The ladies and gentlemen of Houghton & Wyton have been celebrating their bowling club’s golden anniversary with an open weekend.

Thirty members, fitted out in new club shirts, enjoyed a dry but breezy social roll-up on Saturday, while on Sunday non-members joined in having friendly games with current members.

Houghton & Wyton Bowls Club club was established in 1964 and members celebrated the beginning of its 50th season with Champagne, cake and balloons.

Membership secretary Carole Hickey said: “The cake was cut by the club president Brenda Clow, who was ably supported by the chairman Graham Roberts. Sunday was much sunnier and the practical coaching by members created a happy scene as non-members cast unfamiliar bowls. There was much ribbing when a non-member won an end.

“We look forward to seeing them return and hopefully sign up.”

As with all bowls clubs, the search is on in for younger members and this season Houghton & Wyton hope to introduce a new generation to the game with indoor short mat sessions.

But all ages are welcome at the usual sessions, which are on Tuesday mornings (pay and play from April 29) and Friday evenings (roll-up and coaching from April 25).

Anyone wishing to have a go should contact Carole Hickey on 01480 494085 or 07738 175722. Her e-mail address is carolehickey@outlook.com.

Also looking to attract new members is St Ives Bowls Club. An open day will be help on Saturday as the members prepare for a new competitive season.

“Bowls is a sport that can be played by all ages and abilities,” said Dina Barlow. “We will be following this up by holding a course of four coaching sessions during May and June.”

Barlow can be contacted on 01480 455926 or at barlo6@btinternet.com.

Meanwhile, at county level, Huntingdonshire recorded their best result in the Eversley Trophy since 2006 when they finished runners up to Durham on shot difference after drawing 11-11. On route to the final, the team beat Humberside and Northamptonshire, drew with Lincolnshire, and were beaten by Norfolk. On Tuesday, the county’s top players will begin a full week of competition at the English Bowls Federation Indoor Championships at Newark.