FRANCIS Drake Bowling Club players want their greens back and a return to their home.
And Ramsgate RSL members will get the chance to vote on the matter at the annual general meeting at 6pm this Thursday.
The club’s bowls secretary Pat Bugden said 166 members from both Francis Drake and Ramsgate clubs had petitioned successfully to have a special resolution put to the meeting to reopen Francis Drake for at least the three years yet to run on its agreement with Ramsgate.
Mr Bugden said that the Monterey club had operated since 1952 and had become part of the Ramsgate club under the amalgamation agreement struck in 2007.
He said Francis Drake had handed over club land and buildings and two residential villas next door on the understanding things would be done to promote and sustain the club.
‘‘[But] little has happened to honour this agreement,’’ Mr Bugden said.
‘‘Although the agreement still has three years to run, the administrator of Ramsgate closed Francis Drake Bowling Club in March this year without any prior consultation with members, claiming that allowing the club to continue could impact on the financial viability of the Ramsgate group.’’
This claim is disputed.
"This means that in addition to the licensed club ceasing, the 90 bowlers who are registered with Francis Drake won't have their own club at which to play," Mr Bugden said.
"Even though most of the players are no longer young, the bowling at the club has been strong under its bowls co-ordinator Rick Asbury.
"The club has won three zone flags during the past six years."
Francis Drake's No.4 pennants team recently won the zone 13 championships held at Taren Point Bowling Club.
The team will compete in the state titles on August 9 at Ettalong.
What do you think should happen with the clubs?
