KEEN bowlers have now been making the journey to Hatherleigh Bowling Club for a century.

The club has been at its present ground, adjacent to the town's community centre, since 1912, although bowls was being played in the town as long ago as 1779.

Originally, the game was played on a green situated in the north-east corner of the main churchyard, which was also used for cock-fighting.

In 1810, more burial space was needed, and it is believed the green was relocated to Park Road on a site that now holds two bungalows.

The club's first recorded official meeting was on April 27 1909, but it was not until June 5 1912 that the club's current home, formerly known as Littlewood Marshes, was opened by Mr H Veale, who lived at Passaford. H H Hill was the club's first secretary.

The original clubhouse had a galvanised roof with pine walls and ceiling. Some of this pine can still be seen covering the clubhouse's bar counter.

In 1982 the club enlarged from four rinks to six. In 1998, the present clubhouse was opened by international bowler Andy Thompson, and continues to serve the club well as a top quality facility.

The club, which currently has around 50 members, has several events planned throughout the year to celebrate the centenary, including the visit of teams from Devon County Presidents and North Devon Umpires.

The first of which, the club's open day, saw town mayor Graham Alford bowling the first wood officially to open the 2012 season on Saturday April 21.

The club is as keen as ever to welcome new players to join the club, including young players. Owned and maintained by its members, the club plays a full programme of friendly and competitive matches from April to September. In the winter months, the clubhouse enables players to play short mat bowls with two indoor rinks.

The club is also looking for someone with a couple of spare hours each week from May to September to keep the clubhouse clean.

For more information on how to join the club or if you would like to volunteer to help out, please call Roger White on 01409 231418.

Alternatively you can visit the website http://www.hatherleighbowlingclub.co.uk">www.hatherleighbowlingclub.co.uk for more information on the club.