TAVISTOCK Sir Francis Drake Bowling Club president, mayor Norma Woodcock, got the new season off to a good start on Saturday when she bowled the first wood of the season on the Tavistock green.

More than 50 members turned out for the event and were treated to some good bowling and a fine tea. They were able to admire the three new, bankside seating benches for spectators,which have been donated by members Roger and Henny Bowden, Yvonne and Ray Meneer and the club's 100 Club trustees.

Members can look forward to more than 70 men's and mixed matches during the season, in addition to which the ladies' section has some 30 league and friendly matches scheduled.

This year the Tavistock club is honoured to host several county matches, including the competition finals and the Devon v Cornwall inter-county match, thanks to Tavistock club member Roger Bawden being elected president of the Devon County Bowling Association.

He will be bringing his select cross-county team to play against his home club on Wednesday May 1 at 2pm and already most of the Tavistock club members have put their names forward for selection to face Roger's team.

Club chairperson Betty Browse initiated this year's membership drive by inviting anyone interested in trying out the game to either come along on any Monday club night at 6pm or to attend one of the club's two public open days to be held on Sundays May 12 and 19 at 10am and 2pm each day.

Anyone seeking further information about these events both of which involve no cost or commitment, can contact club secretary Geoff Cork (tel 616872) or captain Tony Coombs (612515).