NEWTON Abbot Bowls Club kicked off the new outdoor season on Saturday, April 12 and there was a good turnout from members, with all six rinks in use, reports David Pickett.

After a season or so out due to illness, members were delighted to see Brian Waitman deliver the first wood to declare the new bowling season open. In fact, Brian delivered two woods as my camera phone had a glitch and so Isobel Burley kindly stepped into the take the attached photograph.

14 ends were played and although the temperature had dropped by a good five degrees below what it has been, and there was a spot of rain on the last couple of ends, I am sure that the playing members were more than happy to get back into the groove, at the end of play there was a Buffet with the food supplied by the members involved.

Our new Club Captain Kate Kennedy looks to have had a good response to the first three friendlies and indeed, there appears to be plenty of names down for the remaining fixtures in April so hopefully that is a good sign that friendlies throughout the season will be well supported.

Fixture secretary Steve Doyle has done a sterling job in arranging friendlies/tourist and league games and members can play in whatever games they feel comfortable with.

Paul Hawkins is our new/old Secretary as he has been secretary in the past, so I am sure he will fit comfortably back into the role.

The green looks good and here’s to hoping that the weather is kind throughout the summer and there aren’t any games rained off.