Bantham and Ongar Bowls Club was formed in 2000 after the closure of two popular bowling greens in a builder’s back garden and a pub car park.

Bantham Bowls Club was formed 50 years ago by Tom Sapsford, who built a green in his back garden and greadually built up members.

But after the death of his wife in 1995, the club closed. Fortunately they both left money to help with the formation of a new club.

Ongar Bowls Club, which had operated since 1933, was closed around the same time following the owners of the Red Lion pub in Ongar turning the green into a tennis court.

However in 2000, Ongar and Bantham bowls club was officially created, after a member of both clubs Lawrence Eldred, obtained lottery funding and made part of his land available for a new green.

It now operates in Weald Bridge Road, North Weald.

Club chairwoman Joan Cooper said everyone is welcome "experienced or not, able bodied or not". 

The club plays competitively and hosts friendly matches at weekends, while new members are invited to club night every Thursday to have a look around.

The club's annual highlights include a ‘battle of the sexes’ game, which the gents team has now won three times in a row.

The club also hosts weekly yoga and dance classes, bridge nights and table tennis.

Membership for the club is £40 a year, with no green fees and guests are welcome at £2.50 a visit.