South East Cambridgeshire MP Sir Jim Paice and mayor of Ely Cllr Elaine Griffin-Singh joined members of the City of Ely Bowls Club to celebrate the completion of the club’s new roof.
The club was able to replace its existing roof over the club house, in Nutholt Lane, thanks to a £50,000 grant from Sport England.
The grant was part of the Inspired Facilities programme, borne out of the London 2012 Olympics.
Four club members were selected at random to participate in a special match to commemorate the occasion and played with the club’s eight England internationals. The club members, Fred Harrison, Jack Hargreaves, Rob Akroyd and Terry Needs joined forces with Greg Harlow, Nicky Brett, Sarah Seymour, Ellen Falkner, Matt Marsden, Catherine Popple, Sarah Gove and Ed Elmore in the contest.
Sir Jim and Councillor Griffin-Singh bowled the first shots of the match to enthusiastic support from a large group of members.
Councillor Griffin-Singh, a past member of the club, admitted to being rather rusty but attacked the task with great energy. Sir Jim, a complete novice, took very brief instruction from former world champion Greg Harlow before delivering his bowl.
The winning member, partnered by Ed Elmore and Ellen Falkner, was Fred Harrison.
Sir Jim and Councillor Griffin-Singh unveiled a plaque to commemorate the grant and Sir Jim congratulated the club and its members on both their recent achievements and the completion of the project.
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