Nairn bowling club ‘delighted’ as membership numbers soar
A bowling club has celebrated an outstanding season which saw their membership soar.
Just three years ago Nairn St Ninian’s Bowling Club had fewer than 30 registered members, but a push to become a more inclusive outfit has now seen that climb to 100.
Club president Steven Whittlestone said: “We are absolutely delighted.
“It’s been a hard job at first, trying to encourage more people to come. The attitude of all the members has been fantastic and the committee has been brilliant. We don’t have a lot of finances behind us so a lot of people put in a lot of time and effort of their own for free.”
The club has introduced a social membership option and improved facilities within the club as well as obtaining a licence to serve alcohol on the premises, allowing members and friends to enjoy a tipple while playing or watching a game.
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“Through word of mouth, we have built a reputation as a very friendly club,” Mr Whittlestone continued.
“We have also started running a fortnightly bingo and other social events.
“It’s great for the elderly, it gets them out and about and socialising - and not just the elderly of course! It’s open to all ages and it’s great for the social aspect of things.”
The club’s youngest member is just about to turn 17 while the oldest is in their 90s.
“We are hoping to see more young people to join,” Mr Whittlestone said. “We’ve engaged with the school to try and get more young people involved.”
Accessibility is also a great selling point for the club, with a disability membership also among the options.
At Nairn Bowling Week in August, the club also took home three trophies, winning the singles, pairs and triples competitions.
Mr Whittlestone said: “It makes you feel very proud. I think that what the club has done over the past period and turning it around is fantastic.
“Winning the three trophies was incredible. Nobody can remember the last time one club won all three, if it has ever happened.”
The committee was also delighted to achieve the “Silver” Bowls mark from Bowls Scotland, a scheme that recognises and rewards clubs for good practice.
The club now has its sights set on achieving Gold Bowls Mark status next season as well as looking at ways to create more space within its premises to accommodate its fast-growing membership.