Gibson Hewitt, the liquidators of an historic crown bowls club have run into difficulties in contacting its members in order to achieve a capital distribution following its demise.
The Balham Bowls Club was founded in 1893 by members of the Surrey Staghounds. It moved to its premises in Ramsden Road in 1908. Its fine pavilion was erected in 1926. The Club hosted the finals of the Surrey Crown Bowling Association’s annual competition on no fewer than 43 occasions.
After celebrating its centenary in 1993, the Club went into a steady decline. Although there were 3,309 members, most of them were elderly and rarely visited the clubhouse. Last September, it was decided to wind it up and Gibson Hewitt, the Surrey accountancy firm, were appointed as liquidators. It wrote to each of the members, who were also shareholders in the club, but has had a very limited response.
‘To be a member one had to possess at least one share’, explained GH partner, Lynn Gibson. ‘Each of these shares is worth £175 and some people had considerable holdings, which may well be worth anything up to £20,000. Many shares will have been left to the descendents of the original members, so there may be people who are unaware they possess them.
‘Around 2,000 people have simply failed to get in touch with us. They should do so as soon as possible.’
Anyone who considers they have a claim should contact Imogen Kent at Gibson Hewitt on 01932-333149. It will be necessary to produce share certificates and proof of identity.
Date:29 May 2007
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