SIXTY years to the day after the club was formed, Weobley and District Bowling Club celebrated the opening of their new green on the edge of the village last Thursday.

Sunshine welcomed representatives from many of the region's bowls clubs who gathered to play the first rounds of matches at the new facility after internationals England's Tracey Powell and Rob Weale of Wales had played the first two ends.

"It is such a privilege to welcome everyone here today," said club president Brenda Havard, expressing her pride in what the club had achieved.

Mrs Havard also thanked the Principality Building Society for their sponsorship of the day's activities and the two star players who had come to inaugurate the green.

"Rob is an experienced international while Tracey is at the threshold of her international career," she said. "I believe we can lay claim to them both as Rob is based in Hereford-shire."

Club captain Barbara Warburton also greeted the two internationals, joking before Welshman Weale bowled the first ball: "If Robert says it is rubbish then the rest of you can go home!"

There was never any danger of that happening, however, and Herefordshire County Bowling Association president David Holloway said: "The green is lovely and Weobley deserve every credit for what they have achieved here."

As well as the green, the club now have new changing rooms and a tea room as well as having plenty of space to expand further as and when extra funds become available.

The opening of the new club headquarters followed seven years of hard work and preparation after losing the use of their leased green at the Red Lion Hotel in what was a blow to village sport.

In the ensuing years club competitions and club nights were held on other greens in the county, thanks to the generosity of other clubs, while all their league fixtures were played as away games.

All that has now changed with a beautiful new green and a pavilion which can be expanded.

The project received grants from the Foundation for Sports and the Arts and Awards for All, while fund-raising activities and the hard of work of members made it all possible.