ONE of Whitchurch’s sporting institutions is looking to the future despite ongoing fears over its home.

Whitchurch Indoor Bowls Club held its final meeting of the 2024 winter season last month when prizes were presented.

The individual league table championship was won by Tony Hunter with Stan Davies ending as runner up.

The final competition of the season, won by Avril Metcalf and her partner Steve Ward with Linda Louch and Richard White as runners up.

The club have been meeting for many years in the Whitchurch Sports Hall attached to the Whitchurch Civic Centre whose future is currently uncertain after the discovery of Reinforced autoclave aerated concrete (RAAC).

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It is a lightweight material that was used mostly in flat roofing, but also in floors and walls, between the 1950s and 1990s.

It is a cheaper alternative to standard concrete, is quicker to produce and easier to install but less durable and has a lifespan of around 30 years.

Most of the building in Whitchurch, which also houses the town’s library, was shut in September when the unsafe concrete was discovered.

It is estimated that the demolition and redevelopment of the site to bring forward a mixed-use development scheme incorporating community uses and residential would cost £1.25m.

No decision has been taken about what would replace the complex which has played a key role at the heart of community life for decades since it was built in 1970..

However the club has been relieved to confirm to members that the Sports Hall is unaffected by RAAC and hopeful that a way will be found to save the facility which has proven to be a perfect venue for the sport for many years.

If you are interested in trying indoor bowls, also known as short mat bowls, next season all new comers are encouraged to attend on Monday afternoons from October 14th from 12.30pm or 6.30pm in the evening throughout winter with all groups welcome.