It’s here at last – the summer outdoor season for 2018, writes Susie Bonnell.

We’ve had a long winter and – in case you hadn’t noticed – rather a lot of rain!

Our head greenkeeper, Barry, has worked tirelessly in getting our greens ready for the annual handover to Sidmouth Bowling Club and he really had his work cut out this year.

Monday, St George’s Day, not only saw a new royal prince, but a glorious first day of bowling outdoors. We were lucky to have Ian McKenzie-Edwards of Sidmouth Town Council to officiate and deliver the very first bowl of the season, watched over by Terry O’Brien, president of Sidmouth Rugby Club (our club’s good neighbour), Marcus Allen, area manager of Leisure East Devon, who do so much to promote sport for all ages and levels in Sidmouth and our own lovely president, Pat Harvie.

They, in turn, were eagerly watched over by the outdoor bowlers, anxious to get onto the green and try it out.

We were very lucky with the weather and the green bowled beautifully.

Firstly, there was our annual ‘Spider’ competition. All the bowlers stand anywhere around the green - with one foot in the gulley - and aim at the jack placed in the centre.

The owner of the bowl nearest the jack at the end of the mayhem is the winner.

This year it was lucky Mary Meadows, who won a bottle of whiskey.

Then it was on to the main drive. Teams of four bowled against each other for six ends and then moved on to another rink, against another team. Eighteen ends were played and the end result was two winning teams (with the highest overall scores). Prize winners were men’s captain Mike Borst, with his team, new bowler Chris Leedham, Mary Meadows (another bottle to take home) and Mike Daw.

The other winning team were skip Norman Brimson, Chris Radburn, Barry Curwen and Ray Tallent.

We all felt windswept, sun-kissed and tired but happy as we reflected on our game afterwards, enjoying a welcome drink from the bar.

Happy outdoor bowling, everyone!