A BOWLING club in Largs has thanked the News for shining the spotlight on their appeal for new blood.

We reported last month on Douglas Park Bowling Club's plea to local residents amid concern that falling membership numbers could threaten its future.

The club, which was established in 1948, only had 32 playing members in February. 

And there were concerns that not enough people would rejoin to ensure there was a quorum for its annual general meeting on Sunday March 3.

Without a quorum there was a risk the club could close down.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

Spokesperson Michael McGowan said: "The club had the largest numbers of attendees for their AGM in many years.

"Thank you for the item in the Largs and Millport News. It is much appreciated.

"Around 10 new members have signed up for next year, and there are more who could not manage to attend the meeting.

"It is a fantastic start to our aim to build the membership this year. Our opening day will be Saturday, April 20.

"Our aim, after opening day, is to run free coaching sessions for new members and also to run free sessions for anyone who wishes to 'Try Bowls' and find out more about the sport before they commit to joining the club. 

"If all goes well the aim is to encourage families to come along and enjoy the games. 

"We are trying to encourage everyone to 'give it a go'. It is a great sport for all the family, all ages and abilities.

"It is a great social sport where you get to meet so many people from different clubs.

"We hope that people come along with an open mind. It's not for everyone but don't knock it until you've tried it, as can be said for any sport."

Our recent news article was spotted by bowlers as far as Ayr and Paisley, and Michael said he was pleased that locals have rallied round to 'save the day'.

He said: "We had a total of 42 people turn up for our AGM. It was a brilliant response.

"It would have been a crying shame for it to have fallen apart but we can now look forward to the future with fresh blood and new ideas.

"It is a magnificent setting. Even when visiting at the weekend in the March sunshine, it is wonderful to see, and hopefully we can take advantage of that with more people joining and coming along to play."

For further information about getting involved with the club, contact Michael on 07565 136866.