The smiling faces in the photo accompanying this story show just how much fun the members of Caer Glow Bowling Club are having.

The club is well-established on the county bowls circuit and one of its driving forces is Maureen Richards-Smart, who at the age of 77 is the club’s captain and chairman.

She’s been captain for the past 15 years and chairman for the past eight and she said: “I enjoy it, I like to make sure the club runs smoothly. That’s my main aim, making sure everyone is happy.”

The club has about 45 members and Maureen, who has also served for three years as president of the Gloucestershire Bowling Association, says she’d like a few more players.

Her husband, Derek Smart, is vice-president of the club and, like Maureen, plays for Gloucestershire.

They live in Longlevens and surprisingly it is a sport that Maureen has been playing only for the past 20 years or so after initially playing for Greyfriars.

But it’s a sport she loves.

“It’s very good exercise whether you’re young or old,” she said. “Married, single or widowed, everyone is welcome at Caer Glow.

“We have quite a few people who have lost their partners, they say it is their saving grace. It’s an amazing club.”

And Maureen says it’s a club with a bright future, one that she wants to remain a big part.

When she spoke to The Local Answer she was halfway through a week that would see her play five times and she said: “I’m going to keep playing for as long as I can.”

Outdoor bowls is a summer sport, but Maureen keeps herself busy during the winter, too.

“I organise the bingo and quiz nights at the club,” she said. “I also organise the Christmas draw and once a month I cook a Sunday lunch for 60 people.

“It helps to keep everyone together.”

The club’s new yellow, black and white playing uniform is sponsored by Lanes Health, and anyone interested in joining Caer Glow can call Maureen on 07831 602496.