GRANGE Sports and Social Club is gearing up to stage the biggest event in its history tomorrow.

The Latchford venue will play host to the event known by bowlers as the ‘All England Championships’ with 64 of the country’s leading players heading into town.

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington Guardian:

It is the first time the British Senior Individual Merit has been staged in Warrington since it was hosted at Rylands Recreation Club but Grange Sports chiefs declare a good stay is in store for those taking part and the 1,000 or so spectators, some who have paid £10 for a seat in the temporary stands.

“It’s took a lot of organisation,” said Barry Rostron, Grange Sports Club secretary.

“There’s a lot in the background that people don’t see but it’s coming together and it should be a good day.

Warrington Guardian:

Barry Rostron, Grange Sports Club secretary

“Because it’s the biggest event the club has ever staged in my knowledge, it’s about getting everything set up and done right.

“With health and safety now, you’ve got to be spot on so it’s everything from the basic first-aid kit to making sure the food is right, the electric supply is right.

“It’s not just a case of throwing a tent up and saying we’re ready now. Those days have gone.

Warrington Guardian:

Grange Sports Club members taking a quick breather from helping to get the venue ready for Saturday's Championship

“We have got a beer tent, we’ll have a hog roast on tomorrow, we’ll have the traditional bacon butties and sausage sandwiches.

“And we’ve got bags of beer, too, and it’s cheap.”

Looking after bowls greens across the country has been tough in the heatwave summer experienced this year but Barry is expecting to see some cracking action from the 10am start time.

Andrew Wightman and John Durrands will be flying the flag for the town, while the last Warrington winner Tommy Johnstone, who now lives in Poynton, is in the 64 too.

“I’d like to think we’ve probably got the best greens in Warrington,” said Rostron.

“We’ve ploughed so much water onto these greens that we’ve had North West Water looking for leaks in Latchford.

Warrington Guardian:

“The groundsman’s done a sterling job and I believe we’ve got a very good playing green and we should have a good day on it.

“The green is the same for everyone. Heavy, light, whatever, everyone’s got to play on it. You’re never going to make everyone happy so what we’ve got is what we’ve got and it’ll be a good day.

“I’ve heard rumours of 800 to 1,200 attending so if we can get a thousand people in tomorrow, supping beer, we’ll have a good day.”

Club steward Eric Hughes wants the venue for the prestigious occasion to prove to be a winner with the game’s authorities and all who attend.

“I’ve ordered more than enough beer so that we won’t run out,” he said.

“The biggest thing I don’t want is to run out on the day and for everyone to leave the premises saying ‘Great venue, run out of beer’.

Warrington Guardian:

Eric Hughes, Grange Sports Club steward

“I’ve been here 11 years with my wife Amanda and it’s the biggest thing I’m aware the club has ever done.

“For the club, we want to put it on the map nationwide. The plan is to have a good day tomorrow and hopefully get bowling mains out of it in the future.”

Funds will be raised for the Guide Dogs charity as part of tomorrow’s proceedings.

Warrington Borough Council is making Victoria Park available for car parking and supporters are urged to take advantage of this facility. The back gate to Grange Sorts Club leading on to the park will be open for entry.

The event is not all-ticket, spectators can turn up on the day.