WHAT a year it has been for North Tawton Bowling Club.

The new club house is in its final push for completion and what a tribute it will be to North Tawton bowlers and maybe more importantly to the community of North Tawton as much-needed help from the town has flowed into the project.

I truthfully do not think we could have got this far without them. The delayed AGM on January 31 saw the players inspect the building so far, and what a surprise it was!

It will be a great asset to the town and to the bowling community in general.

The plan is that when we get completion ie building regs approval, there will be an unofficial get together to say thank you to all the people who have kindly donated their time and money. It will hopefully be on our Opening Day, Saturday April 22.

As for the the playing results last season, here are the Club competition results:

Mens Winners 2016 - Wonnacott Cup - Ron Indge; Avery Cup - Lloyd Reynolds; Benham Cup - Rick Ball; Legion Cup - Lloyd Reynolds and Ron Indge; Stoneman Cup - Dave Nicks and Tom Watson.

Ladies Winners 2016 - Powlesland Cup - Plus the Royal British Legion Rose Bowl, plus the Handicap Cup, were all won by Margaret Arscot. Mary Lee Cup - Karen Austen; Triples Cup - Ann Ware, Margaret Denham and Sue Wyles; Vallance Pairs Cup - Margaret Arscot and Jan Summers.

The Captain’s (John Kinsey) Choice was awarded to Pat Ward, a popular win.

The team games in both ladies and mens saw some very good games and some good results in their respective leagues, the star turn being the A Team in the North Devon Triples getting into the First Division for the very first time.

So it is with a great feeling of pride in the achievement of the Club, both on and off the green, we approach the 2017 season.

Our Open Day as I said is on Saturday, April 22, so come along and give us a try.

Mike Thwaites

chairman