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The Shipley Club have come a long way over the past few years.

The club has been in existence for over 100 years, originally as a gentlemans' club with a green just used for social bowling.

But a dwindling membership meant something had to be done, so bowling was re-introduced about ten years ago, and since then the club has gone from strength to strength.

With a growing membership, the club now runs 18 teams in various local leagues, including the Airedale and Wharfedale League, the Bradford League and the Spen Valley League.

They bowl not only on the club's green, but also on two council greens in Northcliffe Park.

The club members had a dream of installing floodlights around the club green, but thought it would prove too expensive.

At the end of last season, they formed a small sub-committee consisting of chairman Paul Colman, secretary Ken Webb and committee member Phil Metcalfe to look into the matter further.

Immediately they set to work, and found that the cost was may not be as much as they had anticipated, and with grants and sponsors, the dream was looking a possibility.

Saltaire Brewery' were keen to help, and with the club already serving their local ales, they were more than happy to assist.

During February, the floodlights became a reality, as they were installed.

The Club decided to officially open the floodlights last Friday, and asked current Waterloo champion Chris Mordue from Brighouse Sports to switch them on.

Mordue also agreed to play a challenge match against Shipley's Daniel Metcalfe. Although the weather was not too kind, Mordue just got the better of Metcalfe.

Mordue was quick to praise the floodlights, and was just as impressed with the condition of the green.

The club have spent significant money improving the facilities in general, and are certainly a club going places.

Great credit must go to everyone involved in the project. When you hear about clubs folding and greens being turned into car parks, its great to hear about things like the Shipley Club.

6:30pm Thursday 3rd April 2008

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