Oban Bowling Club celebrates belated historic green opening
Oban Bowling Club president Iain Boyd threw the first jack of the season last Saturday, 150 years after the inaugural bowl was played at the Dalriach Road venue, writes Fiona Scott.
The club celebrated its sesquicentennial anniversary last season, marking the formation of the outfit when founding members purchased shares to buy the ground, and those less well off contributing a £1 membership fee.
Last week, however, a bit later than planned due to the Covid crisis, the ceremonial jack was delivered.
‘It was really quite emotional,’ said Mr Boyd.
‘No only did this year’s opening mark 150 years since the first jack was thrown but also a return to the green following weeks when many of our members have been confined to their homes and others severely restricted in their usual active lifestyles.’
Due to stringent guidelines, laid out by the Scottish Government and Bowls Scotland, with further guidance put in place by the OBC committee, Opening Day celebrations were slightly contained this year. But, despite that, and the sporadic drizzle throughout the afternoon, bowlers seemed to enjoy getting back into the swing of things with the hard working committee members taking the first fill and eager members playing the second.
‘Our main concern is keeping our members safe, so after carrying out a risk assessment we decided to open up with temporary rules in place,’ added Mr Boyd.
All bowling competitions have been cancelled for the remainder of the season but members are being encouraged to go along and play with members of their own household and/or members of two other households while adhering to the two metre distancing rule.
Players must be responsible for their own equipment and all mats and jacks must be disinfected (in the trays provided) before and after each game with one player taking responsibility for them before, during and after play.
There will be four one hour sessions available each day: 11am-noon; 1pm-2pm; 3pm4pm; 6.30pm-7.30pm.
To book a rink you should contact Helen MacLean, Match Secretary, between 4pm and 6pm on the day before you wish to play.