THE TOWN’S last surviving crown green bowling club could be forced to close after more than 150 years.
White Hart Bowling Club, which has helped raise thousands of pounds for charity, might have to shut its doors for good if it cannot find more members.
Despite several appeals to attract new faces, the Evesham Road team is in desperate need of ‘younger blood’ with 22 of its 27 players currently over the age of 60.
Kate Broome, who has played at the Headless Cross club for more than 40 years, said she was fighting ‘tooth and nail’ to keep it going.
“It needs preserving so that it doesn’t go, but if we don’t get new members soon I can see it folding.” she said.
“It used to be a very vibrant club but these things happen and we have to try and relight the fire.”
She added many residents were not aware of the club despite it being the only remaining crown green in Redditch after seven others disappeared.
“There are so many people in Redditch that don’t even know it is there.” she said.
“I have spoken to neighbours and they say they didn’t know there was a crown green in Redditch.”
As part of the campaign they have also targeted schools within the area in a bid to expand their age range.
The game is for all ages and the green is open 365 days a year unless there are matches taking place.
The club competes in five regional divisions and won the South West Birmingham League last year.
Parliamentary candidate Karen Lumley has also lent her support to the club calling it a ‘jewel in the crown of Redditch’.
She added although she had lived in the town for years, it was the first time she had visited the site and was really impressed with what they were doing.
Anyone interested in joining the group can contact 07749 003642.
