MEMBERS of Page Park Bowls Club started their 75th anniversary celebrations by recreating a moment from their first ever match.
The club was founded in 1948 and took on their then landlords, Mangotsfield Urban District Council, on April 19 that year, with the then council chairman bowling the ceremonial first wood on the lawn.
To mark the anniversary the club kicked off their season with an in-house charity match for the Les Fulbrook Trophy, and invited retiring South Gloucestershire Council leader Toby Savage to try his hand at the sport.
Although the demands of his young family meant the politician missed the start of the match, play was paused so he could recreate the ceremonial bowl.
The club is looking ahead to its fourth quarter-century with a thriving membership of 120, making it the second-largest lawn bowls club in the area.
Members range in age from 90-year-old Roger Netting, who still plays regularly, to a 14-year-old newcomer who has signed up for the club’s latest sold-out beginners’ coaching course.
After merging with the Page Ladies club in 2017, it has 70 male and 50 female members.
The club has seven league teams – four men’s, two ladies’ and a mixed triples team, and also has 148 friendly matches against teams from around Bristol and South Gloucestershire scheduled for the season.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the club will be hosting county teams from Gloucestershire and Bristol, along with a number of other special events.
Club president Derek Turner, who stepped in to bowl the first wood, has been a member for 40 years.
He said: “In that time, I have seen it develop and flourish to what it is today.
“The club’s prosperity is due to the dedication and work of members throughout the last 75 years, and it is heartening to see this still continues.”
Chairman John Walters said: “Perhaps younger members can enjoy our centenary in 2048!”
For more information about the club visit www.pageparkbowling.org.uk.