As an outdoor bowling club celebrates its centenary season, its members have launched a recruitment drive to get more people into the game.

Hidden along a secluded track off Watford Heath, Oxhey Bowling Club was founded when it was opened by the owners of Oxhey Grange for its workers in 1910.

A century later, more than 70 people regularly step onto its pristine green to compete in the Watford and District bowls league.

The club house, in boasting a large lounge, kitchen and bar areas, and male and female changing areas, was first extended in the late-1960s and again in 1989/1990.

And former members have represented their country, while current president Eric Bigley won the county pairs championship in 2002.

Players began their centenary season yesterday (Tuesday) with a veterans match against Radlett.

Among those competing was Richard Bamford, the chairman of the club's centenary committee, who has played for Oxhey for 50 years.

He said: “It's a nice friendly little club. One of the best kept secrets in Oxhey.

“We're going all out now this year to get as many members and try and get young members. Hopefully grandfathers can bring their grandchildren along.”

Richard also spoke warmly of the gamesmanship between players during matches.

“It's a very friendly game,” he said. “You're walking up and down with your opponent so you get his life history and he's got yours.

“It looks so easy but there's a subtlety about the game where all the woods have got biases. What you're trying to do is watch your opponent bowl a wood and follow it or knock him out of the way to get to the jack and then protect your own wood.

“There's a lot of technique in it, much more than strength and women play on par with men.

The centenary celebrations will officially begin when Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill, who hopes to win re-election in tomorrow's (Thursday's) election, and Councillor Richard Laval, chairman of Three Rivers District Council, unveil a plaque at the clubhouse on Saturday.

The club will open to new players at 10.30am and 1pm on Sundays throughout May.

For more information, telephone the club on 01923 210031.