WHEN Gordon Roper and his friends first stepped onto the bowling green in Blackbird Leys Park in 1965 they knew next to nothing playing the sport or running a club.

But by the next summer they had formed Blackbird Leys Bowls Club and 50 years later it is still going strong.

On Sunday the club marked its golden jubilee and three-time club president Mr Roper called on young members to get involved and ensure it reaches its 100th anniversary in 2066.

He joined fellow founder members Keith Forster, Les Aldridge and Ken Painter and 16 others who took on an Oxfordshire Bowling Association president's team at the club on Sunday.

Mr Roper, 77, said: "Myself and two neighbours were walking across the park in September 1965 and the bowling green was there.

"We saw four others on the green and we went into see what was going on.

"We had a roll up and we thought it was good so in May of 1966 we put out the feelers to see who wanted to join.

"We were all self taught and we played Watlington early on and it just picked up from there really."

The club's growing success led to Les Aldridge winning the county singles championship and wins for rinks in the county fours in 1981 and 1991.

Mr Roper also went on to serve as county president in 1997.

He said: "We are always looking for new members, anybody who wants to can come across and have a go.

"We need that new blood for the next 50 years."

When the club was founded many of the members were in their 20s and 30s and Mr Roper said the result was a youthful atmosphere at matches.

He said: "The children used to come with us to away games and the opposition thought it was a nursery turning up.

"It is a great fun club, if you have not got a sense of humour do not bother to come in.

"There is mickey-taking all the time."

The 50th anniversary celebrations saw the club lose by 79 shots to 108 against the president's team, although two Blackbird Leys rinks picked up wins.

Former printer Mr Forster said the event was a great way to mark the occasion.

The 80-year-old said: "We have done very well down the years and we are going from strength to strength.

"I am sure the club will continue to do so.

"We are one of the few clubs to open in the winter and we have a Super League darts team, a ladies team, a crib team and short-mat bowling.

"Sunday was a brilliant day, we never thought we would have a club for 50 years but here we are."

To find out about joining the club call Mr Roper on 01865 361047.