HETHERSETT WEB

Every bowls club’s pride and joy is the state of its green. Hethersett Playing Field Bowls Club’s grass will be even greener and smoother thanks to a new sprinkler system.

The system was purchased with a £1,900 grant from Hethersett Parish Council from money set aside by developers of the Poppyfields estate in the village.

The money was set aside for recreational facilities and equipment: “We invited organisations to put in bids and the sprinkler system is the first project under the scheme,” said chair of Hethersett Parish Council Fred Watkins who officially turned on the new system.

Other areas the parish council is looking at include improving facilities at the Jubilee Youth Club, more play equipment on Hethersett Memorial Field and additional outside recreational facilities in the village hall area. In total it has £50,000 available to award in grants

Chairman of the bowls club Ron Butcher said the sprinkler system would make keeping the green in good condition much easier: “We can programme the sprinklers to come on when we need them rather than having to pull hoses around. It will also give us a much better covering,” he said.

The system includes a sensor that will override any programme if it is raining. “In the past we have had to have somebody come down late at night to water the green,” Mr Butcher added.

The system incorporates nine individual sprinklers. Each work for two minutes at a time and a water tank gives up to 32 minutes of watering per session.

The club, which goes back almost 40 years and which currently has 28 members, is looking for new players. It plays in the City and Age Concern Leagues and also friendly matches – amounting to about 40 games a season. Anybody interested in joining or finding out more about the club can contact Ron Butcher on 01603 813096 or Tony Dunton on 01603 811712.