A member of the Epping Bowls Club celebrated 30 years since joining with a special competition held in his honour.

Epping Bowls Club enjoyed a very special competition on Sunday ‘Pete’s Pearler’ celebrated.

Peter Bates, from Epping, who joined the club on Lower Bury Lane back in 1989, enjoyed a singles competition named ‘Pete’s Pearler’ on Sunday, May 5.

Despite the cold weather, 24 members turned up for the occasion despite the cold weather, and it was claimed by all to be an excellent day of bowls.

Speaking about the event, Mr Bates said: “It has been an honour and privilege to have served as a member of Epping Bowls Club for 30 years. I’ve had the very good fortune to have met and played with lots of lovely people.

“Over time I have played with and against some of the best bowlers in Essex, I can say with great conviction that the ancient game of bowls is an excellent way of making lifelong friends, spending time in the open air as well as combating stress and loneliness.

“I thoroughly recommend it to anyone of any age or gender and it is definitely not just a game for old people.”

As part of the celebrations, Mr Bates was also given the keys to the clubhouse making him a freeman of Epping Bowls Club.

Split into two groups, the competition resulted each team playing two matches of seven ends using three bowls.

The final was contested by the winner of each group and bought together Marie Hammond from Cheshunt and Steve Baker from Theydon Bois.

In a close finish, Mr Baker took the win in a close match of 11 ends and received a bottle of champagne.

Club Captain Ron Perryman said: “Thirty years at the same club is exceptional and over the years Peter does so much for us – he is our ‘Jack of all trades’ person.

“His success as a bowls player in tournaments and matches is testimony to the number of times his name appears on our winners’ boards.

“Peter is admired by all and is a great mentor”.

Epping Bowls Club is hosting another free ‘come and try’ session on Sunday, May 12 from 10.30am - 3.30pm. Visit www.eppingbowlsclub.co.uk for more information.