Peter Williams has been playing for Stroud Bowls Club for 39 years.

Now 69, he’s the club’s chairman, president, bar manager and competitions secretary.

Unsurprisingly, that keeps him rather busy, but, equally unsurprisingly, he’d like to share some of that load.

So he got in touch with The Local Answer “to issue an appeal for more support”.

He’s adamant that the club, who are completing their 85^th season, won’t fold but he said: “We’re down to 26 playing members, that puts pressure on the club both financially and on the playing side.”

The club play at Stratford Park and their former players include multiple world champion Tony Allcock.  

“Stroud Bowls Club are managing to stay active as a club but we need help to survive,” said Williams. “It is our wish to continue playing bowls at the park but we need to encourage new members to join us.

“Experienced or completely new, all would be most welcome. Male, female, couples and juniors can be given coaching and get an introduction to playing bowls.

“Despite our history, the future of the club relies on the membership. We have members working very hard to keep the club alive. It would be a pleasure to welcome anyone interested in joining us and hopefully enjoy playing bowls with us.”

Stroud compete in the South Cotswold League and play friendly matches midweek and at weekends.

They have a very strong history of achievements including being Stroud League champions on many occasions. They’ve also been Gloucestershire County cup winners, county double rink winners while their members have also taken stage at the national finals.

Wiliams has played in the national finals at Worthing, twice playing alongside Allcock in the national triples back in the early noughties.

They were great days, of course, and Williams is as big a supporter of bowls now as he was when he first joined the club back in the early 80s.

“It’s very good for exercise and for mental health,” he said. “Stroud play in a terrific setting and the club have a friendly nature and anyone would fit in nicely.

“We have held several Open days throughout the season. Attendances have been very encouraging but the number of new members we have gained from the events has been disappointing. We will keep trying.

“Unfortunately, this playing season is drawing to a close but we are most keen to welcome people who may be interested at the start of next season in April 2023.

"We have a club evening every Friday from 6.30pm, even now it’s not too late to introduce yourselves if you are interested. Join us in the bar.”

Anyone wanting more information should call Williams on  07813 389865.