Preserving the Past. Playing for the Future. More Than a Game — It’s Our Community.

The Richard Herrod Centre has been a pillar of Carlton, Nottingham for decades — not just a leisure facility, but a space where lives are connected, identities are shaped, and community thrives.

For older residents, people with disabilities, and those at risk of isolation, it’s more than just a building — it’s a lifeline. A place of support, friendship, mental wellbeing, and physical activity.

It’s also a serious competitive venue — a proud home to Gedling Indoor Bowls Club, known across the region for its six high-quality rinks and commitment to sporting excellence. From club matches to national-level competitions, this centre has trained players, hosted tournaments, and built a legacy of athletic achievement.

And it holds deep historic and unique value, as the birthplace of disability bowls, it set a national standard for inclusion through sport — welcoming all ages and abilities, long before it became policy.

Yet despite its impact, Gedling Borough Council’s new leisure strategy threatens to sideline the Richard Herrod Centre, its bowlers and its community — risking the closure or repurposing of a facility that continues to deliver social, physical, and competitive value every day.

 It is home to competition, camaraderie, and care.

Every story shared within these walls, every connection made, and every skill honed is a testament to the intrinsic value of the Richard Herrod Centre, Gedling Indoor Bowls Club Members, visiting Clubs and casual bowlers alike.

This is short-sighted. What’s built here can’t be recreated elsewhere.

We urge Gedling Borough Council to:

• Reconsider the proposed plans
• Protect the legacy and purpose of the Centre and our 6 rinks
• Support competitive indoor bowls, community health, and inclusion
• Every game played here is about more than bowls — it’s about belonging, resilience, and shared pride.

👉 Sign this petition to stand with us.

Let’s protect what matters.
Let’s save the Richard Herrod Centre — for today’s players and tomorrow’s champions.

Preserving the Past. Playing for the Future. More Than a Game — It’s Our Community.  #SaveRichardHerrodBowlingCentre