Bowlers bring green back to life
AN OVERGROWN bowling green has been brought back to life thanks to the efforts of its club members.
For more than five years, the bowling green in Trelai Park, in Ely, had stood empty after it was closed by Cardiff Council.
However, thanks to the determination of a group of bowlers, the club is up and running again.
Tommy Rees, 62, from Ely, has bowled for the past 30 years and says he is delighted to see the green restored.
He is a member of Ely Racecourse Bowling Club and hopes more people will become interested in the sport.
He said: “It has been a long journey getting here but we’re all delighted. It has cost us around £3,000 out of our own pocket but it was something we all wanted to do.
“When we got there a few years ago the green was hugely overgrown, so it’s taken a lot of work to get it at the standard that it is at now. The weeds were huge.”
He added: “The green is active and we are playing games on there currently. Hopefully, we are looking to do the winter prep on the pitch so that games can continue throughout the year.”
The club was started by bowler Brian Niblett. Mr Rees says there are eight bowlers who play regularly but interest in the club has grown.
The winter pack will cost the club about £2,000 every winter but will ensure the grass remains heated and chemicals will be released to ensure it doesn’t get worn-out. The green is heavily used in the summer so the winter pack is necessary for the club to continue playing.
He added: “Most of the people who play and train there don’t play regularly. There are only a handful of us that have played for a number of years.
“Hopefully, when we secure the winter pack, local schools can also hire the pitches and this will benefit the younger kids in the area. The club is open for everyone.”
In 2013, Cardiff Council announced plans to close Trelai bowling green, along with bowling clubs in Grange Gardens, Pentwyn, Howard Gardens, Llwynfedw Gardens and Maindy.
■ If you are interested in joining the club, contact Tommy on 0798 007 9542.