YOUNG AND OLD UNITE TO SAVE CLUB FROM AXE
FROM seven decades to less than one... the generations are uniting to try to secure the future of a much-loved historic bowling club. On April 4 this year, Yoker Bowling Club should have marked its 170th anniversary in grand style but, like the rest of the country, celebrations had to be called off during the coronavirus lockdown.
But Covid-19 is not only affecting the marking of a special milestone – it is threatening the future of the club.
Like most bowling clubs, the community institution makes a vital portion of its income from private function income and hall lets – which have all been cancelled.
This means annual funds are down around 40 per cent with no sign of when business might be back to normal.
Club member Gary Earl said: “Our club, like many others, relies heavily on private function income and hall lets.
“With no definitive time for this side of our business to reopen the outcome for our club is very bleak as we head very quickly towards the quieter autumn and winter months.
“We wish to ensure that there is a club there for them, and all our members, when we eventually come out of these restrictions.”
Yoker Bowling Club was a very grateful recipient of the Scottish Government’s £10,000 small business grant but the money is not enough to see it through.
Now two club members are set to take part in a fundraiser endeavour inspired by Captain Tom Moore, the centenarian who raised millions for the NHS.
The club’s fundraising target is more modest but will see its youngest member, eight-yearold Jessica Earl, join 72-year-old John Anderson from the Retired Section.
Jessica and John will cover seven miles by walking 80 times around the bowling green.
John, honorary life member of the club and secretary, started bowling 40 years ago following an operation on his leg.
He said: “The club means an awful lot to me.
“At that time I was an ex-footballer and had to find a sport I could play – so I found I could play boules.
“I joined Yoker and six months later I became club secretary then I’ve been there ever since.
“It’s a game I thoroughly enjoy and I’ve found out I’m not too bad at it.
“The company makes a difference to me as well.”
Jessica, who has been big, big bowling for three years, is a member of the club’s Bowls Academy, which has had to pause also.
Yoker Bowling Club works closely with local community projects and Yoker Parish Church, which has plans to create a Covid-19 time capsule.
Some 10 per cent of the funds raised by John and Jessica will go towards the creation of the time capsule, which will be buried in church grounds.
To donate to the fundraiser see: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/yokerbowling-club---for-the-future
We wish to ensure there is a club there for them when we come out of restrictions