Brecon Bowling Club celebrated its 75th anniversary on Tuesday, May 13, with a gathering at the clubhouse and a visit from the newly installed Mayor of Brecon.

The club officially opened on May 13, 1950 and is still running strong in 2025 with the new season just getting underway.

Members of the club wore their new kit and enjoyed a buffet meal whilst they listened to a speech from the Club’s President, Paul Tambling, who raised a toast to the club.

Addressing the club’s members, President Paul welcomed and thanked the Mayor for attending. He then read out a brief history of the club and some of its stories.

The new Mayor of Brecon, Marie Matthews made her first public appearance in the new role at the club and had the honour of cutting the celebratory cake.

100-year-old Sam Sloan, who is a 30-year member of the club gave a speech. He said: “A 75th anniversary, you think back that was the year 1950. The next thing you think of is where were we all then. I’d say some of you weren't born and a lot of you were still in school. I was out enjoying the mosquitos in Africa.

“I’m sure in the 75 years the club has had its ups and downs but it has survived and this is what we have today, one of the best little clubs in the district. We must be very proud of what we have here and that’s due to help from the council for many years and due to hard work from the members themselves. They kept the club going.

“I’d like to thank the club, I’ve enjoyed my bowls and my 30 years here and I wish them all the best for the future.”

At a meeting of Brecon Town Council on January 5, 1948 it was decided to proceed with a scheme for the provision of a bowling green at Mill Green, Brecon - to be known as ‘Brecon Bowling Club’. The cost of construction amounted to £3,150.00 and the green was officially opened on May 13th 1950 by the Mayor, Councillor George Wood. Founder member, Tom Jermin, was present on that day and remained an active member into his late nineties. He sadly passed away this year just a few weeks before his 100th birthday.

In 1978 the original Pavilion was removed and work commenced on a new building, at a cost of £11,000.00 Unfortunately, the building was badly damaged by flooding on the river Usk on Boxing Day 1979. Luckily the club was insured and the new Pavilion was completed and opened in May 1980 ready for the bowling season.

In 1995, work began on the club’s present pavilion, designed by club member Barry Tomlinson. The Club is very fortunate to have excellent clubhouse facilities for members to enjoy.

In 1998 the Club signed a lease with Powys County Council, handing over the full management of the green in return for an annual fee.

In 2015 this lease was ended when the Club took over ownership of the Green and Pavilion, under a Community Asset Transfer, for a token sum.

In September 2024, Veteran club member, Sam Sloan, reached the grand age of 100 years old. Sam is still an active club member, helping to coach and pass on his expertise to new bowlers.

The Club offers a wide range of competitive and friendly bowling, participating in several leagues in the Mid Wales Bowling Association, hosting friendly games with teams from all over South Wales, and holding a full range of internal club competitions. The Club also holds regular social events throughout the year.

The club is always pleased to welcome new members, and hosts free ‘drop-in’ coaching sessions on Tuesday evenings at 6.00 pm.