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Opening Day 2007

Click the image above for a larger version

The 2007 season was formally launched at the Vale of Leven Bowling Club on Saturday 14 April. Those of you who played during last year's opening day will remember that it was dry but bitterly cold. The contrast this year was amazing. We enjoyed temperatures into the 20's and warm sunshine all day.

We do not seem to have such warm and pleasant conditions on an opening day in living memory. Global warming? What's wrong with that?

The party on the green were from left to right, Eric McCallum (Secretary) & wife Christine, Jimmy Rodger (Honorary V.P.) & wife Janette, Johnny Wood (Honorary V.P.), Alistair Haughay (Associated clubs Clubs President) & wife Anne, John Gillies (D.B.A. representative), George McGaffin (Immediate Past President) & partner Sandra, Jack Bruce (President) & partner Moira, Morag McKenzie (Ladies V.P.), Rosemary Armstrong (Ladies President), John Nicolson Honorary President & wife Betty, David Nicolson (Vice President) & his daughter Lynsey.

After the opening speeches the new members who were present were welcomed to the club by President Jack Bruce.

President Jack's partner, Moira Rodger, then opened the greens by delivering the Silver Jack and the first bowls of the season. Moira's mother Molly, and it is believed her grandmother, had both carried out this pleasant task in years gone by, so Moira is maintaining the family tradition.

The first Lady, Moira Rodger, delivers the first bowl of 2007!
(Click to enlarge)

It was now the time the kid's love (not!), when they get to present the bouquets to the ladies amongst the official guests. Maintaining this year's family theme, the children doing the honours were Moira Rodger's niece and nephew, Courteney Wilkes & Kyle MacFarlane.

Click the above images to enlarge

The greens looked in reasonable condition as one would expect with the beautiful spring weather we have had this year. The game consisted of nine ends and as usual, it was taken very seriously as evidenced by the queues at the bar.

The winning rink was lead Bobby Darroch, second Forbes Thomson, third Tam Kerr & skip Jim MacDonald. This only goes to prove that miracles can still happen. But seriously, all 13 rinks and 104 players thoroughly enjoyed their day in the sunshine. When the game was over all participants were invited upstairs to an excellent buffet meal organised and provided by Ladies president Rosemary Armstrong and her team. Thank you Rosemary.

On a personal basis I have been attending opening days at the Vale since 19 ...., well let's just say for a wee while now, and this was as enjoyable as any other. All in all it was a great day and our thanks go to all those who worked hard to make it happen.

Some Action Shots ...

As a footnote, last year's victorious County Cup team had their picture taken for the rogues gallery in the clubhouse.

County Cup Winners 2006 (click to enlarge)