LONG-term club member Rose Howard bowled the first wood of the Newton Abbot BC season on Saturday, April 11.

The opening was well supported with around 50 plus members attending, the weather held up and there was a buffet for all to enjoy.

A lot of hard work went on during the winter months to get the club ready for the summer and so many thanks to all who lent a hand.

On Saturday 25, the club will hold an open day from 10am to 2pm, giving the opportunity for newcomers to try their hand at bowls. Club members will be in attendance to help out.

All that is required is that flat shoes are worn for playing on the green- the club is situated in Courtney Park.

The club’s first friendly at Home will take place on Tuesday, April 21, when they welcome Chagford Bowling Club. Hopefully club members will give captain Kate Kennedy plenty of support for all friendlies/tourist matches during the course of the season.

There is of course an internal friendly before that where the men’s A-Team will play the C-Team on Monday, April 20.

Ipplepen Bowling Club’s winter season has come to a close and they say goodbye to the winter members who will be returning to their clubs for the summer where they play on grass.

They held a commencement day for the coming season on April 4. On a very windy day, Niall Tewson from The South Devon Dairy Milk Shed bowled up the first wood of season, together with his with wife Kelly and young daughter Otterley. Many thanks Niall.

The green at Bovey Tracey Bowling Club was formally opened on Saturday by Mr Ray Parker, president of Bowls Devon and former chairman and captain of Bovey Tracey club, who delivered the ceremonial first bowl of the new season.

The afternoon continued with 10 teams selected from more than 50 members competing in friendly matches on five rinks.

A delicious afternoon tea organised by the social committee was provided by various members, bakers, servers and helpers. Even the weather, which was forecast to be occasionally wet and blustery, failed to intervene in what was a highly successful and enjoyable event.

Looking forward to future events, BTBC has acquired a stall at the Green Man Festival in the town on Saturday, April 25 where there will be a children's tombola, craft and pottery items for sale and refreshments available throughout the day. Club members on duty will also be happy to provide information on their forthcoming bowls and social activities.

Finally, BTBC will be holding their annual open day on Sunday, April 26 from 10am to 4pm to attract people to try a new sport, make new friends and enjoy a fun day out.

All ages are welcome, no booking is required and bowls are provided but please wear flat shoes on the green.

Coaches and club members will be on hand to guide you and provide information about the club's various activities and incentives to become a member. Free tea, coffee and cakes will be available and you can find the bowling club in the Recreation Ground on Newton Road, Bovey Tracey.