The future is looking bright at Cloakham Lawn Sports Centre in Axminster

Cloakham Lawn and LED to join forces to offer more sport and fitness facilities in the Axe Valley

Important decisions are facing the Trustees at Cloakham Lawn Sports Centre (CLSC), a charitable and not-for-profit organisation, which will lead to a significant improvement in the facilities offered at the Axminster sports complex.

Chairman Ian Hall has announced that CLSC now has the freehold of the site – and is changing its constitution from Lease and Trust Deed to Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

The coronavirus pandemic has provided an opportunity for CLSC to consider its future.

CLSC has been in discussion with LED Community Leisure, a Community Benefit Society with charitable status.

LED manage a number of sporting facilities throughout East Devon and South Somerset and are working with CLSC to provide additional health and fitness facilities to complement their existing ones at the Axe Valley Academy.

BOWLS

CLSC understand the concerns over the reluctance of customers to return to indoor bowls once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Irrespective of the pandemic, CLSC has seen a reduction of indoor bowls members from over 300 to under 100 members currently.

The Outdoor Bowls Club has done well to acquire a brand-new surface and it is understood understand that there is increased interest in outdoor bowls.

CLSC is also acquiring a new wet/dry vacuum machine for the cleaning care required.

CLSC will also consider the provision of an overhead all-weather/solar cover for the outdoor bowls rink, to enable bowls to be played safely for most of the year.

This proposal would provide members the opportunity to keep playing almost year-round and during this unpredictable.

Mr Hall said in a letter to members: "Sadly, CLSC considers that indoor bowls provision is no longer viable and sustainable, and the focus should be on improving the outdoor bowls provision and its future sustainability."

EXISTING BUILDING

LED has proposed to undertake a refurbishment of the clubhouse, in partnership with CLSC.

This proposal includes an extension to the bar and function area as well as the provision of a gym and fitness studio, which would replace the indoor bowls rink.

LED would pay CLSC a rent for their use of the facility and CLSC would benefit from the bar and function area extension into the bowls hall.

There will be no break in service whilst work is carried out.

FUTURE PROPOSALS

LED and CLSC are currently collaborating on exciting future projects. These include building a new clubhouse and sports hub at Cloakham Lawn with new changing room facilities, a bar and social area with a balcony and viewing gallery.

In addition, LED will have permanent health and fitness facilities plus a new floodlit multi-use games area for netball, five-a-side football, and tennis.

The new facilities would be part-financed through partnership working and grant funding, sourced in conjunction with LED's grant-finding experts.

CLSC and LED also intend to develop the public open space, from the cricket pitch up to the roundabout at the junction of the A358 Chard Road and Stoney Lane. This will include a wildlife and picnic area as well as a Park Run course.

CLSC will remain landlord and use any surpluses for its charitable purposes, supporting its sporting activities and clubs, and promoting the health and wellbeing of the local community.

NEXT STEPS

CLSC is making a public announcement prior to the AGM on March 28 to provide the local community a chance to consider this proposal.

Trustees will meet soon after the AGM for further discussion before making an informed decision on the direction that the charity needs to take to ensure a sustainable future for all is secured.

Mr Hall added: "I am always mindful that we are custodians for a period of time, and we can hopefully handover to the next generation in fine fettle.

"Our president, Andrew Moulding, has been in contact with Indoor Bowls Club users and 'founding members' to ensure all are well-informed and to enable us to answer any questions leading up to the decision making process."

The final decision will be made after the ZOOM AGM Meeting to be held at 7pm on Sunday, March 28, either as an extraordinary meeting straight after the AGM or on another date to be arranged by the trustees.

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