PAUL Kelly, one of Wellington Bowling Club's most valued members, has been shortlisted to become Bowls England's Greenkeeper of the Year.

Paul has been involved with maintaining and improving the local bowling club's green for the past ten years. Before that time the company who were maintaining it suddenly increased their charges substantially.

Wellington Bowling Club had to find another way to maintain it. This was a real dilemma for them. But rescue was at hand....three club members Paul Kelly, Nick Channon and Bill Heard offered to take on the task free of charge.

Meanwhile, thanks to a small group of club members providing interest free loans, the club was able to buy some second hand equipment including two mowers so that the small team could start work.

It was no easy task because the team had little knowledge of how to maintain a green but they gathered advice and information from wherever they could and so the hard work and the learning process began. When Bill Heard had to give up tending the green three years later, Paul Kelly accepted the position of head greenkeeper.

Paul was very fortunate to have the assistance of Nick Channon who has done so much to help him raise the standard of the green.

In the seven years since then, Paul's management has brought about a remarkable transformation, elevating the green from an average state to one of best in the southwest of England.

He has performed the task brilliantly. He has had to manage the treatment of chemicals and poisons all within strict safety regulations, cutting, scarifying and dealing with the many intrusive elements which have affected the health of the green over the years.

He has shouldered the responsibility for equipment maintenance, purchases and storage in order to see that everything is in place to carry out the task.

Two more members have joined Paul and Nick now. David Beaudet and Mike Jayes have been a great support as green team members.

Under Paul's meticulous management, the green has become a desirable venue for prestigious competitions, hosting matches like the Middleton Cup, Balcomb Trophy and Walker Cup.

Visiting teams have consistently praised the green's quality which is a testimony to Paul's excellent management skills and his ability to provide the club with one of the very best greens.

In addition, Paul has served in various club roles, including men's captain and president. His versatility has been pivotal in boosting the club's membership in the past year.

Paul is one of five greenkeepers nationally who have been shortlisted for the accolade of Bowls England Greenkeeper of the Year. The decision will be made in the last week in February.

All club members wish Paul well but whether or not he achieves this prestigious title, he has done extremely well to be nominated as one of the best greenkeepers in the country.