AN exhibition match on Sunday featuring three generations of his family marked Dennis Richman’s 50 years with Winsley Bowls Club.

Dennis Richman, 87, who joined the bowls club in 1961, played in the competition with his son Michael, 59, grandson Mark, 38, and great-grandson James, 14.

Life member Mr Richman, of Downs View, Bradford on Avon, said: “It was a very nice thing to play in the same team as your family, we set a world record a few years ago for being the first bowls team to ever have four generations playing together.

“Bowls hasn’t always got the coverage that other sports enjoy, but I have noticed in recent years a lot more young people have started playing.”

Mr Richman’s team played against a selection of other teams from the west Wiltshire area, including sides entered from the Winsley Bowls Club.

Mr Richman gave up playing outdoor bowls some time ago, but made a comeback for the milestone occasion, which also marked his 60 years of playing bowls in Wiltshire.

He played at Spencer Moulton Bowls Club for 10 years before joining Winsley Bowls Club.

He said: “I decided to join Winsley in 1961 as they were short of members and I wanted to support them.

“I later went on to be secretary of the club for 21 years. Bowls has been my main hobby for a long time and it keeps me fit. The beauty of it is that you can continue playing at any age. I have friends who still play in their 90s.”

In 1970 Mr Richman was a founder member of the Christie Miller Bowls Club in Melksham and he still plays there twice a week in indoor matches.

After the tournament finished on Saturday afternoon, Winsley Bowls Club held a buffet for Mr Richman and then presented him with a plaque to commemorate his 50 years with the club.

Event organiser Richard Hoskins said: “Dennis has been a very dedicated member of Winsley Bowls Club and has served as secretary and umpire with great distinction.”