Bowling club appeals for newcomers of all ages as numbers fall

Thurcroft Welfare Community Bowling Club, which dates back more than 70 years, has been hard hit by Covid and an ageing player pool.

But unless newcomers of ALL ages can be attracted to its home off Katherine Road, the future looks bleak.

“The club has such a great history, it would be a shame for it to go under,” said secretary Martin Cusworth.

“Due to Covid, other illness and people getting older, we've gone from 48 members down to 23.

“Where we once had 15 lady players competing, we've now got only five.

“A number of clubs have folded in Rotherham and Doncaster in recent times. We don't want to go the same way and that's why we are fighting to bring in new members.”

Thurcroft welcome anyone, experienced or not, and age is no barrier.

“We have qualified instructors to teach people and we do all the districts from as far as Worksop one way through to Derbyshire the other way,” said Martin.

“We can work with schools because we have instructors with the proper checks. If we get young members we could even have a junior team because there is a junior league in Rotherham.

“The coaching is free, it doesn't cost anything. Just come down and see if you get into the game.

“Bowling is easy to learn. Some people play right into their dotage — we have some members who are 80-odd years old.”

Martin added: “We have been promoted into the A team Division on Saturdays but due to illness we have lost half of the team so we only have three or four members whereas you need a minimum of six to be able to play.

“The last thing we want to be doing is withdrawing from leagues because we haven't enough players.”

For people who want to play just for fun only, Thurcroft have an associate membership at £5, with a cup of tea, biscuits and a friendly welcome guaranteed.

The club is also planning to have open days when the weather improves. The season runs from March to September.

Anyone interested in bowling at Thurcroft can ring Martin Cusworth on 07749 127633.