Major Refurbishment Of Clubhouse For Burpham Bowlers

Published on: 19 Jan, 2021
Updated on: 19 Jan, 2021

A major refurbishment is taking place of Burpham Bowling Club’s clubhouse, scheduled to be completed for the start of the new season in April.

Burpham Bowling Club’s vice-president, Geoff Sheldon, getting ready to start a match.

The club’s vice-president, Geoff Sheldon, said: “If you are a regular user of Sutherland Memorial Park, you may have noticed that M. J. Pryce builders have set up in the car park by the tennis courts. They are working on the refurbishment that started in November and due to finish in February.

“That is why the path along the front of the bowling club is now not accessible. Sorry about that!

“The refurbishment will make better use of the internal space of the clubhouse and provide a new, and more accessible, entrance.

“Burpham is a popular club with a good level of membership. In estate agents’ parlance the clubhouse is ‘compact’ so this project is will improve its internal space and accessibility.

“The changes will enhance the clubhouse facilities, particularly for the club’s social side which continues throughout the winter. We intend to make the clubhouse available for hire as a meeting venue suited to local community groups looking for a cosier space, complementing the larger premises of the memorial hall close by.”

Spectators enjoy the play at Burpham Bowling Club in Sutherland Park.

Geoff adds that the club has very recently signed a new lease with Guildford Borough Council, that provided a generous contribution to the costs of the refurbishment.

The club lost a number of grants when the fundraising activities of grant-giving organisations were cancelled because of the pandemic.

Despite that setback, members rallied round and raised the necessary and considerable funds through their hard work and generosity, along with the support of local business sponsors.

Geoff added: “We will be arranging an official ‘re-opening’ of the clubhouse and some celebratory events, including a challenge match against a team of Chelsea Pensioners in July.

“We hope people will come and see the refurbished premises, relax by the green and try their hand at bowls. Great fun but, and like so many sports, a little more challenging than it looks.

“But you’re never too young to start – Ed Morris, the current English men’s singles champion is just 32 years old – and we provide coaching. You’ve just about got time to qualify for the 2022 Commonwealth Games!”