YOU would hardly guess this immaculate, unsullied building used to be an old warehouse for the Rowntree factory down the road.

But that's what New Earswick Indoor Bowling Club rose from. And we are not just talking about the massive playing surface which, boasting eight rinks, is one of the biggest in the country.

We are also talking about the other facilities there - the entrance with its leather sofa, the all-purpose bar downstairs, the impeccable function room (plus bar) upstairs, the viewing areas, the changing rooms, the office.

Even the tables and stools around the outside of the green itself are spotless.

"They used to store big bags of cocoa beans here," said club president Colin Fawcett.

"There was also a railway line just outside - the old York to Hull line - but things have changed haven't they?"

The major change - the birth of the club - took place a decade ago, and next week it celebrates its tenth anniversary.

To mark it, the club will host a series of open nights from Monday to Friday (starting at 6.30pm) to allow prospective members to see what they're missing out on.

Not that they're short of members, as they currently boast about 1,600, of all ages and abilities - including York's Great Britain rugby league legend Edgar Dawson.

"Our youngest member, I think, is nine," said Fawcett. "Our oldest I think is Eric Todd, who must be in his late 80s at least. There might be somebody older but you don't like to ask.

"The idea of the open night is to get more people in and to let them know what's here. People don't realise what we've got and we want them to see what facilities are available."

The facilities were even praised by the England Indoor Bowls Association. "We hosted the All England National Mixed Fours final here and it was a big success," said Fawcett. "The association said they were very impressed and I've no doubt they'll be coming here again."

Of the 1,600 members, 900 are playing members (costing £30 per year), with the other 700 being social members (£7 per year). Playing costs a further £1.20 per hour.

"We've got a very good social side. That's very important," said Fawcett.

"The facilities are comparable to the best in the county. Everyone who comes here thinks it's great. I think £7 per year for social membership is good value."

He joked: "As for the cost of bowling, most people sup £1.20 in 15 minutes."

The social side also includes darts, dominoes, bingo and whist competitions. "It's a good pick-up if you can win the bingo," he smiled.

"The open night will enable prospective members to view the facilities we have and partake in an introduction to bowls.

"All equipment will be made available and bowling will take place under the guidance of experienced members in a relaxed atmosphere."

He added: "The club does encourage disabled bowlers, although due to pressure on our adapted wheelchair facilities it is recommended that prior arrangements are made."

Next week's anniversary has been tinged with sadness, as it follows the funeral of the club's first president, Eric Sutton, who died this month. Fawcett, the current president, is a fellow founder member.

"I can't remember exactly how many members we had to start with but we've had a good steady number since then and we always welcome more."

On the competition front, the club hosts in-house tournaments and competes in county and regional leagues, being past winners of the North Yorkshire Hebdon Trophy and runners-up three times on the trot. The junior squad - there are about 25 under-18s - also lifted the county title last year.

"We have quite a lot of players picked for various county teams and I think it's only a matter of time before we win a major trophy," added Fawcett.

Updated: 11:25 Saturday, August 31, 2002