It was immediately clear that intruders had gained forced entry to Braeside Bowling Club, which was founded in 1978, after a smashed window and broken padlock were found on June 10.
(Image: Braeside Bowling Club, NQ staff) (Image: broken padlock, NQ staff) Richard White, the club’s treasurer, expressed his deep disappointment at the incident.
He said: “It’s heart-breaking. This club has been around for years and it’s run entirely by members. We don’t make any profits.
“Whatever we make, it all goes back into the club. So really, we’re a charity and we also donate to charity.”
Richard explained that thieves not only stole vital sporting equipment but also took the club’s keys, forcing members to replace all locks and issue new keys to maintain security.
(Image: Alan Barnes and Richard White, Braeside Bowling Club, NQ staff) Among the items stolen were BBQ grill, a brand-new step ladder, food items, and collected cash for charity.
He said: “Anything like that is disruptive for the club, and it’s a loss to members, to be honest with you. I’m the treasurer of the club – it’s things like this that that do affect the club.”
The members were upset with loss of money raised for charity. Every year, the group raises funds for different charities. This year funds were being raised for We are the Lily Foundation, which works for children suffering from mitochondrial disease.
(Image: Braeside Bowling Club, NQ staff) The cause is close to the heart of club president Alan Barnes, whose grandchildren suffers from the disease.
He said: “We worked hard to raise those funds. To have them stolen is just devastating. We choose a charity every year and raise money for it”
Alan described the club long known for its welcoming and peaceful community space and a retreat for its members.
The club has 15 to 20 members who come every week.
(Image: Locks were broken, NQ staff) (Image: NQ staff)
Richard said: “We didn’t really think we would be target, we are just a simple bowling club.”
“This place has always been our safe premise. To have it violated like this has shocked us all.”
The Echo contacted Hampshire police for information but it had not responded at the time of publication.