MEMBERS of the Great Lever Park Veterans' Club were bowled over with their new clubhouse.

A refurbished bowling green, new security fence and renovated clubhouse have given them a boost for the new bowling season. The refurbishment has been funded by Bolton Council as part of a major renovation programme currently underway at the park.

The veterans' club has a distinguished history dating back to 1913 when the park was first opened by the Countess of Bradford, who was herself involved in the formation of the Bolton Park's Veterans Bowling Association.

The clubhouse was opened in 1939 by the Mayor, Alderman Entwistle. It was renamed the Great Lever Park Veterans Club in 1947. The present president, Leslie Huyton, joined in 1971 and was elected chairman that same year -- his first decision was to put up the price of a cup of tea to tuppence and maintain the successful bowling and social events at the club. The present chairman, Tom Fraser, joined in 1990, becoming chairman in 1994, by which time the price of a cup of tea had risen to 10p.

Today's members are still offered a varied bowling and social programme including outings, dominoes and picnics.

The clubhouse, with its new roof, brick and insulated frontage, modern windows, indoor toilets, bright decorations and carpets, give a warm welcome to anyone who visits Great Lever Park.