Newark Indoor Bowls Centre to cease trading after 35 years, as membership diminishes

A Newark sports club, which has hosted national competitions, has had to make the ‘sad’ decision to cease trading after a severe drop in membership.

Newark Indoor Bowls Centre, next to Newark Showground, will cease trading and close its doors on Tuesday, January 31 ­— after 35 years of amateur junior, adult and disability friendly sport at the centre.

When it was first opened in 1988, the club had approximately 900 people enrolled. This number has gradually reduced over the years, before a severe drop to 220 in September 2022 sealed its fate.

It was top venue for bowls in its time, attracting many national competitions and some of the biggest names.

Chairman Eddie Cassidy said: “It’s very sad, but we lost a third of our members in in September. 111 members didn’t come back and this triggered the decision ­— and it’s a decision made with a hard heart.”

The dwindling membership meant the not-for-profit centre was no longer financially viable.

Members have been made aware of the imminent closure, and have been offered the opportunity to form a new committee of five to eight directors and take over the club.

However, no members have yet stepped forward to form a new committee.

A meeting planned for February will discuss the voluntary liquidation of the company

A member said: “This will have a devastating impact on people who live on their own.

“It will be a tragedy for so many of the older generation who play bowls for the enjoyment, to be active and to meet and socialise with other people.

“If they are able, they will now have to travel to Lincoln, Gedling or Bassetlaw, which won’t be cheap.”

If liquidation is agreed the building is to be sold.

The centre was constructed by builder Pat Boyle, and includes a bowls area, conference room and a bar.

It was opened by chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council David Payne in September 1988, when he bowled the first wood.

It came into the ownership of members when Mr Boyle decided to sell the building in 1991. Members offered interest free loans to help raise the funds for the purchase of the building.