A long-standing Bowls club which came close to being killed off by council spending cuts is celebrating being back in business.

Merton Bowling Club faced an uncertain future in November when they were told – along with another council-funded club in Morden – they would not reopen at the end of the 2016 season to save £25,000.

From February: Save our bowling clubs: Petition gets 1,000 signatures against council funding cuts

But determined members refused to call time on the 117-year-old club, and after petitioning Merton Council’s Labour administration for talks, they were given permission to take control of grounds maintenance themselves.

From March: Saved: Hard work and a 2,000-strong petition save beloved Merton Bowling Club from closure

They found a lawn expert who could maintain the bowling green for a lower cost than the council could manage and supporters repainted and repaired the club house.

Wimbledon Times:

Bowls secretary Maura O'Keeffe sets up a shot.

On Saturday, April 23, many of club’s 37 members and supporters were present for an open day to let the community know they are still running and to encourage more people to take up competitive bowls or to use the club socially.

Secretary of Merton Bowling Club, Tina Smith, said: “We can hold our head up for the next two years but we will need some sponsorship or an influx of new members.

“Bowls is great for health – it gets you out in the open and exercising and we’re an open and friendly group so if people are a feeling a bit lonely they can come along.

“We offer a club get together every Tuesday at 1.30pm for new people to try bowls – all you need are flat shoes and the first session is free. For those who don’t want to play but would like to support us, we also need people to tend flowerbeds or help with the tea.”

The club’s future had been threatened when Merton Council decided mergers would be “fair” in order to reduce the £90,000 annual cost of maintaining six bowling greens.

But the Merton club questioned whether the move would actually make a saving as grounds staff would continue to be employed as they are also carrying out other maintenance in the borough.

The club was formed in 1909 and is mainly popular with the over 50s – its oldest member is 91. But it also has members in their 20s and 30s and is hoping to inspire the next generation after linking up with local schools.

Year 6 pupils at Joseph Hood School, Wimbledon Park School and others will make visits and produce poems and watercolours, with the best ones being judged by Merton Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender.

The Barnes West ward councillor has been supporting Merton Bowls Club in its battle to remain open, together with her husband Cllr Brian Lewis-Lavender.

She said: “One of our constituents approached us for help and we found out that quite a few people from West Barnes are members. As shadow cabinet member for health I am keen to keep sport available for older people as it combats loneliness.

“It absolutely would have been a loss for the community if the club had closed. Luckily they are very determined people at the club.”