IN 1987 a group of Great Ayton residents decided that a bowls club was needed, as it was one of the few villages in the area of similar size without one.

A tour of the village at that time failed to find a suitable site, but an opportunity arose in 1994 when a piece of land became available when the apartments at Leven Court were built. The estimated cost of the land and development was £200,000 but Hambleton Council and Sport England between them found the finance and a committee was formed in 1995 to take matters forward.

Prominent Great Ayton resident June Imeson was very supportive of the effort and she it was who cut the first turf to start the work in 1995 and, when the club opened for the first time in July 1996, she was elected as the first president.

Over the years since then the club has prospered and gained the reputation as having one of the best greens in the area.

However, as with all similar sports clubs, the Covid lockdown brought everything to a halt and only now is it possible to start again. With nearly 60 members, it is still a popular club, but the 25th anniversary is seen as an opportunity to spread the word and attract new members.

With this in mind, the club will hold an open day on Saturday, July 31, which is also presidents’ day when the club’s birthday is celebrated. Anyone interested in trying out the sport will be welcome to come along from 10.30am. Members will be on hand to explain the game and provide the bowls. All that is required is a pair of flat soled shoes without heels.

The green is on Little Ayton Lane next to Leven Court and there is plenty of car parking.