Abergavenny boast the oldest Bowls Club in Wales, and the Avenue Road based organisation will be throwing their doors open to the public on Sunday, April 19 for a special open day.

Founded in 1860, club members originally played on the green of The Great Western Hotel near the railway station.

Around the end of the nineteenth century the club moved to their present site, adjacent to the cricket ground in Avenue Road.

In the past the club has had several members who have won their international caps for Wales. It also had the honour to have four members selected for the rink that represented Wales at the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, Western Australia, where they were unfortunate to just miss out on winning a medal.

The four club members to represent Wales in Perth were Albert Evans, grandfather of present Vice President Robert Poynter, Lyn Probert, who went on to captain Wales on several occasions, Tom Griffiths and Claude Stephens.

The club will begin their new season this Saturday (April 11). Their Opening Day game, played between all members of the club, will take place following the ceremonial first bowl of the season. The event will begin at 2.15 pm and then be followed by refreshments in the clubhouse.

Chairman John Whomersley explained, "Bowling is an excellent way to enjoy a summer sport in pleasant surroundings. It is a game enjoyed by men and women of all ages and provides an opportunity to make new friends. Why not give it a try at Abergavenny Bowls Club, when the club will hold an Open Day on Sunday 19 April, commencing at 11.00 am at the green on Avenue Road. You will be made very welcome. It does not matter if you have not played before as the club has qualified coaches and equipment to help you get started. The season usually begins mid April and runs through to mid September.

Whomersley added, "For those attending the Open Day who would like to try our game, it is suggested that you wear appropriate footwear (flat soled shoes are best), with comfortable clothes that allow for movement. Visitors will quickly see that the game requires strategy, some skill with fun thrown into the mix. Club members are looking forward to greeting new potential members, to show them the facilities and even joining in a mini game of bowls. The game has also the benefit of relatively low cost membership."

In addition to bowling, the club has a varied programme of social events that run throughout the year. During the last year some of the activities have included quizzes, wine tasting and an evening of 60's music. In November the club was involved in a five day tour to Torquay, playing indoor bowls matches against teams from Yorkshire and Leicestershire.

If there are adverse weather conditions on the day or you are not able to attend on April 19, but are interested in learning more about the club and the game of bowls, you can contact Secretary Jackie Evans on 01873 853301 or Chairman John Whomersley on 01873 850924.