Holmfirth & District Bowling Club held an open day to mark the completion of a major revamp of the clubhouse and the building of a new toilet block to replace out-dated facilities.
After receiving a donation from club member Nancy Battye in 2018, specifically to kick off the fundraising effort, grants were applied for and funds received from The National Lottery Community Fund and Holme Valley Parish Council.
The new toilet block includes a fully accessible toilet meaning that the club can now welcome back members who had become reluctant to attend previously.
Whilst the club has been closed over large parts of the last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, members were also kept busy on a major overhaul to the clubhouse, opening up the space, putting in new kitchen facilities and enlarging the seating area. The event was also a great opportunity to showcase the new facilities.
Guests at the event included the Mayor and Mayoress of Kirklees, Clr Nigel Patrick and his wife Judith; Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney; the chair of Holme Valley Parish Council, Clr Michael Pogson; and, of course, Nancy Battye.
Members took part in some social bowling before Mrs Battye, who was also confirmed as an honorary life member of the club at the event, unveiled the plaque to mark the occasion. Ladies attending the event were presented with a white rose to commemorate Yorkshire Day.
Pat Whiteley, president at the club, said: “Without Nancy’s generous donation this project wouldn’t have got off the ground.
“We’ve been grateful also for the financial support from The National Lottery Community Fund and Holme Valley Parish Council. This event also gives us the opportunity to thank ADP Architecture and Design our architects and NDPA Construction our builders.
“The building has been the collaborative effort of a number of our members as well – too many to name – but between them they have all transformed the clubhouse and the bowling green so that we are now being recognised in local leagues for our facilities, for our green and for our welcome.”
The club has a growing membership and recently held an open day to encourage people to give bowling a try, with approximately 30 people attending. Membership is open to ladies and gentlemen for social and competitive bowling – anyone interested should just call in at the club.
