SPRING is nearly here, says Cadoxton Bowling Club's secretary David Fanning, and we've been promised one of the best summers in recent years.

Based in Cadoxton's award-winning Victoria Park, where it's been for the past 100 years or so and has a top-notch bowling green, good-standard playing facilities and a welcoming clubhouse with a fully-licensed bar.

The club is getting ready for the new season and is looking forward to welcoming new members to what is potentially one of the town's quickest growing sporting pastimes.

“Anyone is welcome, young or old, who'd like to try the game out," says David Fanning. "We can provide a set of bowls to test the water and we have several qualified and experienced men and women members available to give free training and coaching. All that is needed to start is a flat-soled pair of shoes, and the willingness to have a go at what Sir Francis Drake was doing before he set off to flatten the Spanish Armada. Why not come along to the club's opening day on Saturday 16 April and see what it's like?"

A stalwart and prize-winning club life member, renowned throughout Welsh bowling, Don Kuhnell says that lawn bowling is one of the best ways of keeping active and enjoying yourself without all the sweat and tears of most other outdoor sports. He's been bowling for years, all over the country, and is still as fit as a fiddle.

At the other end of the age range, the club's youngest member, teenager Ewan Heppenstall, is absolutely delighted that he has taken up bowling and is so enthusiastic that he's even got his father to join as well.

All of the other men and women members would agree. "Provided it's not raining cats and dogs," says A side captain Dennis Hammond, "you can't beat an entertaining afternoon's or evening's game of bowls, followed by a snack and refreshments, in a friendly atmosphere among a pleasant crowd of people."

For further information, ring the club secretary on 01446 749556.