ABBROOK Park Bowls Club held this year’s eagerly awaited opening day on Saturday, April 12.

Despite the weather forecast, the rain held off for the 60 or so members and guests that turn out to celebrate the opening of the green.

The Men's Captain, Rob Horrell, apologised for the absence of chairman Tom Archer who was away playing in the national short mat finals.

Rob then welcomed everyone and introduced the club's main sponsor, Ashley Mathews of Coast and Country Estate Agents, who recently agreed a long-term sponsorship, which included the new shirts shown being worn by Abbrook's members.

President Gordon Clark gave the opening speech, thanking the members for all their hard work spent in the clubhouse, on the green, transforming its appearance and getting it ready for the new season.

Gordon then delivered the traditional first bowl. Ashley followed with the first bowl he had ever delivered and showed that he has the potential to become a bowler.

Following tradition, members then took part in a Spider competition, which was won by Alan Sanders winning two bottles of wine and then a round-robin triples competition, organised by Lyn & Jeff Sharland and won by Barbara Lawrence, Elaine Coombes & Dave Schooling.

After retiring to the bar, manned by Phil Lannon and Mike Meathral, Jeff Sharland and Nigel Coombes gave an amusingly modified rendition of Whispering Grass.

The evening finished with the presentation of flowers and wine to Barbara Lawrence and (in her absence) Jean Stevens and lager for Brian Lawrence as a thank you for the work they put in every Friday evening during the winter season making ham, egg and chips for the members, raising £2000 for club funds.