By Robyn Chowdhury
A bowls club and community hub in Stanningley ‘no longer has to worry about bills’ thanks to their solar panels.
Alyssa Randell, secretary of Stanningley Park Bowls Club, said the premises has been revitalised thanks to the addition of solar panels and insulation.
The club received nearly £40,000 from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s fund to increase sustainability in community spaces.
The facility sits just off Stanningley Road, which was once an industrial area well-known for manufacturing.
Alyssa said the funding took the building from a ‘tin can’ to a cosy community facility.
She added: “We started renovating in 2025 to convert the building from what was essentially a tin can with an extension.
“We focused on getting solar panels in first, then worked on insulation.
“It’s made the place bright and warm, and we no longer have to worry about bills.”
Cliff, who has been a club member for 12 years, said the grant transformed the club: “The club is practically brand new following the grant, and we have one of the best bowling surfaces in Leeds.
“A lot of people come along, people of all ages, which is great to see.”
The bowls club has also increased its range of activities and offers hot drinks and a warm space for locals.
Cliff added that the club was a great space for people who became isolated after Covid to reconnect. He said: “After Covid, people stopped communicating and leaving the house, and now they have somewhere they can meet to have a coffee and a chat, even if they don’t play bowls.
“Where else can you get a coffee or a tea and a couple of biscuits for £1? You can’t!” Laughing, he added: “We beat Greggs!”
As a long-term member of the club, Cliff spoke highly of the solar panels, and the impact they have on the club’s finances, and on the comfort of the club members.
“All of the savings go back into the community. Now that we have the solar panels, we can have the heating on.
“We’re saving money and doing the environment good – and with the solar panels, everything is good.”
The club’s membership has now multiplied more than five times from its previous membership of 12 people, and now has 17 teams, including a ladies’ team.
“The bowling season starts in April and ends in September – but now we can use the facility all year,” said Cliff.
“People can come into a warm space, without using their own energy at home. They can come here to a great environment and feel safe.”
Alyssa said installing the solar panels had taken the stress out of running the club.
“We can now use the space as much as we want without having to stress about money,” she said.
“At the end of the day, it’s a community space – so we shouldn’t have to worry about how much it costs.”
- This story was written, photographed and filmed by the Local Storytelling Exchange.
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