Chesterfield residents are set to benefit from new facilities following the opening of a new bowls pavilion in Stand Road Park.
It was opened at a ceremony on Friday 17 September by Toby Perkins MP, which was also attended by the Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Glenys Falconer, Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, local ward councillor Kate Caufield and Councillor Jean Innes who represents the area at Derbyshire County Council.
The new pavilion will help the Stand Road Bowls Club to expand and provides a space for the club to socialise, store equipment and escape the rain. Previously the club had no indoor facilities which limited their ability to host matches all year round and social events.
Funding for the new pavilion was secured through Sport England with further funding provided by the local county councillor, the project was managed by Chesterfield Borough Council.
Toby Perkins, the MP for Chesterfield, said: “It was a great privilege to open this fantastic facility. It was also great to meet so many members of the club and hear about their recent successes on the green as well as those off it. Maureen and her committee have shown great persistence. I can’t believe it was seven years ago that I first got involved in attempting to support them to get this funding, but I am delighted that Chesterfield Borough Council were able to assist the club in finally securing it, and I hope many thousands of bowlers of all ages enjoy these facilities in the years to come.”
Maureen Kayser, the Secretary of Stand Road Bowls Club, said: “The opening of our new pavilion will bring a massive change to our bowls club and will hopefully help us to engage now with the wider community and bring new members to the club.”
Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This new facility will help ensure that there are fantastic facilities for everyone in Stand Road Park. A game like bowls is not only great for everyone’s health it is a great way of socialising and tackling isolation.
“The club have worked hard to ensure that this facility can open and I know our officers have been working behind the scenes to support them every step of the way. I hope lots of people will make use of these facilities and join the club.”
The creation of a new pavilion started in 2012 when the club contacted the council, which led to the creation of a greenside shelter. A successful bid for £40,000 of funding was submitted to Sport England which was supported by the council. Further funding of £20,000 was provided by Councillor Jean Innes through the community initiatives fund.
Once funding was in place council officers worked with the club to develop the pavilion’s design and then continued to support in a project management capacity.
Stand Road Bowls Club is open to new members, to find out how you can get involved please email Maureen Kayser or call 07773032643.
