Historic opener
Husband and wife occupy top club spots atTempleton
There was cause for a double celebration at Templeton Bowling Club this week as dozens gathered for the opening day ceremony.
For the first time in the Rutherglen club’s 94-year history, both presidential’s and vice presidential’s positions are occupied by husband and wife.
President Robert and lady president Elaine Bogan welcomed more than 60 members and guests from Burnside, Rutherglen, Kirkhill, Pollokshaws and Kirkwood.
And Graham and Isobel Mitchell also performed their first duties as vice presidents on the opening day, April 7.
Robert has lived in Rutherglen with Elaine since 2013 and was honoured to take up the position.
He said: “I think the opening day went well. I was a little bit nervous beforehand because I am not a great speaker.
“But it was nice to stand there with my wife and my daughter, Claire [Griffin], who threw the first jack.
“The greens are off just now because of the weather but we should be back playing in a couple of weeks.
“I’m not sure if our appointment will have an affect on the club, it’s all very new to us.”
Elaine added: “We are looking forward to the season ahead.
“We’ve been members since October 2013 when we moved to Rutherglen.
“I am very pleased to be named as ladies president.
“We would like to wish all fellow bowlers a happy, enjoyable and successful season.”
Although there was slight rain fall at the start of the opening ceremony it didn’t dampen the spirit of friendship that was shared during the course of the day and evening by all in attendance.
After the introduction of the club president’s and board of directors for the forthcoming season, by club secretary Donnie Morrison, piper Harvey Rose played a lament in an act of reflection and remembrance to those members who are ill or who have passed away.
To conclude the opening ceremony the green was officially opened for season 2018 by Robert and Elaine’s daughter Claire.
Friendly banter and speeches were made at the dinner that followed with cabaret in the evening bringing an enjoyable day to an end.
Meanwhile at Cambuslang, president Ian Skillen welcomed members to the club’s opening day on Saturday.
Vice president Alex Latimer and wife Margaret, along with club secretary Ann Phillips declared the greens open for the season.
And at Halfway and District Bowling Club, presidents Jim Stoddart and Sandra Hughes look forward to welcoming everyone to their opening day this Saturday at 2pm.
Fixture diaries will be available on the day and the deadline for entering the knockout competitions is April 28. The draws will take place on April 29. It is a busy few weeks ahead which sees the ladies opening game take place at 2.30pm on April 20 and ladies day commences on April 28 at 1pm.
The Robert and Anna Dick Memorial Mixed Pairs will be on May 5 at 10am and the 2-Bowl Pairs will be held on May 12 at noon.
The 1+1 Pairs will take place on May 20 at 10am. Entry sheets are on the bowls house noticeboard.