It is traditional that at the beginning of a new season at Ottery St Mary Bowling Club, the entire playing membership comes out of hibernation and The Opening Drive commences.
It is usual to have up to 60 members wanting to get back in to the swing of bowling. 2020, of course, was entirely different and, although internal matches took place, they were both distant and sanitized.
2021 is a new and a different year, so on Sunday, April 18, the Ottery St Mary Bowling Club met together to start the new season. However, current restrictions had to be observed with only 24 members being allowed on the green, so the day was split into two with half the membership bowling in the morning and the other half using the green in the afternoon.
Despite the restrictions, everyone was delighted to be back to playing a sport that we all love, and to make the day even better the sun shone for the entire day. Both sessions were finished by sharing a socially distanced barbecue.
It is hoped that as near a normal season will be possible this year with friendly matches against local teams, and various competition matches being played.
If you have recently moved into the area and have played bowls previously, you would be most welcome to apply for membership of the club through our website. Alternately, you can telephone our secretary, Mrs Gail Hawke on 01404 813065 or call me on 01404 822071.
Finally, we are hoping to run an open day at the end of May in conjunction with Bowls England, so if you have never played the game and would like to give it a try, then bear this date in mind.
Further details will be made available when the current situation has clarified, but to register your interest, do call one of the above telephone numbers.