Gedling & District Indoor Bowling Club

Says it all .....

From ski slope to social hub: The heritage of the Richard Herrod Centre - Gedling Eye The Richard Herrod Centre stood for decades as one of Carlton’s most recognisable landmarks. It was much more than just a leisure venue

Latest press release:

Community Anger Grows as Further Carlton Active Consultation Opens Following Richard Herrod Centre Closure

Residents across Gedling Borough are being invited to take part in a further public consultation on the proposed Carlton Active development, following the closure and handover of the Richard Herrod Centre (RHC) site to developers.

The consultation comes amid continuing public debate surrounding the loss of the Richard Herrod Centre, a facility that for over 39 years and several generations served as a valued community hub and home to Gedling's only indoor bowls centre. Former users of the centre have expressed concern that consultation on the design and facilities of Carlton Active is taking place after the closure of the Richard Herrod Centre and after indoor bowls provision has already been removed from the borough.

Gedling Borough Council are intent on pressing ahead, whilst there is little opportunity of challenging planning permission through their processes, and are not providing any adequate replacement during closure of the site. This is despite the leader of the Council requesting a report on possible alternative venues for indoor bowls, which to date has not been provided or considered.

Since the closure, social media discussions have attracted significant public engagement, with many residents voicing disappointment over the loss of facilities they believe played an important role in community life.

The Richard Herrod Centre was widely used by residents of all ages and was particularly valued by older people, disabled residents and those seeking opportunities for social interaction, physical activity and community engagement.

Gedling Borough Council have previously accepted an application to have the indoor bowls facility registered as an Asset of Community Value, but campaigners argue that the planned redevelopment represents a net loss of community benefit, with the Council overstating the “equivalence” of the replacement facilities, which do not include any opportunity for team sport.

Among the concerns regularly raised by residents are:

• The loss of a long-established community facility.
• The removal of indoor bowls provision from Gedling Borough.
• The impact on older and disabled residents who relied on the centre.
• Questions regarding accessibility and inclusivity within the proposed replacement development.
• Concerns over whether community needs have been fully reflected in the plans.
• Wider concerns regarding the decision-making process.

One resident said:
“Funding has not yet been secured, but this is not stopping Gedling Borough Council proceeding with demolition as soon as October 2026. It makes no sense to knock down a perfectly good facility before you know you can afford to replace it”

Questions remain around why Gedling Borough Council, are planning to spend tens of millions of pounds, with 50% of the money borrowed, with a payback period of 40 years, on a facility that they will have no responsibility for when they cease to exist in May 2028.

Comments posted on social media illustrate the strength of feeling surrounding the issue.

Another resident wrote:
“You got rid of the best community hub and indoor bowls centre in Nottinghamshire.”

Others described the closure as a significant loss to the local community and questioned why no replacement indoor bowls provision has been included within the current proposals.

A recurring theme within online discussions has been concern over the future of indoor bowls in Gedling. Residents have repeatedly questioned how a team sport that attracted substantial participation and provided accessible opportunities for older and disabled people has been removed without replacement provision being identified within the borough.

A request made by the Leader of the Council for a further report on alternative indoor bowls provision appears to have fallen on deaf ears, and no further contact made by Gedling Borough Council with the Gedling Indoor Bowls Club.

Former users of the facility argue that indoor bowls offered much more than sporting activity. For many participants it provided friendship, routine, support networks and an important means of combating loneliness and social isolation.

Campaigners have also questioned whether Carlton Active can genuinely be described as a facility for everyone if an established and accessible team sport previously enjoyed by hundreds of local residents is no longer available.

The issue continues to resonate strongly with many residents because it extends beyond the loss of a sporting facility. For some, it represents the loss of a community asset that contributed significantly to health, wellbeing and social inclusion.

Other emerging themes from the comments is a perceived loss of trust in the decision-making process. Several contributors criticised not only the outcome but also the judgement behind the project, suggesting that some residents feel community priorities have not been adequately reflected in the plans.

While social media comments should not be viewed as a substitute for formal consultation, the consistency of the concerns expressed suggests there remains significant public interest in the future provision of community and leisure facilities within the borough.

Gedling Borough Council’s consultation provides residents with an opportunity to comment on the proposed Carlton Active development and to raise any concerns they may have regarding the facilities proposed.

Campaigners are encouraging all residents—not only those directly affected by the closure of the Richard Herrod Centre—to participate in the consultation and ensure their views are heard.

A key question that continues to be raised however, by many former users of the Richard Herrod Centre is:

How can a replacement leisure facility be considered fully inclusive if there is no replacement provision for indoor bowls within Gedling Borough?

Residents can view the proposals and submit their comments through the council's consultation process.

