Bowls club founded during WWII celebrates its 80th anniversary

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A bowls club formed during the Second World War has celebrated its 80th anniversary.

Caerphilly Town Bowls Club, based at Morgan Jones Park, held a bowls tournament to celebrate the occasion on Sunday August 27 – inviting teams from across the Rhymney Valley to compete.

Penyrheol, Gilfach, Caerphilly Social, and Gelligaer all took part – with Caerphilly Town coming out on top.

Amongst the players on the day was club member Mark Wyatt, who won gold in the men’s pairs category at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, as well as renowned Wales ladies international Denise Molan.

Caerphilly town mayor Mike Prew was among those in attendance.

Club member Cline Ginsberg hailed the event a success and said: “We’ve had some very good bowlers over the last 25 or 30 years, many of which started at the club when they were 12.

“We’ve had Welsh internationals with 50 plus caps, and many who have played at county level.”

Mr Ginsberg spoke of how the club has been rebuilding over the last two years following the Covid pandemic.

“We were down to just 16 players at the time and feared we wouldn’t survive.”

However, the club now boasts 30 members and plays on Wednesdays and Saturdays – with each player guaranteed at least one game a week.

The club is also on the lookout for new members.

John Jacobs, chairman of the club, said: “We have a club of 30 players which include Marc Wyatt, Commonwealth gold medallist.

“We have three members who are Deaf Wales internationals in B. Clark, T. Smith and G. Jones, as well as ladies’ Wales internationals Denise Molan and Coleen O’Conor.

“New members are always welcome.”

Anyone interested in joining the club can contact Mr Jacobs on 07572 073344 or club captain Rhodri Young on 07452 999586.

Mr Ginsberg said anyone wishing to join the club is welcome to turn up at their bowling green during matches on Wednesdays or Saturdays to find out more.