A CLUB with a rich history and competition success dating back to 1933 needs new members to ensure its future is just as bright.

Spennymoor Town Bowling Club has launched a recruitment drive to boost membership and share its love of the game with more people in and around the town.

Six players have completed coaching qualifications so they can help people who want to try the sport or improve to join a team.

The club put in its own funds and had support from Club Durham, which is ran by Durham County Council, to pay for the English Bowls’ level one coaching course and certificates.

Secretary Paul Heath said the club is one of the most successful in the county and its Jubilee Park pavilion and greens, provided by Spennymoor Town Council, are second to none.

But with membership numbers in decline and the demise of the ladies section last year, it needs a boost.

He said: “The perception is that it is an old man’s game, which unfortunately it is becoming here.

“We need some new, younger players and we all feel the game has a lot to offer to people of all ages.

“We have bowls for people to use so all anyone needs is smooth-soled shoes, we can help anyone who comes along of any level or interest to get started and hopefully think about joining us.

“We have two women and just two under 25s, we would like to get our membership of 50 up to about 75.”

Among its past glories, Spennymoor won ‘The Magnificent Seven’ of titles in 2001, has hosted international fixtures and last year secured the Durham and District, South West Durham and South West Durham Veterans First Division championships.

Mr Heath said that the outdoor season runs April to September during which there is something going on at the club most days, and the new volunteer coaches will fit one-to-one training in for anyone who calls.

Alan Clark, one of the volunteer coaches, said bowling is a sociable activity all the family can play together.

In an average game players will walk around 1,260m, bend and swing their arm more than 40 times with a 3lb-plus bowl making it good all-round exercise.

Anyone interested can call Mr Clark on 07740-555087 or Andrew Edgar on 07790-082298.