SHALDON Bowling Club kickstarted the new season with a green opening ceremony on the morning of Saturday, April 19.

Despite the promise of summery weather, there was heavy rain overnight and a dull, drizzly and chilly start yet the hardy bowlers were undeterred.

Cllr Danielle Westlake, Chair of Shaldon Parish Council (pictured on the far right), kindly opened the ceremony by wishing all the bowlers a successful new season and made the first bowl.

Paul Nash, Shaldon Bowling Club Chairman, thanked Danielle for opening the green and getting a new season underway. He also thanked all the individuals who had put in their hard work during the closed season, including painting the inside and outside of the clubhouse and maintaining the green.

He then invited everyone to join in the spider competition. Barry Mears was the winner, and very pleased he looked too, his smile was certainly a highlight of the morning!

Unfortunately, due to the rain of the previous day and run up to the morning, the weather curtailed the bowling, but all were invited to join up again on Easter Sunday to have our first “roll up” session.

All teams have several friendly games and roll up sessions scheduled over the next few weeks before the season starts in earnest in May.

New members are always welcome to come and join an inclusive, community-spirited bowling club.

Supportive, free taster sessions are available along with the guidance from experienced team members. Whether you are a complete beginner or a consummate professional, you will be welcomed- just be sure to wear flat shoes.

Telephone numbers for the relevant contact point can be found on the club website or in the Shaldon and Ringmore Parish News.