AN EVENT designed raise money towards the £10,000 needed to improve facilities at Ellesmere Bowling Club has now gained a sponsor.

The club will be holding a garden party on Sunday, August 6 on its ‘top green’, with music and refreshments and more entertainment.

The club is aiming to raise money for floodlights and irrigation equipment

And it has been backed by Shropshire Homes, with Rebecca Hayward, marketing executive, adding it is a delight to be able to help.

She said: “It is an honour for Shropshire Homes to sponsor such a prestigious event and support the community in fundraising for their bowling club floodlight appeal.

“We are new to the Ellesmere development but are fast becoming acquainted with what a wonderful community it is.”

The club, with more than 80 members ranging from nine to 90 years old, is said to be one of the oldest greens in the country and is positioned on the site of a former motte.

It also boasts a rare circular green, and the club has been in charge of its own facility since the mid-1950s.

A club spokesman said: “Since 1956 the club has always been run by an elected committee headed by "The Mayor of the Green", a title used rather than “chairman”.

“The current ‘Mayor of the Green’ is Alf Johnson and during the season we hold coaching sessions on our open evenings on a Monday evening from 7pm, and have two Shropshire registered coaches within the club.

“We are local, friendly bowling club, which offers you the opportunity to meet people, united in a goal to keep fit and healthy no matter what age or level of fitness, or ability.”

The garden party will feature a turn by the ‘Tra-La-Lasses’ – Abbie, Lorna and Lin – and will start from 2pm.

Car parking is free – people are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the hilltop views but there is a bar available with homemade cakes and hot drinks.

Anyone attending is asked to wear flat-soled shoes.

Tickets are £12.50 – children under 16 are free – and are available from Linda Arthan at larthan@icloud.com or from Ismay’s or Moolah in Ellesmere.