A VILLAGE bowls club which has survived a hurricane and raised thousands of pounds for charity is celebrating its 90th anniversary.

Mistley and Manningtree Bowls Club will mark the landmark year with special matches against Essex County Bowling Association and Colchester West End Club, which is also 90-years-old this year.

The club, in New Road, sprouted from humble beginnings and was formed by farmers in 1926.

Women were not allowed to play in representative matches until 1950 – when a Mrs Hartnell became the first in a tie against Holbrook.

In 1966, the green was extended to six rinks and the current pavilion which was constructed by members.

It was extended in 1986 to create what stands today with a kitchen, bar, changing rooms and a large snooker room.

A hurricane in 1987 hit the club hard with their equipment shed ripped from the ground and thrown onto the adjoining cricket field before it was retrieved and rebuilt.

Competitively, the club dominated the Tendring Hundred League in the 1960s and the Colchester Borough Leagues during the 1980s and 90s.

A 24 hour bowling marathon held at the club in 1990 raised £3,000 for St Helena’s Hospice.

George Thoday, chairman of the club, said he was pleased with how far the club had come as the century approaches.

“There have been times when everything at the club is hunky dory and times where it has been less successful – it’s peaks and troughs,” he said.

“Sadly with most clubs these days membership is on the decline and Mistley and Manningtree is no exception.

“I am proud to be chairman at this time and I don’t want to let the club down, hopefully we can attract some new blood to the sport.”

Two open days will be held from 10am to 4pm on Saturday April 30 and Saturday May 7 for people young and old to come along, take part and find out more about bowling.

For more information call 01206 230996 or 01206 395856.