Work on the new green had been ongoing for the past three years, since Burghfield were given three years’ notice to quit their previous location in 2010.

The last three years have been spent searching for a new home, which was eventually found when they were offered a piece of land by Burghfield Community Sports Association.

Fundraising began to build a bowling green and clubhouse on the land, which was helped by a grant of £50,000 from Sport England and £5,000 from Greenham Common Trust.

Work began in December 2012 and was finished in time for this season, before being opened on Sunday.

The official opening was followed by a celebratory game against the Royal Berkshire Bowls Club in a match that saw Burghfield lead from the start as they grabbed a 130-104 victory.

Top rink for Burghfield was skipped by Chris Goss with Keith Meadham, Brenda Futcher and Cheryl Colby as they won by 14 shots.

Gillian Chamberlain’s Rink with Marnie Henley, Charlie Usher and Dave Bartlett won their rink by seven shots while Gary Belcher’s Rink with Sandie Bartlett, Roy Beacher and Jean Usher, and Val Woodbridge’s Rink with Lyn Davis, George Brown and David Williams both won by three points. Berkshire’s winning rink was skipped by Marion Booth with Tony Scott, Pat Fowkes and Richard Kozlowski.

The rinks skipped by Bob Leach with Jo Lawrier, Mike Holmes and Frank Oakes for the County and skipped by Marjorie Williams with Brian Futcher, Margaret Meager and John Richardson for Burghfield finished 21-21, ensuring it was a happy start to home life for Burghfield.