Ayr Bowling Club, the town's oldest outdoor bowling club, is set to close on Saturday, September 12, bringing an end to its 192-year history. The decision follows a Special General Meeting held at the weekend, where members voted for closure.
The club, located on Cassillis Street in the shadow of Ayr Sheriff Court, has seen its membership dwindle in recent years.
Members vote for closure
Ayrshire Live understands that, following the Special General Meeting on Sunday, members voted to close the club. One player who attended the meeting said: "That's 192 years of bowling gone to the wall!"
"I've just retuned from a Special General Meeting where the members of Ayr BC voted to close the club. The membership was so low that it was no longer possible to continue."
Final day event planned
It is understood that a final day event will be organised for Saturday, September 12, when members will gather for one last time.
Ayr Bowling Club, established in 1834, is one of 31 outdoor clubs in the Ayrshire region, known as 'District 29' in Bowls Scotland's list of affiliated clubs.
Future of the site unclear
It is unclear at this stage what the future will hold for the land the club is based on. Governing body Bowls Scotland has been contacted for a response.
News of the club's imminent closure follows a previous blow this year to the indoor game in Ayr. Ayrshire Live reported in February how the oldest indoor bowling club in the world, Ayr IBC, was preparing to close. The club, which last year enjoyed its 90th anniversary, closed in March after members received the news that the Lothian Road site was to be sold off.
