Open season
Arran bowling clubs extend warm welcome
Arran’s bowling greens are open for business and they have extended a warm welcome to budding bowlers to join them.
Membership at the four island clubs has been declining for a number of years so a push is on to get younger people involved.
The island boasts four grass bowling greens at Brodick, Whiting Bay and Lamlash, which are seasonal, and the all-weather green at Blackwaterfoot.
Brodick president Robert Crawford, speaking on behalf of all four clubs, said: ‘All the island bowling greens are open and looking for new members. Anyone can get involved whether they are beginners, novices or anyone returning to the game. We need to attract the 30-somethings if the clubs are to survive. Bowling is a social sport and can be enjoyed by all ages. You don’t even need equipment as this can be provided, just a pair of flat training shoes.’
Those interested can take part in the various club competitions and there is also the annual inter-club Arran Bowling Federation competition, this year hosted by Lamlash.
‘With a good longterm forecast for the summer we look forward to many memorable games. We would invite anyone who would like to join us to come along any day of the week,’ Robert added.
Last weekend two clubs saw the traditional first jack of the season thrown. On Saturday, Whiting Bay Bowling Club enjoyed a large turnout on a gloriously bright and sunny day as members, visitors and guests watched last year’s singles winner, Johnny McGovern, bowl the first jack of the season.
The same day Lamlash Bowling Club also started off their season as their winner from last year, Marion Spence, opened proceedings with her first bowl.
The season had opened at Brodick the previous Saturday, April 30, with a good turnout of players, including several from other island clubs.
Kenny Mabon had the honour of throwing the first jack to get the season under way.
Unfortunately rain cut short play slightly, but it did not dampen the enthusiasm of being able to play outdoors again.
Brodick bowling green is open to the public from 10.30am to 4.30pm, and club rink games are on Mondays and Wednesdays starting at 6.45pm, plus 2pm on Saturdays.
Novice players, if desired, can be shown the ropes by the club member on duty during the day.
The Lamlash and Whiting Bay clubs, whose rink nights are the same as Brodick, also invite anyone interested to try their hand at bowling.
Equipment can be provided along with tuition and a warm welcome. Rink times at Blackwaterfoot, which opened for the season last month, are Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2pm.