The Brockwell Park Sylvan Bowls club is appealing for help to keep the lawns trim and watered throughout the summer, writes Catherine Wiltshire
The club says that this is likely to be the last summer bowling takes place on the green that was established in 1906.
The council has turned down the club’s application for support and there is a ‘to let’ sign up. However the council agreed the club could use it for one last summer if it could maintain the green themselves. The club meets every Sunday in Summer from April to September 2 – 6pm.
Member Heather Bouchier Hayes said: “The cost of upkeep of a bowling green is daunting and the volunteers who are attempting to keep it usable for one last summer need support. My current concern is finding a petrol mower and enough volunteers to water regularly throughout the summer.
“The bowling green is in need of repair and as Lambeth council no longer has the resources to maintain it, a sustainable solution must be found to ensure the survival of the club.”
Lambeth Council is considering letting the space to a mini-golf company as an income generating scheme, according to the club.
The bowling green was established in 1906 where locals played right through both world wars even when other parts of Brockwell Park were dedicated to vegetable growing.
The club had hoped to continue this service for park users that keeps the community active whilst preserving the heritage of Brockwell Park and keeping a dying tradition alive.
The bowls club is run by a group of 15 community-minded individuals who have partnered with many good causes over the years.
MOSAIC Mental Health Charity has made use of the facilities and the green has hosted staff from Trinity Hospice on a number of occasions.
The bowls club has also run a fundraising event for St Matthews Project where they held a bowls tournament for their main donors and encouraged the projects kids to play.
Bowling takes place every Sunday from April to September 2-6pm. Why not turn up and have a go? Or volunteer to help. To join the Brockwell Bowlers Group email: HBouchierh@aol.com
