Local Club Bowled Over

A St Ives club has been overwhelmed by support from local companies.

St Ives Bowling Club, based at The Belyars, has received unprecedented levels of support from businesses in the town, as well as further afield, by offering sponsorship and advertising opportunities.

As a non-profit making organisation, the club has traditionally relied on membership fees, fundraising events and small one-off grants to keep providing sporting facilities for over 80 residents of the town and surrounding area.

In response to the need for new equipment, as well as an increase in running costs, St Ives Bowling Club has implemented a corporate partnership strategy, encouraging local businesses to financially support the club in return for various marketing opportunities.

Chair of St Ives Bowling Club, Delvene Matthews, explains:

“As a club, we have been dependent on funds from our members. This has covered our basic running costs in the past, but these costs are ever increasing and various equipment at the club is coming to the end of its lifespan – from our storage sheds to our lawn mower. Past income levels are not enough to meet our future needs, so it is vital to look at other ways of raising funds”.

Delvene continued, “We are fortunate that a member’s daughter specialises in building partnerships between companies and non-profit organisations. With her help, we have built a programme of sponsorship opportunities at the club through which we can offer fantastic marketing returns for companies.”

In just a few months the club has created a variety of marketing opportunities – a welcome banner, scoreboards and advertising boards around the bowling green; and to date has secured the involvement of 11 local companies.

Delvene added: “We are so grateful to all of the companies that are supporting us: The Old Quay House, Oakleigh Financial Planning, St. Ives Signs, TJ’s Carpets, Bradley’s Estate Agents, Harding Laity & Co, Tri-mar Aquaria & Reptiles, Dales, Cornwall Chiropractic Clinic, Paul Sherris Funeral Directors and Sharky’s Fish and Chips.  With their support, we will be able to continue providing much needed facilities that mean so much to the members and visiting players.”

There are still some marketing opportunities remaining, but they are quickly being snapped up, so any companies that may be interested in the benefits that the club can offer should contact Helen Mulhern at Eventy Marketing on Helen@Eventy.co.uk / 07747 633236.

With a membership of nearly 80 locals, the bowling club has existed for approximately 80 years and welcomes visiting bowlers from around the county.

Although the club is predominantly used by older people, helping them to keep healthy and active, it welcomes players of all ages.

Bowling is an extremely social sport and pastime, providing an opportunity for people to meet on a regular basis, with the club also hosting community activities, including a photography club.

For further information, please visit St Ives Bowling Club on Facebook /thebelyarsbowlingclub