A BOWLS club is hoping to raise around £50,000 to fund an extension which will enable it to offer the sport all year round.

Wimborne Bowls Club, in Redcotts Recreation Ground, had planning permission granted for an extension to its club house in 2021, which would allow it to host short mat bowls during the winter season.

It would also enable the club to host more social events for the community, however £50,000 is needed to fund the project.

Peter Eldrett, of the club, also appealed for any businesses to come forward and sponsor the club.

He said: “It will be used for short mat bowls so you could play indoors when the outdoor season is finished.

“We have got a natural green and you can’t play during the winter because it will damage it.

“It was decided that hopefully the club could get funds for the extension of the club so we can house short mat bowls.

“We have got a funding appeal up so hopefully we can get the money, we are looking for about £50,000.”

Mr Eldrett said the club has a growing membership of more than 100 bowlers and invited more to come along to their two open days in May.

Speaking of the benefits of the extension, he continued: “The community can come along and use the facilities, enjoy the game and some of the social events as well. There’s all sorts of events that go on in the winter season.

“We have quite a few different teams in different leagues in Dorset, both men and the ladies.

“We are looking at the end of the summer [for the extension], maybe around October time and looking to upgrade the club house as well, new carpet, redecorate, things like that.

“I want to say a thank you to anybody that can give a donation. The club’s been going since 1908 I think, it’s got quite a bit of history which obviously we are proud of, we want to keep going and look to the future.”

Mr Eldrett added if any businesses wanted to sponsor the club it would cost £1,000, and in return they would get an advertising hoarding at the club, team building exercises and invites to the presentation evenings.

The extension would see the floor space increased, a refurbished kitchen and refurbished toilets.