And, to mark the occasion, 40 players – from Murrurundi, Aberdeen, Merriwa, Muswellbrook RSL, Upper Hunter District and the host organisation – took to the rinks at the Scone RSL Club.

“It’s certainly a major milestone for us,” foundation president Joan Collison said.

“We not only played bowls [today], but enjoyed a delicious luncheon.

“To top it off, we had a special cake made.

“I helped form the club four decades ago.

“Back then, we had 27 members.

“These days we only have 16.

“It’s sad, however people are so busy with work and family commitments, and there are so many other things to do in town.

“Unfortunately, every club appears to be in the same situation.”