THE sun came out for the opening of the green at Wellington Bowling Club, writes Martin Speakman.

More than 70 members came along to welcome in the new outdoor season. The event was very well organised and run by club chairman Paul Kelly.

At the start, everyone had their photograph taken. It was particularly exciting because members had been given the opportunity to wear the new club kit and most were very pleased to wear it.

The season then officially got underway with Mike Groves, the club president, rolling the first bowl of the season.

Then came “The Spider!” Everyone put a pound in the pot. Then with one foot in the ditch bowled one bowl towards a jack in the middle of the green with a big black toy spider on top of it.

The winner was Ian Hollingsworth whose bowl was closest. The fun game raised £52 for the president's charity, the Beacon Centre, Taunton.

Everyone then enjoyed playing friendly games on all six rinks. The sun shone but it was cold and after an hour everyone gathered around the BBQ to enjoy some nice hot food.

The bar was open all afternoon so it was particularly pleasant for everyone to retire to the clubhouse to enjoy the food from the BBQ with a nice cold drink.

The opening of the green is always enjoyed because it heralds the beginning of a busy season of opportunities to play bowls - both at home and away.

There will be up to ten league matches played each week and there are any number of friendly matches against other clubs as well. Added to that, many will enjoy entering lots of different club bowling competitions as well.

Everyone at the club is looking forward to an exciting season playing their favourite game of bowls.