THERE’S a sporting success story in a quiet corner of Huddersfield which is as warming as the welcome you’ll receive at their door.

Lindley Bowling Club is full of character and characters and in these recession-hit days for amateur clubs of all kinds, they are among the few who are genuinely thriving.

Members have been filing through the garden-gate entrance to their enchanting Daisy Lea Lane home since it was opened by mill owner James Nield Sykes (of Lindley Clock Tower fame) in 1902.

But after the centenary celebrations had faded into memory, membership declined, the private members club was making losses and there were no competitive teams flying the Lindley flag.

The future looked bleak, but it was then that the committee and leading members decided they were not going to let more than a century of proud tradition die without a fight.

True to their word and their forefathers, they have used the last few years to revitalise the club on all fronts – and it’s a tale which should inspire those sporting organisations in this area who are struggling right now.

Treasurer Philip Walker explained how they’ve turned things around and outlined further improvements planned this year.

“The initial catalyst was a decision to enter a team in the Huddersfield Veterans League four years ago, and we’ve had an increase in teams every year since,” he said.

“Last season we had six teams in all – three of them winning promotion – and now we are planning to have eight teams in 2010, including one in the Huddersfield Bowling League.”

Membership has increased from around 80 (with an average age pushing 70!) to almost 140, with more than 30 adding their names to the list last year. These included the former Lindley WMC Saturday team.

A subsidised first-year membership fee of £10 has helped in this – it’s an all-male membership, although ladies are welcome to bowl free of charge – as has an excellent green (maintained by Ray Horrocks) which was placed in the top 15 in the district. Lindley didn’t lose a home game last year.

On the agenda now are floodlights, a shelter at the top side of the green and a new tarmac surround for the playing surface.

“Without doubt the major change in the club’s fortunes has been the decision to have competitive bowling attracting new members, the condition of the green together with a fundamental review of all income and expenditure,” explained Mr Walker.

“This has included encouraging companies and organisations to hire the club and its facilities and, to increase membership, leafleting over 1,200 properties in and around Lindley.

“We have also placed adverts in the church magazine and local shops seeking new members and our membership is now full, although we would welcome a few more bowlers for the Huddersfield Vets teams.”

While the green – one of the most picturesque in the area and with another 150 shrubs planted around its surround this winter – was once used by no more than a dozen bowlers for a friendly get-together, this season Lindley will have two Huddersfield Vets teams, two in the Brighouse Vets and Elland Evening leagues and one each in the Works Evening and main Huddersfield League. Mitre Sports are also using the venue for their Works matches.

“I think eight teams is about right for the club because it allows competitive players to play and still leaves the green available for those members who just fancy a game of bowls with friends,” added Mr Walker.