ALL members of Cippenham Bowls Club were thrilled to hear that Bowls England had agreed to join them in their 25th anniversary celebrations this year.

Cippenham are entirely self-sufficient and were started by around 25 members that clubbed together when Aspro-Nicholas Bowls Club closed in 1990.

The group raised funds between themselves, built their clubhouse and have gone from strength to strength ever since, with total membership now approaching 100.

Bowls England, under President, Michael Jennings, and past President, Marcia Dunstone, completed their tour with a day at Cippenham.

A buffet lunch was followed by a spider competition to raise money for a new Bowls England charity for disabled bowlers.

The game then started in earnest with both sides determined to win.

Teams contested on six rinks throughout with Cippenham winning on one, drawing two, and losing on the remaining three.

The weather was kind which helped make it a day to remember for everyone who played or supported the two teams.

After the game an excellent two-course meal was served, followed by a toast to The Queen, speeches and presentations.

President Jennings also completed George Jones, Cippenham’s youngest player at 18 years of age, on his excellent performance on their particular rink, which ended in a 20-20 draw.

When the speeches concluded, Cippenham presented Bowls England with their silver anniversary pennant, and were honoured to receive a pennant in return.

To commemorate the occasion, all members of the Bowls England team received a Cippenham anniversary pen and badge.