The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
It’s time to honour bowlers
Stonehaven Bowling Club has unveiled a new stand dedicated to two late members.
The shelter at the Recreation Ground is named the Gordon Pyper stand after a member who died around 10 years ago.
A memorial clock has been added and was presented by Brandon Atkinson in memory of his grandfather Eric McWilliam, who died last year at 89, a past president and member for 65 years.
The new stand was officially opened at a small ceremony on Saturday.
Sandra McWilliam said the latest addition to the club, established in 1884, is the perfect tribute to her late husband and Mr Pyper.
She said: “We started fundraising in 2019. We had the money but then Covid happened.
“We had a lot of help from people in Stonehaven with the four Co-op stores and the rotary club helped.
“We had a summer sale and a Christmas fete in the club as well so that was a great success.”
Sandra, 73, said her late husband and Gordon loved the sport and were important to the club.
Eric died last year at 89. Sandra: “My husband Eric was a president and was an umpire when the World Bowls were in Westburn Park.
“Gordon was a past president and he did a lot for the club. His wife started bowling and now his granddaughter has started too.
“It was a much bigger club in the heyday and it was great because Eric started the Dunnotar Castle Cup with all the teams from Aberdeen and district and that continues.
Aileen Pyper said she was “proud” to have the stand dedicated to Gordon.
“Unfortunately he passed away at 63 quite suddenly, but he won the Palmer Trophy and was runner-up in the championship four months before he died.”