East Fife bowled over by lottery funding
Tuesday 21 December 2004
Lord Ewing of Kirkford will join members of East Fife Indoor Bowling Club to celebrate the completion of the final phase of works at the club, on Wednesday 22 December at 7:30pm.
“We are delighted to have supported the upgrade and extension of the facilities at East Fife Bowling Club, with an award of £90,480 from sportscotland’s Lottery funded Sports Facilities Programme"
Supported by an award of £90,480 from sportscotland’s Lottery funded Sports Facilities Programme, the facilities have now been transformed to provide improved disabled access and changing, brand new spacious locker rooms, a modernised kitchen and dining area for food preparation and service and improved toilet facilities.
The one hundred year old building, which was originally used as a bus and tram depot, was converted into an indoor bowling club in 1965. The facility has proved extremely popular since it opened, attracting members from across Fife, from Burntisland to St Andrews.
In 2002, plans were drawn up for a two phase project to redevelop and refurbish the facilities. The first of these phases which focussed on upgrading the playing surface and surrounds, was completed later that year after fundraising efforts by the club’s members. The members were so pleased with the results of the first phase that they were extremely keen to progress with phase 2 and work began this year.
The expansion of the centre will now allow more people to participate in the sport and the club hopes that the modernised facilities and the provision of disabled access, will attract more members, encouraging more people to take part in bowling on a regular basis, boosting the club’s membership.
The club also aims to increase its younger membership and as such has established strong links with local schools to introduce more children to the fun and enjoyment the sport can provide, encouraging them to take part.
Sandy McKenzie, President, East Fife Indoor Bowling Club said: “We are indebted to sportscotland for their financial assistance in the completion of the total refurbishment of our Club at an approximate cost of £600,000. I would also like to thank all the members for their financial support and encouragement over the years this has taken to achieve. I am confident the Club will continue to flourish and I would invite anyone from primary school age to senior citizens, male or female, who would like to join to pop down to the Club and see for themselves the first class facility that is now available.”
Alastair Dempster, Chairman, sportscotland said: “We are delighted to have supported the upgrade and extension of the facilities at East Fife Bowling Club, with an award of £90,480 from sportscotland’s Lottery funded Sports Facilities Programme.
“The provision of quality, accessible facilities are key to encouraging more people of all ages and abilities to take part in sport more often, as part of a healthy lifestyle, which in the long term will help to achieve our goal of creating a fitter, more active nation.”
- The official opening will be conducted by Lord Ewing of Kirkford at East Fife Indoor Bowling Club, Wellesley Road, Methil, KY8 3AB.
- The club is affiliated with the Scottish Indoor Bowling Association and Fife Sports Council.
- You can contact the Club by phoning 01333423388 or emailing eastfifeindoor@westendbc.com