Sexism claims at world’s oldest bowls club

THE world’s oldest bowls club has been accused of sexism, with one player quitting after it refused to lift its ban on female members.

The Chesterfield Bowling Club, which dates back to the 13th century, recently voted against admitting women for the first time in its history.

A player who has since quit the club had called for the vote to overturn the tradition. But his attempts were blocked by a two-thirds majority. The former member, who did not want to be named, said: “I suggested that women be allowed to come along and play but I got drowned out.”

He claimed that the club needed to let in female players to secure its future, as it was struggling financially.

The club pays just £2,000 a year to Chesterfield Borough Council for the lease of its site.

A spokesman for the club said: “The subject of female members was discussed and members were happy with the current situation.”

A council spokesman said: “Chesterfield Bowling Club is not subsidised by the council.

“The club has a 20-year lease on land we own, for which they pay a commercial rate for land of this type and which is higher than all the other bowling greens we own.”