Winter League loses a third host green

Winter League

Lockwood Con have withdrawn from being a host club for the 2026-27 Winter League season. It is well known that their green is in a very poor state and has been for over a year now. The club's greenkeeper has left that role and a new greenkeeper appointed. In an attempt to get their green back on track for the 2027 summer season they have decided to give it a complete rest for the next six months. The Winter League had previously offered Lockwood Con a season's rest for their green without losing the £3,500 lifeline income that had become so important to them, but they had not followed up on that.

This is a blow for the Winter League and is the third host green they have lost for the coming season. Paddock I&C were the first to withdraw in June this year after one season as a host club for the Division 9 teams. The reason being that they had insufficient numbers to provide a full catering service even though they had enjoyed a successful first season supporting the League. That was followed in July by Primrose Hill Lib pulling out as a base for the Division 4 teams after the passing of Tommy Broadbent who was a key member of the Pip Hill Winter League administration team.

Those two setbacks were countered by the introduction in May of Thorpe Green and Skel Central becoming new League host clubs. That saw all ten Divisions covered by good hosting arrangements and we were looking forward to a new season of 80 teams turning out every week over their 14-week League seasons. However, with no other host green stepping forward the future of the Division 8 teams is currently uncertain.

The League's Management Committee has already started reviewing the options open to them to secure the future of all 80 teams in the League. They will meet shortly to decide on the preferred option but are very hopeful that a solution will become clear in good time for the start of the new Winter season. Watch this space.

Unless at least one new host club steps forward, it is unlikely at this time that any solution will cover the five teams on the League's waiting list to join the League. We always welcome offers from clubs to provide hosting services. Any club interested in learning more about the role and the financial and social benefits of becoming involved should contact the League Secretary.