WATCHET residents and visiting bowls enthusiasts will have their first chance to see the progress of Watchet Bowling Club’s prestige new building when the club holds an open day on Sunday (May 23).

Due to be officially opened in the autumn, the ambitious project includes a wide range of facilities and a function room for up to 100 people.

“We are delighted to report that the new build is proceeding at pace,” said club chairperson Elaine Preston. “The external walls are up and the main roof structure is completed. Despite the challenges of the current times the project is currently actually slightly ahead of schedule.”

The club will welcome visitors to Sunday’s open day from 11am to 5pm when there will be a chance to try your skills on the bowling green. Free coaching and equipment will be provided – all that is needed are flat-soled shoes or trainers. Tea, coffee and bar drinks will also be available.

Grants for the project, which has taken several years to come to fruition, have come from the Watchet community bookshop and Magna community engagement fund, as well as a significant grant from the Hinkley Point community impact mitigation fund and Section 106.

“It really is a pleasure to be part of this lovely club and to be involved in creating the new facility for our community,” Mrs Preston said.

The club is taking bookings for the facility, starting in June. For further information contact the club secretary at [email protected], by phone on 07393928163 or by mail to club secretary, Watchet Bowling Club, Culvercliffe Road, Watchet TA23 0EN.