Bowls: A Merton Perspective Doug Napier Greenspaces Manager
The Script Background to bowls in Merton Bowls promotions in 2013 & 2104
The context in Bowling Greens 7 managed by Greenspaces 1 self-managed Membership low & falling Income very low Savings pressures Canons Rec Dundonald Rec Haydons Road Rec John Innes Park Joseph Hood Rec Morden Rec Raynes Park SG Wimbledon Park
The historical perspective Lost bowls venues Affected bowls venues Wimbledon x1 Morden x1 Mitcham x1 Wimbledon Park
Re-uses of former greens VenueRe-use Cottenham ParkNursery play space Sir Joseph Hood PF Crazy golf course Tamworth RecChildren’s playground Wimbledon ParkPicnic area
The Backdrop Savings target of £1 million Review of bowls undertaken Conclusion: Unsustainable Ratio of circa £1 income for £5 spend
Club 2012 Mitcham BC29 Wandgas BC10 Merton Park BC43 Merton BC27 Morden BC14 Raynes Park BC21 Wimbledon Park BC26 Total170
The Proposition Council agenda: rationalisation of venues 1 venue closed at end of 2012 season Political sensitivities Self-management BC liaison group re-established in 2012 Consultation with clubs
The Bowls Clubs’ Response BCs unwilling to self-manage Parks team’s maintenance & expertise cannot be matched Differential fee policy driving out-of- borough members away The Council does not promote the sport sufficiently
Bowls Promotions 2013 & 2014 Engaged with Corporate Communications team Comms officer attends steering group meetings Small working group established between Comms & 2 leading clubs
Website & other media Council magazine: My Merton Website: YouTube: youtu.be/_PUZscFhPpg Flickr:
Merton Schools Bowls Competition June 2014
Conclusions Increased local media profile Some club memberships still falling; some rising Savings still on the agenda Closures and/or self-management still on the agenda Marketing & promotions base now covered
Any questions?