THE ladies and gentlemen bowlers of Windsor Bowls Club, Penarth, held their open day for the 2015 season in glorious weather.

The indoor season was completed with indoor championship wins for Matthew Woodcock in the fours, triples and pairs and Charles Burton in the over 60’s triples. There were no titles for the veterans Ken McLeod, Mal Hope, Paul Gunter and Tony Holmes as it would appear their abilities are waning through age and various other excesses.

The pre-season Easter Fair was a huge success as was the ladies’ lunch, where they were well served by the male members. The open day itself set new standards at Windsor, with the clubhouse packed with old and most-welcome new members; to the extent that the magnificently designed and built Malcom Hope bar was left bare and that bar steward Eddie Thorne had to be hosed down with cider on several occasions.

The spoons competition was won by Pamela Farrell, Brenda Dunlop, David Hales and the ex-Essex academic Rod Husdon. As there were 72 entrants it was fortuitous for Rod that his good lady Angela won the prize draw and therefore saved him opening his money belt.

The ladies’ captain Veronica Flintley and her husband Richard, the men’s vice captain, bowled the traditional first woods on Windsor’s pristine greens and the day concluded with a banquet buffet and much jollity.

This summer sees the club busier than ever, with tours planned to Devon for the men and a mixed tour to Spain. In the month of August the club will be holding an open mixed fours tournament, sponsored by Glamorgan Motors of Penarth and Mr Paul Gunter, and will be named in memory of the late and much lamented John Skone. Two benches were also unveiled on the day one to John and the other to his friend and colleague JT John Thomas a tireless worker and player for Windsor for many years.

For many, and just to put the icing on the cake, the highlight of the day was the appearance of the much loved WB Brian Stephens, whose presence has been so greatly missed of late.

So, let’s hope for a wonderful season of bowls both at Windsor and Rectory, where rumour has it Nick Chandler and Ron Birkby are to go to litigation for the honour of writing their clubs trials and tribulations. Good luck Ron, Eddie’s money is on you.

Last, but far from least, many congratulations to their other dear friends at Penarth Belle Vue Bowls Club, who celebrate their centenary this year. They wish them every success and a most enjoyable season.