Locals are rallying to preserve the future of a historic 125-year-old bowls club as they confront eviction to pave the way for a new café space.
Members of the Mitres Bowls Club in Norwich expressed deep dismay upon being informed that they must vacate the clubhouse and bowling green, their cherished home for over a century. Over 500 individuals have already endorsed a petition urging the preservation of the club following the deadline set for their departure on February 1.
Situated adjacent to St Thomas Church in Norwich, the club is being compelled to relocate after its Church of England landlord revealed intentions to transform the bowls green into an outdoor café area and multifunctional community zone.
Vice-president Neville Warnes, aged 63, conveyed that the decision had left the members shattered, emphasizing the sentimental value of the club beyond the sport of bowls. Neville lamented, “People’s ashes are scattered here, it’s about the memories as well as the current members who play. They can’t even be bothered to see what we have here.”
He expressed doubt that any new location could replicate the legacy established by generations of members, asserting, “There isn’t anywhere like this where we could relocate. It wouldn’t feel like a club if we rented another venue. We believe this decision was made not for the community’s benefit but solely for financial gain and greed.”
Established in 1896 and relocated to its present site in 1901, the club, housing approximately 70 members, is facing eviction by East Church, which acquired the property in 2016 through its commercial arm, STN Trading Ltd, with plans to revamp the bowls green into a space connected to the nearby Mitre café.
Julie Rust, the club’s first female member 30 years ago at 66 years old, expressed the members’ outrage over the proposed changes, stating, “It is so infuriating. There is already a cafe there. It has angered us so much. We pay the rent and look after the club completely.”
Treasurer Annette Warnes, aged 58, expressed disappointment in the eviction process, highlighting a lack of community-friendly behavior by the church compared to previous interactions with the vicar.
David Hart, aged 60, a recent club joiner preparing for retirement, described the situation as a missed opportunity for the bowls and broader community.
Awaiting a response from the Bishop of Norwich in their efforts to safeguard the club, members are determined to continue their advocacy. A church spokeswoman clarified that STN Trading Ltd, the Norwich-based church network’s commercial arm, aims to utilize the Mitre café as a community space and coffee shop, with generated funds supporting local social initiatives.
Acknowledging the sadness expressed by club representatives, the church pledged full support to ensure a positive final season for the Mitre Bowls Club amid the impending changes.