Well we’re up and running and so far, the weather has been good to us. Our open week saw our green busy with players getting back into the swing of things after the long winter break and although it would have been nice to see a few more new faces, overall it has been a good start to the season.

On Saturday, our men were out on the green doing battle between our A and B team players. It was a nice afternoon, but it turned chilly by the end of the game and the after game hot dogs went down a treat with a few warming drinks and a lot of banter. The A team came out overall winners, although the result didn’t seem to matter too much, it was just a nice easy start to the men’s league season which will start in earnest on May 14th.

Sunday once again saw the green buzzing when members turned out in force for President’s Day. Our 2016 Club President, Avis Heley, was there to welcome everyone to the green and start off what turned out to be a great afternoon with the spider competition, which was won by Anne Wilkinson. Then members drew from the hat to determine rinks and positions for play, which ended up seeing brand new members skipping, while some of the old hands ended up putting the jack up, something which it was obvious they hadn’t done for some time! The general atmosphere on the green was brilliant with much banter and not a little laughter. After the last wood was delivered, we all retired to the clubhouse where we were treated to a superb buffet courtesy of Sue Nott, Doris Kingman, Mary Coombes and Lin Hill, thanks ladies, a great job as usual. Thanks also to Anne and Ken Wilkinson, for manning the bar, to Paul Hill, for organising the competition and anyone else who helped and of course, to Avis, who footed the bill.

Kath Hillman walked off with the ladies trophy, while Jim Goudie claimed the men’s and our wooden spoon winners were Keith Coombes for the men and for the ladies guess who? Ok it was me! Last, but not least, Maggie Roberts and Gerald Gregory were presented with certificates of distinction in the art of the Wrong Bias.

Overall a brilliant and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon which was rounded off nicely when Keith Coombes presented the club with a substantial donation courtesy of the winter Fish and Chip skittle league. He thanked everyone who took part in what was a really successful season and said he hoped that the 2016-17 season would be as well supported.

And with that the season has begun. A brilliant start to what we hope will be a long, sunny, enjoyable and successful one and if there’s anyone out there who’d like to join us Monday evening, the green is open for roll ups, so just nip along we’d love to see you.

NH