Crown green bowling will die out in Rotherham without support, says player

FEARS that crown green bowling could disappear in Rotherham and beyond have been voiced by one borough club player.

Gaining new people to take part in the sport has become a headache for officials, and there is concern that Rotherham Council is not investing in bowling greens and supporting clubs.

The number of leagues and clubs has fallen across Rotherham and there is a fear that the sport could be on its last legs, both locally and nationally.

Terry Canadine, social secretary of Brinsworth Crown Green Bowling Club, is worried about the sport in Rotherham.

He says that despite having great support from Brinsworth Parish Council, his club and others get little backing from Rotherham Council.

He said: “It’as a long-standing thing really.

“At one time, about eight years ago, there were twice as many leagues as there are now in Rotherham.

“It’s an ongoing problem.

“It’s happened over the last ten years when the council started closing all the greens. They say it’s all about money.”

Mr Canadine said that clubs have been told to raise their own funds but getting members is proving a problem for many, so he wants extra funding from the borough council to maintain greens.

He said: “I would like to show the people of Rotherham that the crown green bowling community is struggling to survive nationally but is not as yet fatal, despite the lack of interest shown by our Rotherham borough councillors and, in particular, the Amenities department.

“Both have a history of abandoning our sport by leaving bowling greens to fall into disrepair.

“This is a long-standing complaint and the sport could die locally if we do not get assistance.

“Unfortunately it is the older generation who appear to be the main participants, one group of the community who have no chance financially to improve the situation.

“We are told to keep active, socialise in order to assist our mental health and wellbeing, so we take on the sedate sport of bowling with like-minded people.”

Mr Canadine said that more younger people - from their 40s upwards - are needed.

Brinsworth Crown Green Bowling Club recently held an event where members invited Caistor Lawn Green Club to visit and play. Around 80 attended the event and fundraising brought in almost £300.

Mr Canadine said: “The interest in the sport is still there.

“Brinsworth Parish Council do support us very well and they appear to have our interest at heart, why can’t others follow their lead?

“Our generation are a large part of the community and we deserve better assistance to stay active.”

Andrew Bramidge, executive director of regeneration and environment at Rotherham Council, said: “We recognise the important role that bowling clubs play in supporting health, wellbeing and social connections for residents across Rotherham, particularly for older people, and we understand the concerns that have been raised about the long-term sustainability of some clubs.

“The council’s current bowling green provision reflects decisions taken following extensive consultation exercises in 2011 and 2013.

“As part of that process, the council sought wherever possible to retain bowling facilities through community management arrangements rather than close them outright.

“As a result, a number of bowling greens were transferred to local clubs and community organisations, helping to ensure that facilities remained available for local residents.

“Several of those sites continue to operate successfully today.

“The council continues to invest in opportunities for older residents to stay active, including the introduction of free swimming for over-65s, which was launched this summer and funded through the council’s 2026/27 budget.

“The scheme has helped many residents return to swimming for the first time in years while supporting long-term health and wellbeing.

“At the time of those consultations, some clubs had very small memberships, meaning the cost of maintaining certain facilities was disproportionate, particularly during a period when council budgets were under increasing pressure.

“The council remains committed to supporting residents of all ages to be active within their communities.”