A HISTORIC Wooburn Green sporting institution is appealing for new members after successful attempts to ensure the existence of the club.

Members of Glory Mills Bowl Club have secured the continued support of David Lloyd Leisure Centre, the freeholders of their land, for use of toilet and parking facilities for players and supporters as the new season begins. 

The club was founded by the owners of the paper mill in the village over 60 years ago, and last month volunteers gave the grounds a much-needed facelift.

Two teams of volunteers trimmed hedges, planted flowers and painted sheds ahead of the new season and received the thanks of committee members at the club’s AGM last month.

And the club's season got off to a perfect start last week with a comprehensive victory over Broomwade in the first game of the summer calendar.

Fixtures Secretary John Palfreyman said: "The volunteers have done a great job of sprucing up the area before the new season.

"It’s a wonderful club in a great location which was founded by philanthropists from the mill, who also built cricket pitches and other facilities for workers.

"The Bowling green is last remnant of that, and a great reminder of Wooburn Green's industrial past."

To ensure the progress of the club, the committee appointed two members to take charge of fundraising with the aim of building a clubhouse by the green, which could cost as much as £15,000.

Currently, the outbuildings do not have toilet facilities, and it is hoped council funding or lottery grants can be obtained to provide a much-needed hub for its members.

And the club is making the call for new members to join the longstanding Wooburn institution, which has some of the lowest membership fees in Bucks and provides free coaching and the loan of bowls.

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Shirley Churn on 01494 673859 or email shirley.churn@btinternet.com