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Back from Northamptonshire’s Woodford-cum-Membris Bowls Club is thriving once again


E


ighteen months ago, like a lot of other clubs across the country, Woodford- cum-Membris was feeling the effects


of the UK’s dire economic situation. Members were well aware that their club was in very real peril.


The number of opponents within their local league was steadily dwindling as other clubs within the region, unable to overcome the same obstacles that were facing Woodford, went to the wall.


The sorry state of the green illustrated the difficulties they faced. Desperately needing a great deal of care, attention and re-investment after several years of neglect, its poor condition was contributing to a year-on-year decline in membership numbers.


So, with the continued existence of


their club at stake, Woodford’s members opted to act.


Last autumn, they elected a new chairman and committee, who, armed with a forward-thinking business plan and a host of ambitious ideas, immediately rallied the concerned membership and gained the support of a group of hardworking volunteers to set about securing the future of the club. Now, thanks to the generous help of a greenkeeper, a local turfcare professional, several local tradesman, a national hardware retailer and a whole host of hard-worked volunteers, Woodford-cum-Membris has been brought back from the brink of extinction.


Though not entirely out of the woods, the club is back on its feet, buoyed by a


refurbished clubhouse and grounds, and a revitalised green that, as a whole, are ensuring member numbers are now increasingly steadily.


Under the guidance of the chairman and captain, a pro-active committee and a team of hardworking volunteer supporters, the club is thriving once again, with a 25% increase in membership that includes the notable addition of two international short mat players. That has contributed to a superb 32% increase in revenue, and well-deserved local, regional and national publicity. Chairman Tom Rigby couldn’t overstate his gratitude to the club members, volunteers and benefactors who had helped secure the future of Woodford-cum-Membris Bowls Club. “We put the call out for help and it came


28 Issue 24


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