New season on the green at Galashiels

The customary ceremony at Scott Crescent reflected – as far as possible – the mid-April tradition at bowling clubs across the country – the rolling of the first jack of the season and an afternoon’s play to herald a new term of open-air bowls.

The Galashiels green was opened for the forthcoming season by the club’s first-ever lady president, Roseanne Eades, with her son and past president Daniel Porter, throwing the first jack.

The opening party was completed by new vice-president Gilbert McBride and partner Kirsteen MacKenzie in a small ceremony screened live online.The first play of members was at 2pm in sunshine on an enjoyable Saturday afternoon.

Until guidelines allow, booking will be required, with play limited to singles and pairs.The bowling club has extended its thanks to NHS and key workers for their efforts over the last year, which had presented difficulties for the sport, along with the club’s loyal members and sponsors for their support.

For the latest up-to-date information, anyone wishing to know more can visit the club’s Facebook page, where they can also find video and photos from the opening day.

The spokesman added that everyone is looking forward to seeing their fellow enthusiasts returning safely to the club .

If anyone is interested in taking up the sport, he said, they are welcome to come along to the club.