MEMBERS attending Tavistock Sir Francis Drake Bowling Club pre-season players' meeting heard that the club will, this season, be running its first fully mixed singles competition.
The competition will be for a trophy offered by the family of the late Bryan Parker, a life member and past secretary of the club. Bryan was a firm believer in fully integrated bowling clubs and the competition is a fitting memorial to his work and commitment.
The ladies of the club can now look forward to denting a few men's egos, when they eliminate them from the competition! The competition will follow the format recently seen on television, with the winner needing to win two of the three sets in the match, each set being won by the first player to achieve seven shots.
Chairman Colin Tremaine highlighted the maintenance work carried out in the closed season, with new sections of roof and ceiling being installed in the ladies' changing room area and improved drainage to the green, to resolve the problem of algae which made it treacherous underfoot last year.
Club captain Mike Allen told members he would be introducing a rota of 'match stewards' whose responsibility will be that of setting out the green before play at each match
The club faces a heavy season, with some 89 men's and mixed matches. The ladies section has 40 matches. Players are also involved in club and county competitions with the possibility of reaching national finals.
The club will again open its doors to the public when it hosts two public open days on Sunday May 13 and Saturday May 19. The club will be open for anyone who wishes to try their hand at the game. The sessions are free with equipment and tuition from members. Anyone attending is asked to bring flat-soled shoes or slippers.
Prospective members can also come along to club nights held each Monday from April 30 at 5.45pm. For further information telephone Mike Allen on 612365.
The season starts with an in-house game on Saturday April 21, when club president, town mayor Judith Williams, will bowl the first wood of the season.