A BOWLS club has existed at Banstead Neville Recreation Ground in Surrey since 1935, using facilities provided by the local council.

But former Chairman Brian Griffin freely admits the Club would probably not have survived without circumstances that led to building the smart and spacious pavilion, which overlooks its pristine green.

The Pavilion, from Passmores Portable Buildings, has opened up a range of opportunities for the Club to generate funds, which have kept it viable long after other nearby clubs have closed.

It also provides comfortable facilities so that visiting clubs can be entertained with confidence rather than embarrassment.

“Back in 1999 the Council asked if we wanted to take over the green,” said Brian, who was Chairman at the time. “They wanted to save money.

“We carried out a feasibility study and decided to go ahead. The green was in a pretty awful state and the pavilion we used didn’t overlook it.”

Even though it meant a doubling of subscriptions, members agreed with the decision. A limited company was formed and a fund raising scheme started.

“We researched other successful clubs in the area and found that most of them had a pavilion built by Passmores which influenced our choice. What a good choice it turned out to be.

“Nothing was too much trouble for them to ensure we ended up with the clubhouse that met all our requirements. They actually helped us keep costs down.

“Their team was so experienced and well organised that the watertight shell of the building was in place within two weeks.”

Now the Club has a smart timber-built 72 x 30ft building which allowed plenty of space for comfortable changing rooms, toilets, a large kitchen and a spacious social area which overlooks the green.

“It’s enabled us to keep our membership steady at around 120,” said Barbara Belcher, the current chairwoman. “We’ve recently held our presentation dinner here which included a three course meal, saving the cost of using a hotel.

“And we are able to host a range of fund raising activities such as dances, social evenings and quiz nights. We’re also able to offer the pavilion for other sporting activities including table tennis and indoor curling, which keep it in use, and aired, during the winter.”

Although it’s known principally as “the friendly club” Banstead Neville members are also holding their own in the various leagues in which they compete.

Having signed up 30 new members this year, it looks as if the Club’s future is now assured.