A Bournemouth bowls club is desperately appealing for more members - or they could face closure in the new year.

Iford Bridge Bowls Club is in a “dire” situation as low numbers of playing members mean the club may be forced to close.

The club, which was founded in 1975, is left with only 16 members, which is not sufficient to enter the leagues they play in, members claim.

Despite falling numbers, the club came second in the New Forest League, achieving promotion, and reached a final.

The club’s problem is not unique, with other clubs reportedly facing troubling times. The pandemic sped up the decline of many clubs, with players not returning afterwards, members say.

Bournemouth Echo:

Mike Emsley, who has played at the club for 34 years, said the club is doing everything to survive.

“We understand that other clubs are experiencing similar problems, but ours is dire,” he said.

“It’s a tale of woe, and we don’t know the answer.”

Martin Churchill, the club’s president, said that it is a lack of back-up that would mean they would be unable to enter leagues, over the realistic possibility of being unable to field teams.

“We’re on a tight edge at the moment,” he said.

Bournemouth Echo:

Colin Lakey, a member at the club for 24 years, said that they are “pretty desperate” for new members.

They would ideally need 30 members to compete in all their leagues, but they would be able to continue as a club with seven or eight members and look to build membership from there.

The group members encourage anyone to try the sport.

Mr Emsley said: “We want people, from any age to any age. We’d love to get involved with Twynham School, because there are kids who perhaps don’t fancy playing rugby or soccer or cricket or tennis, they could have a go at bowls and take to it.”

Bournemouth Echo:

“You haven’t got have a lot of know how to start to bowl. We have enough experience here to show people how to bowl,” Mr Lakey added.

The club face a rapidly approaching deadline of the end of January, when league registration takes place, to see an increase in members.

Mr Lakey said: “By January, if nothing changes, we won’t be going forward with this club.”