by Alan Quick

THE Bishop of Crediton, the Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, laid the first wood of the season at Crediton Bowling Club’s green in Newcombes Meadow, and received a round of applause from members after a well-aimed shot.

The club president, Dorothy Richards, welcomed Bishop Sarah and afterwards instructed her in how to play bowls.

Bishop Sarah said that she had fond memories of attending bowling clubs with her grandfather who was an enthusiast.

She wished the club well, and its members a good competing season.

Mrs Richards expressed thanks to the club officers and all those involved in making the club run smoothly in a variety of ways.

She particularly thanked the club chairman, Ted Staite, also the club’s greenkeeper, and his helpers, who had worked through the winter to prepare the green to a high standard.

Mrs Richards also led members in a minute’s silence for a number of members who had died during the last year.

Crediton Bowling Club has more than 100 bowling members and in excess of 20 social members.

The club was founded in 1931 in the grounds of Newcombes Meadow, where it still thrives.

A new clubhouse was built to accommodate the members, part of which is still in use.

During the Second World War the clubhouse was occupied by both the Gaumont Picture Company and later by the Army, although bowling continued during this time.

The new clubhouse was officially opened in 1992.

In the early 2000’s the club had been expanding quite quickly and new facilities were required to keep pace with growth. In 2007 club members designed and built an extension to the club which included a new men’s changing room, a toilet for the disabled, an extended main club room, extended kitchen and extended ladies’ changing facilities.

This was built with the help of Lottery funding. The new clubhouse was opened at the start of the 2008 season.

New members are welcome to join the club and all ages are welcome.

Crediton Bowling Club is affiliated to both Bowls Devon and Bowls England and its members are entitled to enter both county and national competitions as well as club competitions.

The outdoor season starts in April and runs through to September each year.

Social events run from October to March on Friday evenings and involve a range of activities including whist, bingo, skittles and horse racing.

A "spider" competition in aid of Devon Air Ambulance Trust was held following the opening of the season.

OPENING GAME

Sunday, April 18, Morchard Bishop v Crediton, Four rinks. Morchard Bishop defeated their near neighbours, Crediton, for the second year running in the opening match of the season. Result: S Wollacott lost 10-26; C Marshall lost 15-23; R Gunn won 20-15 and T Newbery drew 19-19. Morchard won 64-83 shots.