OVER thirty members and guests attended the Mecca of bowls, Cowdenbeath Bowling Club, on Saturday for the opening of the green, writes Jack High.

2018 President Lindsay Black welcomed the new members, existing members, potential members and guests from Lenzie, South Queensferry and Crossford Public.

There was a minute's silence respecting friends, relatives and colleagues who passed since last season.

Kerry Black threw the first jack of the season, did not take anyone's eye out and actually threw it straight up the rink. Well done Kerry.

She was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Brian Simpson, the new Vice President. The teams were selected and the annual President versus Vice-President's game ensued.

It was bitterly cold. Some rinks managed a couple of ends before the sleet beat them. Lindsay and Brian played the entire match and unbelievably their game ended in a draw - honest! The overall scores were announced and an overwhelming win for the President was declared by Match Secretary Mitch Drysdale.

This was entirely due to the president getting first pick (apparently).

The winners on the day were Billy Allan, Archie Somerville and Rab Cant for the vice-president and Helen Hunt, Charlotte Sommerville, David Hunt and Peter Graham for the president. They all received Easter Eggs.

The meal was served at the end of the day before Jay Dee provided excellent entertainment for the small crowd who remained and had a few drinks.

There is a fun day organised for this Saturday at the club 2.00pm for 2.30pm start and all members are welcome. This is due to the club we normally play in the first fixture of the year only opening on Saturday. There will be bacon rolls as opposed to a full meal.

***As discussed at the AGM, the ties will be drawn on Monday April 9, which is earlier than usual but there are plenty notices at the club, on our Facebook page and in the local paper. Fees should be paid ASAP.

Mitch Drysdale and Lindsay Black were nominated to be life members at the AGM in March. This was carried by the members present, despite comments that they were too young and only been there seventy five years between them.....

Lindsay, the son of Willie and Kit Black who were life members of the club, has been at the club since 1977, won the championship six times, (lost six finals too) represented the club at County level for fifteen years as a player and six years as a councillor, won county titles and been to the Scottish finals.

The only father/son combination to win the Championship in the 115 year history. He has developed the game with other members at local schools to try to boost the membership, raised over twenty five thousand pounds for charity through his quizzes over the past eighteen years with his wife, been match secretary and is current president.

He has also won every British and Scottish honour open to him in Police Bowls and has brought many Scottish Finals to the Club raising the profile.

Mitch has been at the club since 1983, won the championship three times, represented the County and won numerous titles and been at the Scottish Finals, He has been a member of the committee since 1989, an ever-present at friendly games and been president six times as well as match secretary many, many times. All Mitch's family have played at the club at some point. He and daughter Emma are the only father/daughter combination to win their championships. He has also been a point of contact for any building work needing done over the years and brought in many sponsors to the club.

Both men stated that the bestowing of this great honour would not change their committed approach to the club and they would still make donations to the value of the fees as one or two other life members do. Both proud members.