Whitefield Bowling Club has clubhouse refurbished

Whitefield Bowling Club on Church Lane, which was founded on land leased from Lord Derby’s estates, was transferred into a community interest company (CIC) three years ago.

Back in 1890, eight community members secured a mortgage and bought the land from the estate via their newly formed company limited.

Twelve years later, in 1902, a second mortgage was raised to build the clubhouse which is still the home for operations, members, and the community.

Read more: Bury Market traders react as funding support set to come to end

The constitution dictated that the green was to be open and available to teams and the wider community, but any surplus income was to be returned to the community via grants and funding.

In the last few years, the organisation received numerous offers to sell the land and buildings from speculative building companies with one offer being £1.2m.

Given the number of shareholders, this offer would have meant a gain of £37,000 per share.

The prospect and very real likelihood of the facility disappearing forced a major decision by the directors and shareholders.

It was decided to move the privately owned asset into a CIC and gift the assets in perpetuity to the community and forgo any financial reward.

And in 2021, Whitefield Bowling Club Community Interest Company (WBCCIC) was set up.

The building was falling into disrepair and utility costs were £9,000 per year and repairs and maintenance costs were £2,500 and the building was in its final years of being usable for the community.

After in-depth structural surveys, risk assessments and insurance instructions, the club was forced to carry out immediate and emergency structural work and commit to underpinning work to the front of the building at a cost of £11,000 to stop the site from closing.

Read more: Northern Care Alliance trust spends £370,000 on employment tribunals

As an urgent solution was needed, the board decided to apply to the government through a levelling up grant process for funds to rebuild a new club.

For this grant to be accepted the club had to demonstrate match funding of £70,000.

It contacted Valencia Communities Fund, which inspected the club and agreed to fund a water main and a roof at a value of £55,000.

Whitefield fire protection and security company Aarhus agreed to provide all refurbishment works relating to security, fire and CCTV to the value of £17,200.

WBCCIC also received a £10,000 grant from the National Lottery to build a rain shelter and purchase weatherproof furniture for visitors.

The submission was dispatched, and WBCCIC was one of only four successful bids from the North West to a levelling up fund. It was awarded around £230,000 capital and £23,000 revenue to carry out necessary works.

The club holds numerous community events every year for anyone to try out bowling and contribute to numerous causes they support.

It continues to provide beginner lessons for free every Saturday and have had more than 1,000 people attend.

Read more: Two talented musicians set to perform in Bury

It delivers community services including free allotments, health and wellbeing drop-ins, a bike hub, signposting services, digital and safe internet courses and food and meals.

The organisation provides financial support to Bury Hospice, Manchester Children's Hospital, Bury Society for Blind and Partially Sighted People, Trust House food bank and other bowling greens and sports clubs.

And the clubhouse is now back open after being given a four-month makeover.

Director Dave Bevan said: "I think the club is a huge asset for the people of Bury.

"We have more than 300 members but the club has open days when anyone is free to come along."

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford has welcomed the work that is being done at the club.

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford (Image: Public)

He said: “Whitefield Bowling Club is based in my constituency and has a 144-year history of serving the local community.

“I would like it to be recognised that the club are moving all of their considerable assets to a status that will ensure the land and premises will continue to serve and be dedicated to the community.

“The club has now linked up with the council’s social services and is working with some of the most vulnerable people in our local community.

“I am very pleased this is happening and that the club has reached out to set this partnership themselves.

“Whitefield Bowling Club is committed to improving the lives of local people and continues to be dedicated to improving the local area.

“I am pleased that the club are champions of many projects and have been working with people of all ages and genders to deliver a diverse number of local schemes.”