AFTER weeks of monsoon conditions the sun shone brightly down on more than 50 members of Crediton Bowling Club as the season was officially opened by Club President Joan Martin.

It is her privilege to bowl the first wood and this year she invited Christine Marshall to join her.

Christine has been a valuable member of the Club and was last year President of Devon Ladies Bowling Association.

She has decided to up sticks and move to Torquay so it was a fitting way to thank her for all she has contributed and to wish her well with her new Club.

There then followed the traditional "spider", where each member takes a position around the green and then delivers one wood towards the Jack which is placed in the middle of the green.

Trevor Newbery avoided all the other bowls and took away the prize.

There then followed 10 ends of bowls to loosen up those limbs that have been in cold storage for the winter months and then this was followed by a tea, a few drinks and a general natter in the Clubhouse.

New members are always welcome and this is the right time of the season to come and give it a try. Coaching is on-hand to those who wish it, so be brave and see if it's for you.

Many of you pass the green on your walks and stop to watch some of the action. Life will get very busy as league, friendly and county competitions start over the coming weeks.

Fixtures for this week are:

Today, Thursday, April 20 - Friendly v Uffculme, 2.30pm.

Saturday, April 22 - Friendly v Tiverton Park, 2pm.

Thursday, April 27 - EDL B v Topsham A, 6.30pm.

Thursday, April 27 - EDL C v North Tawton A, 6.30pm.

Mike Canning