Opening day at Larne Bowling and Tennis Club

The bright sunshine on Saturday belied the fact that the recent cold weather meant that the bowling green was not able to be ready for opening day and so the throwing of the first bowl by the Lady President Mrs Norma Millar was the only action of the day on the green.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Apr 2013, 00:01 BST
Officials of LB&LTC pictured at the official opening of the 2013 season at the club. INLT 14-012-PSBOfficials of LB&LTC pictured at the official opening of the 2013 season at the club. INLT 14-012-PSB
Officials of LB&LTC pictured at the official opening of the 2013 season at the club. INLT 14-012-PSB

The unfurling of the flag ceremony was completed by the men’s President and the Lady President who this year are the husband and wife team of Charlie and Norma Millar.

Mr John Campbell, chairman of the club, and Mr Field Robinson, past President of the men’s bowling section, conducted the formalities. They welcomed the members and guests to enjoy the club facilities despite the disappointment of being unable to play bowls. A special warm welcome was given to Mr Robinson and Mr Dodsworth from the Curran Bowling Club. John wished the two bowling presidents and the tennis captain Alan Masson every success for the forthcoming season.

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The chairman also gave congratulations to member Mr Ronnie Blair who has been elected President of the Irish Bowling Association for 2013.

Ronnie was unable to be present as he was fulfilling his duties in Dublin, however the unfurling ceremony of the IBA will take place at LB&LTC this Saurday 6th April with a match between a team from the IBA and a team of past presidents from the club.

John offered the best wishes of the club to Ronnie for his year in office.

There were no problems with the playing surface for the Tennis Section and the opening tournament went ahead as planned.

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Organised by captain Masson, 20 members took part in a mixed doubles tournament, with pairs being matched by a random draw.

The matches were played in good spirit culminating in a final between David Jolly & Iris Weatherup and Paul Blair & Lucy Liddle. David & Iris triumphed in a case of experience over youth.

After play was completed the tennis and bowling sections joined together for a meal in the clubhouse supplied by Mark Wilson Catering which was enjoyed immensely by all.

The club is offering a special membership package to the u25’s to try to encourage young people to take up tennis & bowls as a sport. Primary members pay £28 year 1 - £37 year 2 - £46 year 3 – Junior members pay £36 year 1 - £48 year 2 - £60 year 3 – for less than £1 per week for 2 years this is exceptionally good value. Details of the package can be found on the club website www.lbltc.co.uk or further information can be obtained by e-mailing [email protected]

Lady Presidents Day will be held at the club on Thursday 4th April 2013 and the Greenkeeper will be pulling out all the stops to ensure the green is ready for play.