An outdoor bowling club has celebrated its centenary season with a plaque unveiling by Mayor Dorothy Thornhill.

Oxhey Bowling Club, which stands in a secluded track off of Watford Heath, was founded by the owners of Oxhey Grange for its workers in 1910.

On Saturday afternoon, Mayor Thornhill, with the help of Three Rivers District Councillor Richard Laval, unveiled a plaque commemorating the club’s 100 years, to more than 70 members and guests.

Mayor Thornhill who was re-elected on Friday, said: “I was invited by the bowls club some time ago for the centenary and I told them at the time I would come along – providing I was still mayor.

“They told me they’d definitely see me then, they were so confident I’d be re-elected.

“This is my first official engagement since my re-election - I spent most of Saturday morning tidying the house as rooms were being used by my committee for the election.

“I feel humbled to have been re-elected and proud that I can come here today and help Oxhey Bowling Club celebrate such a huge achievement – 100 years is a long time.

“It’s a sport that is very sociable and you do get a great sense of community spirit from this club.”

Over the years, hundreds of members have played on the club’s pristine green and it was no different following the unveiling, as members huddled together in teams - despite the rain – to play 15 ends as part of the Watford District bowls league.

Guests including Mayor Thornhill and Councillor Laval enjoyed tea and biscuits as they watched the matches.

Eric Bigley, club president, has played here for 30 years.

Watching the games from the sidelines, he said: “Bowls is a very sociable sport and this little club is incredibly friendly, you could say it’s one of Oxhey’s best kept secrets.

“We’ve got over 70 members and they come along regularly, play a game or two and to have a catch up.

“We all know each other rather well - walking up and down the green over the years you tend to share stories.

“To reach 100 years is a great achievement for Oxhey Bowling Club and testament to what a fantastic place it is.”