Ninety year old club forced out

Abbeyfield Bowling Club, founded in 1913, face the start of another season without a green fit to be played on. This year’s attempts by the Council to reseed the green were unsuccessful, twice.

The Council’s efforts have been hampered by dry weather, and young people have continued to play there despite requests to keep off. The Council asked the bowlers to water the green themselves, not an easy job, and now a spending freeze in the Council means the green won’t be ready until mid-season.

The Men’s Team will be playing at Sheffield United Training Academy’s site on Firshill Crescent, but the Ladies are struggling to hold a team together. Winnie Bentley, local resident, is determined not to give up after so many years and is appealing for more women to get involved. “It keeps you fit and in touch with nice people, something to get up and go for,” explained Winnie.

Fed up with waiting she’s written to Richard Caborn MP and spoken to Cllr Jackie Fields. Mr Caborn has called Winnie and said he’s very concerned, promising to be in touch over the next few weeks, and The Friends of Abbeyfield Park are trying to get permission to put a fence round the green to protect it.

Read Winnie's letter to Richard Caborn MP.