BASINGSTOKE Town Bowling Club’s new changing rooms at their Fairfield Road home were officially opened by Coun-cillor Dan Putty, the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane.

Also present were guests Jenny Pearcey from McCarthy Stone and Stuart Hall-Cooper from Sebastian’s Action Trust.

Putty congratulated the club’s achievement and noted the fact that it was paid for by a grant, with the balance coming from fund-raising carried out during the last two years.

He was impressed that so much of the work was achieved by the club members.

Basingstoke Town club president Joyce Cook thanked members who had contributed during the six months’ work fitting out the building and refurbishing the clubhouse.

She also thanked McCarthy Stone, represented by Jenny Pearcey, for a grant given to them.

The club president’s charity this year is the Sebastian’s Action Trust and members were very moved by the introduction to the work of the charity by Hall-Cooper.

After the opening, around 40 club members took part in a spoon drive and the first spider game raised £54.50 for the Trust.

Anyone wanting to find out more about Basingstoke Town Bowling Club can do so when they hold an open day on Saturday, May 31.

This runs from 10am to 4pm and the only requisite is a pair of flat soled shoes or trainers.

There is no charge for a game so it is a great opportunity to see the facilities of the club and enquire about membership.

There will be some refreshments available to buy and the bar will be open.

The membership fee for new bowlers who wish to join for the year is £10.