THE Opening Day of the 2009 season at Bude Bowling Club was held on Saturday, April 18 on a beautiful, sunny afternoon, writes Harold Reece-Pinchin.

Secretary Bill Dixon introduced President Ann Reece--Pinchin who asked for a minute's silence in memory of John Miles who was a past member of the Club.

President Ann welcomed the members and also Gwyn John, a former National Coach, who had helped Bude members improve their game over many years. She said how good the green was looking and thanked green keeper Andrew Wise and

the Budehaven Recreation Ground for the work that had been put into it. She was sure the members would enjoy bowling on it. She then introduced Kathy Smeeth, Chairman of the Budehaven Recreation Ground saying how good it was to see Kathy's parents accompanying her.

Kathy said it was a privilege to be at the Green's 2009 opening and wished everyone a good season. After explaining that she was the fourth generation of the Keat family to be involved with the Budehaven Recreation Ground, she thanked the green keeper Andrew Wise and his son Adam for all the hard work they had done on the green to bring it to its present good condition. She wished everyone a good season before formally handing the green over to the

Club and asking Gwyn John to bowl the first wood of the 2009 season.

Before bowling a perfect length wood Gwyn said he was delighted to have been invited and explained that he had been involved in coaching for over 30 years and that the aim was to help every bowler reach their full potential and to enjoy the game of bowls.

The afternoon's bowling started with a spider and was then followed by a very enjoyable drive after which members enjoyed a sumptuous faith tea.

President Ann thanked all those who had cleaned the pavilion and she also thanked Ladies Captain Doreen Pinnegar and Ladies Vice-Captain Alwyn Riley for their work in the kitchen along with all those who had brought contributions for the tea. She continued by congratulating Beryl Vickery on being selected for a Johns trial and Steve Jones on getting a Middleton Cup trial but for personal reasons both had declined the invitation. She said how good it was to welcome new members and wished everyone a happy and

successful season.

President Ann thanked Brian Symons for his generous gift of a new trophy for the Club. Brian said it was his way of putting something back into the Club for all that he had received from it. Brian then presented the trophy for the first time to Bill Dixon and Steve Jones.

The winner of the spider was Colin Vickery who received a liquid prize, Sue Plumstead won a bowls cloth in the entry draw and Gerry Pinnegar ran the usual raffle. Altogether a very good start to the new season.