LETTER: Much sadness at proposed demise

It is with much sadness and disappointment that I read of the proposed demise of the Horsham Indoor Bowls Club. Since the club was formed, I have spent many years with so much enjoyment there, and have made many friends. To see so many people facing the possibility without the purpose-built facility will be a great shame.

Over the years, the club has catered for a wide-range of age groups, providing a great social venue for older people to maintain a level of fitness as well as a good night out.

It has not only been the older generation who have benefited – my three children learnt to play bowls there from a young age, and have developed, like many, into accomplished bowlers.

Two achieved Sussex U25 level, with one having two England Indoor trials, the other winning the Sussex U25 singles. Other youngsters have also achieved County honours in recent years.

Many people have dedicated their own time to these youngsters. What a pity it would be to see that all dwindle away, as parents will not be able to afford travelling 20 miles to the next facility. Have the powers-that-be seen how many youngsters have received coaching at HDIBC in recent years?

I have also been impressed at the provision for disabled people – with wheelchair bowlers and the Crawley Blind Bowlers regular visitors. If you have never seen this it is well worth experiencing the skills they can display. Without such facilities, their choice of venues becomes limited in this area of the county.

Horsham Indoor has a good reputation in the county and farther afield. Why would anyone wish to take away a facility which is doing the community so much good? Are we getting the right decisions from those we pay our taxes to? I THINK NOT!

SIMON FELTON

Hon secretary, Horsham Bowling Club, Wickhurst Lane, Horsham