THESE days Whitstable Bowling Club hosts county matches and other prestigious events, with teams visiting from all over the country.

This would not have been possible three years ago. Although it had a smart clubhouse, the changing room and toilet facilities were not up to scratch.

“We had a collection of sheds in various states of disrepair. Frankly it was beyond ramshackled,” said chairman John Wray.

A decision was made to consolidate three changing rooms – men’s, women’s and visitors’ – under one roof in a brand new building.

“We looked at a number of companies and originally decided on a steel building,” said John. “But this was not acceptable to the local planning authorities.

“Our club is right next to Whitstable Castle so we had to choose a timber building more in keeping with conservation requirements.”

The Club eventually called in Passmores Portable Buildings and has never regretted the decision.

“Their professionalism and willingness to help impressed us considerably,” said John. “They asked all the right questions and as a former engineer I responded to that.”

Before work could begin, Club members set-too with wheelbarrows to shift more than 12-tons of earth. A professional company was then brought in to dig and lay the foundations, which had to be two-metres deep.

It was March 2006 when two lorries from Passmores arrived with the sectional building on board.

“They erected the building to the exact time-scale specified – 10 days,” said John. “And that was vital because we had a deadline. We had to get the building fitted out and ready for the start of the new season in April.

“There were quite a few practical skills among our members, so we were able to do all the decorating, fitting of lockers, plumbing and electrics ourselves.”

It later became clear that the Club needed more space, to store green-keeping equipment and other essentials. A further 25ft building was put up behind the new block, which keeps storage facilities compact and tidy.

Now the Club has no problem in hosting the most prestigious of matches on a green kept billiard table flat using laser technology.

“Passmores have given us just what we needed,” said John. “They are a fantastic company.”