Pelaw Bowling Club came into being in 1955 when a bowling green was created and a pavilion built using King George Field which is adjacent to, but part of, Bill Quay Park. King George Field was named during the reign of George VI. The club has actively participated in all local leagues and competitions since its creation.
From 1974, when local Government was reorganised, the green and pavilion were managed and maintained by Gateshead Councils Grounds Maintenance and Waste Management Service for the benefit of members of the Bowling Club and for all who have visited to play.
In 2017 Gateshead Council was forced to reduce the number of bowling greens under their management as a result of costs cutting measures.
Following this announcement the bowling club membership discussed the situation and then took forward an innovative proposal to Gateshead Council for a ‘Community Asset Transfer’ of the facility to the bowling club – this would involve taking on a lease for the site with a duration of 35 years.
To do this Pelaw Community Bowling Club was born, a charity that recognises the history and past 65 years but with aims beyond being a Bowling Club for this and future generations.
Pelaw Community Bowling Club was granted Charitable Incorporated Organisation status by the Charity Commission in 2019, which enabled the members to acquire the bowling green and pavilion via the asset transfer.
The members are now responsible for the management of the site, from event management, grass cutting and maintenance to making our business plan become a reality, whilst paying all of the bills.
This means being a community organisation that provides activities for local people of all ages to interact and socialise, to improve health and wellbeing, to improve the lives of people who live nearby, regardless of who they are.
Since receiving the keys and the responsibility we have started to truly thrive, members have come together to repair benches and improve our grounds. We have started non bowling activity for people to come and enjoy our quiet space within the park.
Our journey is just beginning, but we are intent on enjoying the ride and making the bowling green and pavilion a community wide success for our generation but also for all future generations.
Pelaw Bowling Club came into being in 1955 when a bowling green was created and a pavilion built using King George Field which is adjacent to, but part of, Bill Quay Park. King George Field was named during the reign of George VI. The club has actively participated in all local leagues and competitions since its creation.
From 1974, when local Government was reorganised, the green and pavilion were managed and maintained by Gateshead Councils Grounds Maintenance and Waste Management Service for the benefit of members of the Bowling Club and for all who have visited to play.
In 2017 Gateshead Council was forced to reduce the number of bowling greens under their management as a result of costs cutting measures.
Following this announcement the bowling club membership discussed the situation and then took forward an innovative proposal to Gateshead Council for a ‘Community Asset Transfer’ of the facility to the bowling club – this would involve taking on a lease for the site with a duration of 35 years.
To do this Pelaw Community Bowling Club was born, a charity that recognises the history and past 65 years but with aims beyond being a Bowling Club for this and future generations.
Pelaw Community Bowling Club was granted Charitable Incorporated Organisation status by the Charity Commission in 2019, which enabled the members to acquire the bowling green and pavilion via the asset transfer.
The members are now responsible for the management of the site, from event management, grass cutting and maintenance to making our business plan become a reality, whilst paying all of the bills.
This means being a community organisation that provides activities for local people of all ages to interact and socialise, to improve health and wellbeing, to improve the lives of people who live nearby, regardless of who they are.
Since receiving the keys and the responsibility we have started to truly thrive, members have come together to repair benches and improve our grounds. We have started non bowling activity for people to come and enjoy our quiet space within the park.
Our journey is just beginning, but we are intent on enjoying the ride and making the bowling green and pavilion a community wide success for our generation but also for all future generations.
