News Letter
July 2002
Weobley Bowling Club's appeal for help is up and running thanks to the launch by Bowls International Editor Melvin Beck who highlighted the plight
of the Herefordshire Club in last month's edition.
Bowls International linked up with former World Indoor Bowls Champion Robert Weale to launch a £100,000 appeal after the Weobley Club had lost their green after 54 years.
WEOBLEY & District Bowling Club have now circulated over 3,000 letters asking for help to raise the £100,000 needed before they apply to Sport England for a Lottery Grant
Within four days of the launch in Bowls International the first donation of £15 sterling arrived from an anonymous bowler in South London and since
then donations have continued to arrive through the door of Treasurer Gerald Holloway's home at Sunnymeade, Back Lane, WEOBLEY, Herefordshire HR4 8SG.
"The response has been very encouraging from clubs and individuals who have contributed generous donations" said Gerald.
"It is still early days to assess the full impact of our appeal as committees still have to meet before putting it to their members. Our fund
stands at over £700 sterling (on June 13) and we are quietly confident bowlers will continue to support us."
Weobley's problems have also been highlighted in Australia by a former schoolgirl from the village who has set up a website for the club
http://www.southcom.com.au/~ridgeway/index.htm
and supporters will be able to follow our progress on the site. Val Fleming nee Elton used to watch the bowlers playing in the village before emigrating to Australia in 1973 and is actively promoting a new green and clubhouse for the Club.
"Bowling gave my mother and father, Joan and Mel Elton, many happy hours and it is a great shame the Club has been lost after 54 years.
"Dad still plays for the club and keeps me in touch with all the information and is looking forward to a new green being established in Weobley. For
many years he was green keeper and played over 400 county matches for Herefordshire."
Over the golden jubilee weekend the club also raised over £1,100 sterling from a luncheon held in the grounds of former President Ted Jones' home.
Ted and his wife, Barbara, had celebrated their golden wedding the previous day with family and friends and decided to use the party marquee for fund raising. Over 100 bowlers got together in the Jones' garden to help the club's campaign to raise £100,000 sterling.