Members of Wirksworth Bowls Club have ended the official playing season with a competition and celebration of renewed sponsorship from local company Longcliffe Quarries.
After a first five-year sponsorship partnership, the Club is delighted that Longcliffe has committed to a second term, giving the popular community facility financial security.
Each year this sponsorship is celebrated through the annual Longcliffe Trophy Competition where members of the club, together with members from other clubs in Derbyshire take part. This makes for a very competitive event culminating in a final after all 16 pairs have played three games each to arrive at the final pairings.
Club Secretary and player Jan Cundy explains what the partnership with Longcliffe means to the Club which is 31 years old: “The Longcliffe sponsorship is a lifeline for us. We operate as a charity and keep our subscriptions and players’ fees down to encourage as many people as possible to come and enjoy our excellent facilities.
“The sponsorship helps cover our significant maintenance costs including mowing, scarifying and fertilising the bowling green which is considered one of the best in the area. It also helps with the upkeep of our clubhouse which is also the envy of other bowling clubs.
Operations Director Chris Wainwright went along on the day of the competition to help celebrate the sponsorship and present the trophy to the winning pair – James Dennis and Harold Allsobrook. He said: “I would like to congratulate the 2022 winners of the Longcliffe Trophy Competition. Wirksworth Bowling Club is a fantastic and inclusive community group. We are delighted we are able to continue our sponsorship and make such a difference. We hope more people will come along, try out the green and take up membership.”
The Club has more than 35 full members and 8 associate members but is keen to increase its appeal. Whilst a lot of the club’s players are of the older generation, it is keen to point out that bowls is a game for all ages. To find out more about the Club please contact Club Secretary Jan Cundy on 01629 823675.