A VILLAGE bowls club that 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 local 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 was constructed by members.

In 1986, it was extended to create the club as stands today, with a kitchen, bar, changing rooms and a large snook er room.

But a hurricane in 1987 hit the club hard, with its equipment shed ripped from the ground and thrown on to the adjoining cricket field before it was retrie ved and rebuilt.

George Thoday, president of the club, said: “We heard the story of the hurricane from one of our members, who will turn 90 this year as well.

“We have two members who will be celebrating their 90th birthday at the same time as the club – they have been here for 20 or 30 years.

“I was elected as president in October and have been a member of the club since 2004.

“It is just such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere around the place. When I first joined, I knew quite a few people from different organisations and there is a real community here.”

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 .

Mr Thoday said he was pleased with how far the club had come as the anniversary approached.

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

The general view of people who are playing the sport is that the average age is quite high, but that is quite distor ted.

“The sport evolves over time like any other and youngsters definitely enjoy it at a grassroots level.

“It’s good exercise, you’re guaranteed a good walk and it tests a good bowling arm and a good eye for accuracy. ”

Mr Thoday added: “For people who enjoy sports like cricket and table tennis , it’s an easy transition and a lot of fun.

“People are connected to success and if you’ve got a successful club like this it will perse vere.

“We also benefit from our location, with beautiful views across to the River Stour.”