Everyone’s a winner on our official opening day.

It's Saturday 26th April, around lunchtime. It's the day we officially open our green for play. The weather is kind, the green has been cut and the rinks beckon.

The following commentary (in italics) was kindly provided by Margaret Bailey, our Ladies’ Captain.

“Club tradition meant that when our Chairman, Derek Chappel delivered a single bowl down the green this signalled that our official 2025 season could commence.”

Our President shows how it's done (and avoids bowling short).

This was followed by another of our club traditions – “The Spider”. All the players gathered around the perimeter of the green and simultaneously bowled one of their woods to see who could get closest to the jack in the centre.

 When all the woods had finished ricocheting off one another and had come to a rest one wood was declared closest - and its surprised but delighted owner was presented with the prize of "a red envelope" by the Gentlemen's Captain. 👏👏👏

“Around 60 members turned out with 48 wanting to take part in the afternoon’s bowling. This was organised by the two Captains, Gary Preston and Margaret Bailey. We drew two mixed teams of four people for the first of two six end games.”

A perfect setting for our great sport of flat green bowling. They're off...

Courtesy first when agreeing the count.

Brilliant. Your last wood is holding. 😀

I never realised bowling could be this much fun. My head is falling off. 😂

It's all down to the skip.

The two "Number Threes" agree the final count.

We got two.

Just relaxing and enjoying things.

The first session is over and it's time for handshakes.

“As tradition demands tea and biscuits was then provided...

And players discuss how they did in the first session.

"We were holding five when they snuck one in."

...before teams were redrawn and a further six ends were completed to end the formalities.

The scoreboards are zeroed and they're off again.

The leading lady.

Even when playing a "friendly" it's important to be focussed.

The final session is nearing its end.

And handshakes close the play.

"It was pleasing to note many stayed on to exchange their first bowl experiences over drinks from the bar.

The club now begins a busy programme of bowling activities and we wish you all a happy and successful season.” 

Our thanks go to our Club President, Derek Chappel for bowling the ceremonial first wood; to our principal organisers, Margaret Bailey and Gary Preston; to Norman Jackson and all the members who work so hard on maintaining our green throughout the year and to all volunteers who's efforts ensure we can all enjoy our bowling.

Photography: Jeff Jaycock