ON A very wet and soggy Saturday morning, Marina Bowling Club on Sandy Lane Dawlish enlisted the Town Crier and his Lady Consort to open the green and bowl the first bowl of the 2025 season.

At the same time, the club took the opportunity to present a donation in the form of a cheque from the club’s charity events held in 2024, in support of Dawlish Black Swans and Waterfowl. The club also support Dawlish Community Transport.

Town Crier Bob Graham, a former member himself, spoke highly of the club before delivering a little ditty that goes as follows.

The bowls are out- The season has begun- Good luck under the sun- Club and county may you excel- May the green play true- And all the wicks go well- But remember - It’s not just about the winning- But to crush your opponents- With skill and cunning- May the bowl gods bless you all- And God Save The King.

Marina are very grateful to the greenkeeping team who work so hard all year round to give the members such a great facility to bowl on. Special thanks go to Colin Parker, Kelvin Carter, Mike Takel and Darryl Strong.

As members were unable to get out on the green to practice because the green needed to dry out somewhat, everyone went back into the clubhouse for tea/coffee and free cake which some members had kindly taken the trouble to bake. Thank you to all those who made cake and who helped serve drinks and wash up.

Finally, coming up on Sunday, May 11 is the club’s taster day, from 10am to 4pm. Everyone is welcome, age, experience and ability are no barrier, they just ask you to wear flat-soled trainers or similar. Most people who get into bowls say they wish they had done so sooner.