Club of the week

Caldercraig Bowling Club

Club of the week is Caldercraig Bowling Club, who are preparing for their new season.

Bowls will be back in Monklands next month, and Caldercraig member John Telford has been speaking about the ups and downs of being involved with the Airdrie outfit...

How did the club get started?

The club was founded in 1895 in Moffat Mills by the paper mill as a recreational facility for the employees.

It has continued on the site since then and has a lease on the property for as long as a bowling green is still within the club.

Facilities have been added to the property since the start, and include several club house and bowling green improvements.

To keep the park in good shape, we have an outside contractor who maintains our bowling green.

In addition, we have a green keeper who is a club member. He is assisted by a grass cutter - who is also a member - to make sure the green is kept in pristine condition.

The club is now a well-known and well-established bowling club and is always looking for ways to help the community and improve itself.

What kind of success has your club had?

In recent years Caldercraig have risen to Division Four of the Lanarkshire league and our second team play in Division 12.

We reached the final of the Top Ten Tournament, and have also won the Top Six Tournament recently.

Locally we have two teams in the Airdrie and Coatbridge Gents League and have won both Division One and Two titles.

Our ladies team compete successfully in the Airdrie and Coatbridge League.

We have two senior gents teams playing in the Monklands Leagues at the moment.

The club has also won local trophies such as the Laney Triples and the Monklands Cup.

We also compete in a Monday Night Indoor League with three triples competing.

When and what time do the club train and compete?

The club run open days, and our invitation open days are held by gents, ladies and senior sections.

We have free coaching for new members.

All of our members are able to enjoy coaching from our experienced team.

Additionally, we hold‘rink nights’ twice a week.

For two afternoons per week the club also allows members to take part in a more relaxed opportunity to hone their skills.

Who are the coaches?

All coaches are Bowls Scotland approved.

What difficulties does the club struggle to overcome?

One of the big difficulties for the club to overcome is retaining and bringing in new members.

We have several initiatives to assist in these areas, and offer discount fees for new members.

We also host‘Try Bowls’days and are making an effort to introduce bowls to churches, schools and community centres among other groups.

Costs are always a worry as maintenance of the property is something that we are always required to do.

A programme is currently being drawn up to do essential tasks ahead of the season.

As always bills for electricity, and the various running costs, have to be met along with insurance payments.

To raise funds the club work very hard to have social evenings, and other fundraising events set up by a hard working social committee.

Our membership is around the 80 mark and our members make attempts to assist the club on the green and off it.

How does the club benefit the community?

Our intention is to grow as a community club and promote the sport of bowls to all ages and genders.

We have a highly successful bowling day in conjunction with the Airdrieonians Supporters Trust, where we were able to help raise money for the sensory room project at the stadium.

We hope to develop those links further.

As a club we are starting projects to introduce bowls to schools and various youth organisations.

We have spoken to local councillors with regards to our community projects.

We are also hoping to involve Bowls Scotland.

How much work goes into running the club?

Running of the club requires a committee for each section to organise club competitions.

They have to select teams for league and cup games, as well as organise open tournaments.

A management board oversees all club matters and a funding and membership officer looks after possible sponsorship, as well as how to improve finances.

This can cover grants as well as trying to find members and retain our current membership.

How would someone join your club?

To gain information or join the club contact telford-john @sky.com. The opening day for coming season is April 14.

Meet up of activity The club house is a hub