CALNE Bowls Club celebrated their 90th anniversary on Sunday and although they are low on numbers they hope to chalk up their centenary next.

The club, which is based at the Recreation Ground in Anchor Road, marked the occasion with a friendly match against the Wiltshire Bowls Association.

It was the second match they played in honour of their 90th year following the recent visit of the English Bowls Association.

Wiltshire Bowls president Tony Watchman brought his side to Calne and the visitors ran out winners.

Calne president John Cox organised the event and said it had been a nice occasion to take part in. He hopes the club will be going strong by the time its centenary comes round.

"It was a good match and during the meal afterwards there was the usual chat," he said. "It was a nice social occasion really.

"I would love to see the club get to the 100th anniversary and beyond. Some of us will be too old to play then but we hope some younger people will keep coming along to continue the club.

All the club's lady members were involved on Sunday even though it was only men who were members when the club was first set up 90 years ago.

"Our numbers have been going down like other bowling clubs in recent times but we did have all six rinks in use on Sunday."

The Calne club is hoping to attract some new members when it holds an open day from 10am this Sunday.

Fox added: "Anyone interested in trying bowls would be more than welcome.

"We are particularly interested in getting some more young players to join. At the moment if we get anyone of 45 we think that's young.

"We do have one 12-year-old member, Kieron Parkinson, who is leading by example though and it would be nice if some others follow him."

For more information contact Calne Bowls Association president John Fox on (01380) 850214.