The opening of Helensburgh Bowling Club greens took place on Saturday, April 15 as the club welcomed members and friends of the club to the season opener.

President Patricia McCallan welcomed members and guests, including honorary president Billy Petrie, Jim Dickson (vice president), representing the DBA, Allan Howie, secretary, from the GBA, as well as representatives from other clubs, Henry Ellis (Colgrain BC) and Robert Mackie (Dixon BC) and the president’s personal guest, her son Stuart Archibald.

New members, who have joined the club this year, were welcomed on to the green and presented with a club badge by Patricia McCallan.

The immediate past president Eric Wallace was thanked for his year in office, by president Patricia and presented with his green blazer, tie and past president’s badge.

The president also presented Irene Wallace with a commemorative plaque in appreciation of her opening the greens for the club last year.

Patricia delivered the first jack and bowls of the year and declared the greens open for 2017.

Hugh Murray presented Patricia with the ceremonial silver jack and a bouquet of flowers and a gift to Irene Wallace for opening the greens in 2016.

Immediate past president Eric Wallace presented the Championship winner’s medal for 2016 to Alan Air as well as winners’ medals to club members for winning the GBA Cup League, GBA Senior League and the GBA Mixed League in 2016.

Members and guests played a nine-end game. The result of the game was President’s team 39 shots, the Captain’s team 26 shots.

The best-placed team on the President’s team were Tony Bird, Brian Grant and George Tait (Skip), nine shots up.

The best-placed team in the Captain’s team were, Tom Adkin, Tom Fleming, Norman McLean and Roger Jones (Skip), two shots up.

Both winning teams were presented with their prizes by president Patricia.