Bungay Bowls Club held their annual meeting with around a third of the membership present. In a year where the club had almost lost their green and pavilion to building developments the club had emerged stronger and in a better state than it was 12 months ago.

Bungay Bowls Club held their annual meeting with around a third of the membership present. In a year where the club had almost lost their green and pavilion to building developments the club had emerged stronger and in a better state than it was 12 months ago.

Chairman Dominic Belisario revealed he received emails and pictures through the club's website and a wood that indicated a bowling green, and therefore possibly a club, had existing in Bungay in 1886. That is 12 years prior to the known records of the White Lion Bowls Club which became Bungay Bowls Club around 1920.

Along the inner edge of the grip on the wood are the words “Prize bowl presented by Captain F Smith, Bungay Bowling Green.” The central disc has the inscription “won by H Woolnough Aug(us)t 1886.” Further investigation are underway to see if more information can be uncovered.

In the past season success eluded the club teams in the leagues and cup competitions though there was success at a personal level for Ann Swanston in the ladies singles and for James Gosling and Jack Powley who emerged as Area A U25 open pairs champions.

With the playing surface improving all the time thanks to work carried out by Peter Gunstone and his small band of helpers it was fitting that Bungay were granted the honour of staging the Suffolk EBF Area Finals in July. The weekend was a great success thanks to all the hard work put in by the members over the two days.

To carry on the improvement the club are look for someone to cut the green for the 2009 season. Call Ian Gosling on 01986 892982.

The vlub were grateful to John Groom, Graham Johnson and Waveney Windows for sponsoring three of the four open tournaments and also to Parravani's Ice Cream for sponsoring the charity event.

The annual meeting accepted the recommendations of the committee to leave subscriptions at £25 for full members, £10 for U18s and £5 for associate members. However matches fees were raised to £1.50.

Officers elected were: President, Frank Honeywood; chairman, press officer and assistant tournament organiser, Dominic Belisario; vice-chairman and Beccles League A team captain, Les Knowles; secretary, tournament organiser Benacre team and Bowls England B team captain, Ian Gosling; treasurer and catering manageress, Judy Gosling; club captain and Bowls England A team captain, Roger Bullen; club vice-captain, David Feavyour; Beccles B captains, Keith Brown and Arnold King; Halesworth A captain, Barbara Wortly; Halesworth B team captain, April Nunn; greens advisor, Peter Gunstone; general committee members, Tony Murphy, Jim Reid, Derek Ward, David Shepherd, Peter Rix and Peter Webster; janitor, Wendy Knowles.

Members are reminded that their subscription fees for 2009 are now due. New members whether they are novices or not are also welcome to join as well as those that wish to take up the sport as coaching can be arranged.

The club dinner and presentation will take place at Bungay Golf Club on Saturday, November 29. Tickets are available from the secretary on 01986 892982.

The September jumble sale raised £146.91 and the October jumble sale is tomorrow at the pavilion 9-11am.