A year after they were formed, the Friends of Marlpit Bowling Green are appealing for help – volunteers, new players, donations, equipment, and they even want some new balls.
Marlpit Lane bowling green is one of the facilities available in Coulsdon Memorial Ground Park, along with tennis courts and the putting green. It is extremely popular with local bowlers, and a game is usually in progress most summer days.
But in November 2011, Croydon Council ceased support for the green. The condition of the green deteriorated severely, making play impossible.
The Friends of Marlpit Bowling Green was formed in June last year, with the following goals:
- To maintain the green for public use
- To maintain and staff the shed for equipment hire
- To preserve the environment and conditions around the park
The Friends group has bowls, but it is in need of jacks – the small, white balls which act as the “target” in each end of a game of lawn bowls. A new jack can cost less than £8, though the Marlpit Lane bowlers would be happy to use old bowls.
“If anyone has old bowling jacks they would be willing to donate, please get in touch,” the Friends say.
They also need volunteers to help with: physical upkeep (eg. mowing the green); manning the bowling shed, once it reopens; and fund-raising.
“We would also like to hear from gardeners or landscapers who could help with the green,” they say.
“Donations of equipment to maintain the green would be gratefully received. Any monetary donations will be used towards the upkeep of the green and shed.”
- If you would like to donate, please visit this website and follow the directions there. Donations can be made online or by cheque by post.
- Inside Croydon: For comment and analysis about Croydon, from inside Croydon
- Post your comments on this article below. If you have a news story about life in or around Croydon, a residents’ or business association or local event, please email us with full details at inside.croydon@btinternet.com
Related articles
- ‘They’re flogging our cultural gems’ (standard.co.uk)
- Riot victims ‘still to be paid’ (bbc.co.uk)
