THE HISTORY

 

In 2009, a twenty five year lease was negotiated between the Gardeners ‘A’ Bowling Club and Admiral Taverns of Chester. Admiral Taverns are the owners of the Gardeners public house and the land surrounding the pub. The lease was negotiated by members of the bowling club on behalf of the bowling club and the Bridgers Community Group. The areas covered by the lease are the Bowling Green, designated parking areas and some surrounding land. These areas are now under the control of the Gardeners Bowling Club/Bridgers Community Group.

 

Admiral Taverns have set a fair rent for the land covered by the lease and  have been very fair and open minded regarding the lease and the conditions of the lease. They have also actively encouraged us and supported us since the lease was signed.

 

Because of the conditions of the twenty five year lease that we negotiated in 2009, the bowling club, the Bridgers and Atherton Environment Projects have undertaken to renovate and refurbish all the land covered by the lease.

 

Since we took out the lease we have, and still are, continually improving the site and facilities. Part of this is the maintenance of the bowling green. This is an all year round task and because of the excellent work that is being done by our two green keepers, John Urmston & Keith Wright and with the help of a couple of bowling club members, the green is in excellent condition during the build-up to the coming season. The Green is now the envy of the Leigh Leagues, and from teams across the Wigan borough and also teams from Bolton and travelling teams from our neighbouring counties! In recent years, the bowling club now have a new wooden hut! which is stunning.

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All the renovation work has been done by members of the Gardeners Bowling Club, Bridger's Community Group, Atherton Environmental Projects and Residents of Howe Bridge, everyone who has worked on this project are UNPAID VOLUNTEERS.

 

We have had new floodlights fitted (Lancashire Roadways, an Atherton company fitted the lights)

We have increased and improved the parking areas, clearing a large area of overgrown Brambles, bushes etc. mostly by hand held equipment.

 

Two Port cabins were purchased from Elliott Hire, Astley with funding from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust; these are used as an office and secure storage. They have been refurbished and fitted out to the requirements that suit our needs.

 

We have created a concrete footpath with viewing areas all around the green which is suitable for wheelchairs users.

 

The garden areas have been renovated and part of the land has been turfed to create a lawned area. Further improvements are on-going.

 

We have purchased new tables and chairs so that spectators can watch bowling matches in relative comfort. Refreshments are available in the pub during opening hours, but should the pub close permanently, it would be possible to adapt one of the cabins to be used for Tea, Coffee & Snacks etc.

 

During the renovation project we have been supported by many local companies/businesses, including:-

FISHERS, ATHERTON; BOYDELLS TIMBER, LEIGH; TBS, TYLDESLEY;  B&Q LEIGH; REBUILD, BURY; AMBROSE TURF SUPPLIES, ASTLEY; AMIX CONCRETE, HORWICH,  and local builders  SUM1 MULTI-TRADES-BUILDERS.

 

Many thanks must also go to BARRY FAIRHURST for ALL the excellent work he has done to repair and improve the Electrical system we have.

 

Funding has been supplied by COALFIELD REGENERATION TRUST, COMMUNITY FIRST and ELECTED MEMBERS.

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ANNIVERSARIES

 

In 2013 the bowling green celebrated it 125 years of crown green bowling (1st shown on Ordinance Survey maps in 1888)

 

The pub has been operating as a public house for 100 years  (It opened in 1913)