DEVIZES Bowls Clubs are hoping to entice first-timers along to their annual open day next weekend and at the same time boost their membership.

Men, women, boys and girls of all ages are being invited to visit the club in Long Street between 10.30am and 4pm on Saturday May 1.

Current members will be putting on demonstrations matches and newcomers will be given instruction and get to play some games themselves. The club will be providing all the equipment, shoes and bowls and there will also be refreshments on the day.

Committee member Betty Ewings said: "There will be plenty of coaches and people to help we just want people to come in and have a go and see if they like it.

"It will be nice to get people to come in and see what happens and they will find out it is not as easy as it looks.

"But they will get tuition and it is a wonderful sport which you really get into but can help you get away from the stresses of day to day life."

The club's two youngest members are currently 16-years-old and 24-years-old and Ewings said they were trying to swell the ranks of their junior players.

"At the moment we hardly have any young players which is a shame," she said. "We are trying to improve that and have been dropping leaflets into schools. Hopefully we can get some young ones in next Saturday."

Last year's open day attracted around 58 people and 20 immediately signed up as new members.

Ewings added: "Once you have paid your membership fees you can go up the club anytime you feel like it. Also once you have joined you get six weeks of coaching as part of the membership."

Anyone who wants more information about the open day or on joining Devizes Bowls Club can contact Bob Howe on (01380) 828554 or Betty Ewings on (01380) 725821.