health. The opportunity for participants to socialise after each session is particularly helpful for those people who may be feeling isolated or lonely. In the last few years, the green in Marsden Park has been decommissioned leaving HBC as the only bowling green in the village
Steps to get it done
- Contract let for replacement of the forty year old bowling green timber edging
- Essential timber edging replaced prior to start of 2024 season start
- Pavilion roof beam replaced
- Pavilion refurbished
- outside shelters painted
- professional green keeping mower service and maintenance completed
- club house refurbished
After being closed for many years, the club was re-established in 1993 following the building of a new crown green surface and has enjoyed a steady membership since its formation. Having been in existence for over 100 years the club now needs to renovate, revitalise and attract new members, particularly young people to ensure its continuation. In 2017, the British Crown Green Bowling Association supported a “bowl for health” research project aimed at quantifying the health and social aspects of bowling. This project found that 68% of participants increased their physical activity with 44% saying they were in better physical condition, had lost weight and had improved mobility. In addition, over 40% said their mental health had improved and feelings of isolation had reduced. Utilising village assets to their full potential is imperative to improve, or aid improvement in our community’s health and wellbeing.
