Bowling Man Gate Returns to Bailey Hill Park After Restoration

The park’s gate had a bowling man figure. It was important for the bowling community. The figure went missing in 2020. A volunteer noticed during park work. Someone probably removed it to protect it. They wanted to save it from being scrapped.

Restoring the figure was always planned, but they needed funding first. Appeals for its return in 2020 failed. People then raised money for the gate’s restoration. They needed a new bowling man figure.

The Friends of Bailey Hill helped a lot. They got a grant from Cadwyn Clwyd. This used the UK Shared Prosperity Fund’s money. Flintshire Fabrications Limited did the work. They were chosen carefully.

The company recreated the figure, and they also restored the gate very well. The placed the gate to access the ‘old tin shed’. This shed stored tools and refreshments. It was used on bowling competition days.

The restored gate now stands again. It reminds people of the park’s past. Bailey Hill’s bowling green was once glorious, but the park aims to be useful again. It was neglected for many years.

Flintshire Council, Mold Council, and Friends of Bailey Hill manage the park. They meet regularly to coordinate their tasks. In the 70s, new gates were made for two parks. One was Bailey Hill.

J Rhys Jones made these gates. His workshop was on Chester Road. The ‘bowling man’ gate was at Bailey Hill. The gate’s return preserves history. It shows the social and sports past.

The Friends of Bailey Hill are very thankful. They thank the UK fund, Cadwyn Clwyd, and others. Flintshire Council and Flintshire Fabrications also helped.

Volunteers work hard every week. They keep the park in good shape. Everyone should thank them for their effort.