DESPITE the threat of Storm Kathleen, 24 members enjoyed the first game of the new season at Ipplepen Bowling Club.

Our very own Ipplepen doctor, Dr. Phil Windless, came along with his family to officially open the new season and rolled the first few woods after wishing the club every success for the coming year.

Ipplepen first opened in 1981 and an outdoor, all-weather carpeted green was laid by E.H. Bounds & Co., who donated the Scapagrene Trophy. This trophy was played for every year from 1982 to 2001. When the club was undergoing work, Trevor and Beryl Morgan took the trophy home for safe-keeping. Beryl decided it was time that the club had the trophy back as it forms such a big part of its history. It was then decided that this trophy would be awarded again annually to the winning triples team of the new season commencement day.

Consequently, for the first time in over 20 years, the trophy was awarded to the winning team of Shirley Northwood, Michael Morrisroe and David Northwood.

Ipplepen always welcomes new members of all abilities, from beginners to the more experienced bowler. On the two Bank Holiday Mondays in May, the club will be open for anyone to come along and try bowls. Our qualified coach, Mary Oliphant, will be there to help and advise and other club members will be on hand to play. The open days run from 10am to 4pm on May 6 and May 27.

Both events are to raise awareness of the sport of bowls, the fun of the game, the benefit to better health and the opportunity for social enjoyment in meeting with other people. Bowls are provided for you to play with, so just come along and have a try and see for yourself what a great sport it is. All we ask is that you bring flat shoes for playing on our carpeted green.

For further information contact either Coach Mary on 01803 872683 or Secretary Shirley on 01803 813980.

The accompanying photographs show the new club clock, which is double-sided so the time can be seen from both ends of the rink. We are grateful to the family of the late Daphne and Ivor Partridge who gave the clock in memory of their parents, ensuring that they will both always be remembered at our Club. Our thanks to Harry Northwood for taking the photos. Harry is currently studying at Coombeshead Academy and UTC in Newton Abbot but in his free time has designed and created a website for the club; to take a look at this and for all information about the club, go to www.ipplepenbowlingclub.co.uk.