Acle will be the team to beat in a celebration year for Norfolk bowls.

Hansells Norfolk League Premier Division champions for the past two seasons, Acle have strengthened their team even further this summer and will be looking to mark the Norfolk EBA’s 75th anniversary year with a title hat-trick.

It is an anniversary shared by Great Yarmouth Bowls Club, who were founder members of the county EBA, which is sponsored for the ninth year in a row by Hansells Solicitors and Financial Advisers.

The anniversary brings several special games and the publication of a new booklet. Paid for by Hansells, The First 75 Years 1936-2011 charts the history of bowls in the county and details the long, distinguished record of the county’s players locally, nationally and internationally.

One of the highlights of 2011 will be a game in the grounds of Windsor Castle against the Royal Household Bowling Club on 17 July.

Both association president Derek Talbot and Hansells’ managing partner Roger Holden are delighted to be working together in such an important year.

“It’s a great honour to be president for this anniversary season,” said Mr Talbot. “It is going to be very busy year – I have 63 games in my diary, as well as many other events.”

The backing given by Hansells as sponsors of the association, the Hansells Norfolk League and the Hansells Cup competition was ‘fantastic’.

“Financially Hansells provides a lifeline. They also take a great interest by attending games and social events, making presentations and helping with publicity. Their support is hugely important to us.”

Mr Holden said he was looking forward to an exciting year and was very pleased he and his firm were to be a part of such a milestone season.

“Bowls has been a key part of Norfolk community life for so long. That the game is still as popular and strong after all these years, with so many active members, is a tribute to all the hidden heroes who work so hard behind the scenes.

“I wish all Norfolk’s bowls players an enjoyable season – and the best of luck in bringing silverware back to the county.”

Top of the wish list, is success in the most prestigious national club competition, the Middleton Cup, in which past winners Norfolk boast a distinguished record.

Norfolk County EBA secretary Peter Bird was full of praise for Press Officer John Ottaway’s sterling work in producing the 75th anniversary booklet, which was a wonderful work of record and an excellent resource for generations to come.

“John has done an excellent job,” said Mr Bird.

“We are extremely thankful, too, to have the ongoing support of Hansells. They help us in many ways and we have an excellent rapport with them,” he said.