"It's so lovely to be bowling again" said 87 year old life member, and champion bowler
Eve Goldsmith, as the club's opening drive took place under sunny skies.
Numbers were restricted to 48 with no spectators as the club rigourously followed government regulations. But this didn't suppress enthusiasm and the drive marked a significant step back towards normalility.
Club Chairman Colin Couch gave an opening speech to welcome everyone, and painted a positive picture for the season. He thanked the committee and all the other members who had been working tirelessly over last summer and the winter to open, close, adjust, and solve issues as the club coped through the phases of Covid. "It is because of our wonderful members and the spirit of the club that we stand so well prepared and bouyant for the new season" said Colin.
Club President Dorothy Bromily ceremonially cut the ribbon to open the new centenary pavilion, sadly delayed from last summer when all the centenary events were cancelled.
Both greens were then in operation, with alternate rinks, as members enjoyed a competitive game. There were a few wayward bowls as rusty bodies began to remember how to deliver. The greens are in excellent condition, so offered no excuse! But soon the rhythm returned and the jack was repeatedly threatened.
Half time saw tea and biscuits served outside. Eileen Harris, Pat Bowker and Ray Jeffs did a fantastic job in preparing trays of orders for each rink to collect at the doorway, and Ian Dixon ran a bar afterwards for drinks outside.
The final result was winning pair of Pauline Cooper and Carole Forge with +20. Second place went to Eve Goldsmith and Oliver Sterno with + 18.
Over the next weeks a schedule of mixed drawn triples will gradually be supplemented as the competitions and visiting teams get underway. Everyone has their fingers crossed there is no delay with the next step in the roadmap. Members look forward to May 17th and government approval to step 3.