MEMBERS CELEBRATE HITTING THE MISSION 650 TARGET

Members of Melton & District Indoor Bowls Club celebrate hitting a target that seemed impossible three years ago. In 2012 the membership number had dropped to 495, well below a break even total of 650. This increase was achieved against a national backdrop of other bowls clubs struggling to maintain membership levels. Now not only do Members regard the club as one of the best bowls clubs in the UK they also appreciate the fact that reaching the 650 target keeps membership fees and rink hire costs to an affordable level. In addition the 30% increase in membership revenue has been a major factor in the Club being able to carry out major improvement schemes ranging from new Toilet Block and Changing Room Facilities to a new Bowling Carpet.

The initiative to chase this membership target was started in March 2013 by the formation of a small group of volunteers whose task was to make this happen. We called the Team Mission 650. The task in front of the small but enthusiastically active team was to recruit as many new members as possible in the 3 years to offset both the reduced number of members and those who would leave the Club each year, mainly from age related situations - a daunting task.

After mounting various recruiting and retention initiatives it became necessary to extend the group by another 16 Meeters & Greeters whose task it was to extend a friendly welcome to all would be bowlers. Their main aim was to make all visitors feel welcome, introduce them to the game of Indoor Bowls and help them to integrate into the social and competitive side of the Club.

All the Club Members have given tremendous support to all of the recruiting initiatives and even more importantly to the task of not only making the new members feel welcome but helping them personally to join the Clubs social activities.

Finally:
If you have ever considered trying your hand at Indoor Bowls, now is the time to have a go! Having a friendly game of bowls is much better than watching repeats on the TV on a winter’s evening.

Take up the current limited offer of having a free game of Bowls, all equipment provided, by telephoning Arnold Browne – 01664 851457 or the club on 01664 410159 and make an appointment to have a go, and discover what other offers are available to new members.

The on-going battle to maintain Membership levels will continue as it is the Club’s aim to continue to provide a premier sporting facility for Melton and District for many years to come.

Mission 650 Team

16th November 2015