Bowlers are back at Chapelton
Chapelton Bowling Club managed to open their green on Saturday, despite the coronavirus lockdown and poor summer weather.
Rain didn’t dampen the spirits on Saturday as a few hardy souls turned up to throw the first jack of the new season.
A small ceremony took place at 11am, followed by players playing in hourly sessions after that.
Marjorie McPherson threw the first jack.
None of the annual club competitions or inter-club invitationals will take place, but the club hopes for some competitive action towards the end of the season.
A lot of work has gone into making sure the green is in top condition, and they will make the most of what they can, although with some restrictions in place.
Secretary Alastair Campbell said: “Having been locked down during the best two months of bowling weather in years we awoke on Saturday to a damp, misty morning.
“There was nothing else for it though, we needed to get the club opened.
“A power of work has taken place both on the green and surrounding areas but also behind the scenes in the last few weeks to ensure our playing surface is up to scratch, all procedures are right and comply with Scottish Government and Bowls Scotland rules and advice.
“A very different and low key opening speech was made to a socially distant audience by President Robert Perrat thanking everyone for their work and commitment to the club’s opening.
“Marjorie delivered the first jack down the rink, although that will be the only jack that is actually ‘delivered’ until further relaxation of Covid-19 rules. There then followed some informal games between some of the committee members until the rain got the better of them.”
Members are now able to book an hourly slot either for practice, to play singles or doubles, between two households only.
Only half of the green is being used – rinks 1, 3 or 5, or 2, 4 or 6 – to aid social distancing, and there are half-hour gaps between bookings to ensure club and car park is cleared for the next players. After their hour, they will sanitise the mats and jacks and leave before the next group arrive.
Alastair added: “Many thanks to the committee and other members who all pulled together and enabled us to salvage what we can of a season we originally thought would be a total write off.”