A big shout out for the lovely volunteers that ran Gedling Indoor Bowls Club before the council closed us down last month. You were brilliant and we couldn't have done it without you ❤️

This National Volunteers’ Week, here at the EIBA, we’re celebrating the incredible people who keep our indoor bowls communities thriving; from the coaches and committee members, to the league organisers and tea makers, and to all the event helpers at competitions, and everyone who gives their time to make our clubs welcoming, active and enjoyable places to be. 💙

Volunteers are at the heart of our sport, and their dedication ensures that bowls continues to bring people together across England. We’ve shared the story of a couple of volunteers on our website - take a look here: 👉 http://www.eiba.co.uk/news/2026/20260602-National-Volunteers-Week.php

💬 We’d love to hear from you: Who are the volunteers who deserve a big thank you this week? We would love to hear your stories! 🙌

It is with deep sadness we have to inform you that we have recently lost another of our members, David Longbottom.

David who passed away on 12th May had been battling prostate cancer even though he continued to play bowls until the end of the season.

David is being cremated at Mansfield Crematorium on 8th June at 11.15 am. Donations can be made to Prostate Cancer UK which will be very welcome.

Our thoughts are with his wife and family at this sad time.

RIP David

Gedling & District Indoor Bowling Club – Down, But Not Out

Despite the recent closure of the Richard Herrod Centre, members of Gedling & District Indoor Bowling Club are proving that while they may be down, they are certainly not out.

The Club has expressed its sincere gratitude to South Forest Indoor Bowls Club and Nottingham Indoor Bowls Club for the exceptionally warm, genuine, and wholehearted welcome extended to Gedling members following the loss of their long-standing home.

At a time of uncertainty, both clubs have demonstrated a shared commitment to preserving indoor bowls across the county and ensuring the sport remains accessible to players of all ages and abilities. Their support reflects a wider recognition that keeping local clubs active and thriving is vital for the future of the game in Nottinghamshire.

The owners and members of South Forest, together with the Management Team and Bowls Committee at Nottingham, have worked tirelessly to facilitate opportunities for Gedling members to continue enjoying summer leagues, social bowling, and competitive fixtures. This support has also enabled the Club to maintain its competitive presence by entering the national Fantastic Fives competition, while ensuring that Gedling & District Indoor Bowling Club can continue supporting the wider community through a sport that delivers significant physical, mental, and social wellbeing benefits to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For many members, indoor bowls is far more than simply a sport — it provides friendship, routine, purpose, exercise, and valuable social connection, all of which play an important role in supporting health, wellbeing, and reducing social isolation within the community. From grassroots participation in local clubs to international competition on the world stage as a proud part of the Commonwealth Games, bowls remains one of the few sports that truly offers opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to participate, compete, and thrive.

However, the Club also recognises that, despite these positive arrangements, a number of its members are currently unable to travel to the alternative venues due to personal circumstances, mobility challenges, or transport limitations. Ensuring that no member is left behind remains a key priority, and Gedling is actively exploring additional opportunities and creative solutions to support those bowlers as the Club continues to move forward and shape its future.

The Management and Bowls Committee of Gedling & District Indoor Bowling Club are now actively working alongside both clubs to shape an exciting and sustainable winter programme for the 2026/27 season, ensuring members can continue to enjoy the sport they love whilst the Club re-establishes itself and plans for a strong and sustainable future.

The Club also wishes to place on record its appreciation for the ongoing engagement and support shown by Nottinghamshire County Council throughout this challenging period. Their willingness to listen, engage constructively, and support discussions have been greatly valued and continues to provide encouragement as the bowls club works to secure its next chapter.

Importantly, Gedling Indoor Bowls Centre Limited and Gedling Borough Council, have confirmed their intention to continue engaging constructively to explore potential opportunities for the bowls club to occupy alternative premises within the Borough in the future, in accordance with adopted policies, decision-making processes, and available resources.

A spokesperson for the Club said: “This has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging periods in our Club’s history, but the response from the wider bowling community, local partners, and some public bodies has been nothing short of inspirational. South Forest and Nottingham have not simply opened their doors — they have opened their arms. The support we have also received from Nottinghamshire County Council and the English Indoor Bowling Association has given us real belief that Gedling still has a future. Just as importantly, this support means we can continue delivering the physical, mental, and social wellbeing benefits that bowls brings to so many people in our community.

It is a sport with a proud heritage, (Richard Herrod Centre being the birthplace of Disability Bowls), recognised on the international stage through the Commonwealth Games, yet one that remains accessible to everyone at community level. Gedling may have lost its home, but it has not lost its spirit, its identity, or its determination. We are down… but we are certainly not out.”

For Gedling & District Indoor Bowling Club, the message is clear: the journey continues.

It is with sadness we have to inform you of the passing of one of our long-standing members, Brian Andrews. Such was his love for bowls Brian continued to play casually up to this season even though his health wasn't good.

The funeral will be held at Gedling Crematorium on Monday 1 June at 3.30 pm. Family flowers only, but donations can be made to Haywood House at the City Hospital.

Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

RIP Brian

Whilst we were still there we held a glimmer of hope but the keys have been handed over and the goodbyes said. It really is all gone now after 39 wonderful years. 💔

Lockers gone, the last ever bowls to be bowled at Gedling Indoor Bowls Centre, keys being handed in next week. You have broken our hearts Gedling Borough Council. 💔

The doors are shut and we are now officially homeless.

This is what our beloved bowls centre looks like now. Empty lockers, empty noticeboards, cold and silent waiting for the doors to finally slam shut on Thursday. 💔💔