"In 1982, a small group of bowls enthusiasts decided to form a bowling club in the village, converting the tennis courts into a green and using the 'Comrades Hut' as the club house. Now twenty five years later, after many hours of hard work, the green is considered to be one of the best in Montgomeryshire.

Eventually the charming old hut, erected for the soldiers returning from the war fell into disrepair and plans were made to replace it with a brand new, purpose built club house. With financial help from 'Sportlot' and many, many fund raising events we reached our funding target.

It was with some sadness that the old building was dismantled and replaced by a splendid new structure, which is regularly used for club functions and rented out to many other organisations.

What is your image of flat green bowling? An old peoples game with aged men emulating that great bowler with a pipe - David Bryant, the ladies wearing hats and long pleated skirts?

Not so, in 2007, most top bowlers are under forty, many bowling around the world attired in bright trendy clothes with their bowls of every hue and colour. The emphasis in the bowling world today is on the encouragement of youngsters into the sport.

Berriew Bowling Club has a membership of over one hundred bowlers, with an age range of eight to eighty. We value each member and realise that the future of the club depends on having a happy club that provides opportunities for each section or age group.

The backbone of the club is the group of over forty active senior citizens working with the middle age group for the day to day organisation and future of the club. However, we are following the trend and encouraging the younger element into the club, resulting in a membership of twenty under eighteens.

In 2000, the Welsh Bowls Coaching Association, sponsored by the Sports Council introduced the 'Junior Bowls Development Scheme', whereby classes of older juniors from the local schools attended bowls clubs for tuition from qualified coaches.

Berriew has taken part in the scheme for six years, an involvement which has paid dividends by providing the club with a group of very competent youngsters who bowl in club competitions in Berriew and further afield, with considerable success at Mid Wales, Welsh and International level.

With their successes they are emulating some of the older members, with three ladies becoming Welsh singles champions in recent years and in 2006, five female members represented Wales at international level.

From May through to September, the green is in constant use. Club competitions are held on most Sundays, with House League on Mondays; Ladies County League, Veteran's League and Mixed League on Tuesdays; Ladies Afternoon League on Wednesday; Men's League on Thursday and Friday afternoon sessions primarily for older members.

The Junior Club is held on Saturday mornings 10.45 onwards and many members spend the day competing at other clubs.

This year we have also joined a scheme when open days will be arranged to encourage the twenty-thirty five age group to 'have a go' at bowling but we always welcome anyone of any age group to come along to the club, even if it is only on a social basis.

Budding bowlers can come to the club on Saturday mornings when a coach will be available to give you tuition.

Bowling is a really marvellous pastime - if you are interested please contact me - Eileen 01686 650338 or the secretary Sue 01686 640377"

Article by Eileen Williams