AN HISTORIC bowling club has issued a desperate plea for money to keep going.

Spennymoor Indoor Bowling Club has launched an emergency funding appeal to raise £30,000 - without which it may not survive long enough to celebrate its 50th anniversary next March.

To raise the cash, officials have made 30 shares each worth £1,000 available and hope investors will buy into the club to safeguard its future.

It is expected that, after a one year delay, investors can be repaid their loan with interest over the next decade. If the club is forced to close, investors will get first call on proceeds of its sale.

Club secretary and treasurer, Alan Clark said: “It is vital for Spennymoor that the club is supported and survives.

“When it opened in 1964 it was the only indoor bowling facility in the county and attracted bowlers from far and wide and the social club used to be booming.

“But to continue into the future, we need to raise money and improve participation in both the bowling and in our social club.”

The club needs the money to repay a £24,000 brewery loan and meet other costs such as utility bills and essential repairs to its base above the Ken Warne supermarket, on Whitworth Terrace.

If the loan is paid off the club can negotiate a better rate for drinks to stock.

After making a series of cutbacks to improve the club’s financial footing earlier this year it was hit by the loss of £5,000 rental income when a kick boxing club that used to train there moved out.

Mr Clark said: “Unfortunately a few problems came at once and our cash flow is such that if we continue as is we will be in the red by Christmas and making a decision about the club’s future in the next week or two.

“Already we’ve had £10,000 pledged but it will be a struggle to get the rest, if we can I’m relatively positive that we can keep going.

“The club is important to the town and its members, it is one of the few sporting and social activities many can access and enjoy.”

The club will host an introductory session for anyone interested in the sport on Sunday, December 15, from 2pm to 4pm. The cost is £1 and smooth, flat shoes or carpet slippers or socks must be worn during play.

To support or join the club call Mr Clark on 01388-817103.