FUNDRAISING has started for a new pavilion to be built for Olveston and District Bowling Club.

Since the club was founded in July 1933 a number of pavilions have stood on the ground to accommodate members and visitors alike and the current pavilion and separate changing rooms and toilets have been on the site since 1993.

However, the popularity of the club means they are looking to build a new pavilion which offers better facilities for the club, but needs help raising the £150,000 for its construction.

Jim Ritchie, former president, has been a member of the club since 1989 and was one of the members responsible for the current facilities.

He said: "What we have has served us well over the years but we are now finding that our pavilion groans with the numbers we now have to accommodate after matches.”

The club is recognised within the county and further afield for its facilities and excellent playing green and had a footfall of about eight and a half thousand using the green during the 2014 season alone.

Club chairman, Ian Curtis, said: "We must look forward and try to understand what the future might hold for us and green bowls in general"

"This is a big project and will cost over £150,000 but we know that people are using the green and the new pavilion will also allow us to encourage disabled people to get involved in bowling which our current set up does not facilitate.

“The more we can encourage others to use our facilities and still be able to accommodate our members wishes as well, then I would say that we are in a very strong position to see our club surviving for another 80 years "

Planning permission has been granted for the new pavilion and the job of raising funds to complete the build is under way with a target of April 2016 for the full amount to be raised.

The club plan to hold different fundraising events over the coming year to continue raising the money required and is currently looking for sponsors to join the club in this project.

If you would like to help the club achieve their goal, call club secretary Graham Ellis on 07984 136490.