AT North Tawton Bowling Club work and events do not stop for the winter, so the club has organised various events for these long winter nights.

President, Mike Thwaites, explains: “We started with the AGM on November 7 which was well attended and the following are just some of the highlights of a successful meeting.

“The Chairman is again John Kinsey, the first lady ever as overall Club Captain is Jan Summers and the Ladies Captain is Pam Davis. Steve Adams has taken over the most important role of fixtures secretary from long-standing Robert Arscott and Gordon Denham continues as our hard working Secretary.

“Special mention was made of the Club’s Pub Fun Day which raised a huge amount of revenue. It was noted we managed to get another Men’s Over 60s team into the very popular Exeter League.

“The surprise of the evening (for them anyway) was the award of Life Membership to Robert and Margaret Arscott. This was for all their hard work over many years. Well done to both.

“Our Coffee Morning in the Town Hall plus Quiz Evening in the clubhouse on November 17 raised the combined total of £1,000. This will not stay long in the coffers as we are/have spent on the green approximately £4,500 mainly drainage, edging and seeding and add to that a new mower and various work parties. It is money well spent.

“The next event was the club dinner in December held for the second year running in the clubhouse with food supplied by Kirstie’s Kitchen. It was well attended and successful - no long speeches!

“Cups presented by the Club Chairman included Ladies and Men’s Champions - Margaret and Robert Arscott; Avery Cup - Lloyd Reynolds; Benham Cup - Ashley Austen; Stoneman Cup - Lloyd Reynolds and John Kinsey; Ladies Rose Bowl - Jan Summers; Handicap Cup - Jan Summers; Ladies Pairs - Margaret Denham and Pam Davis and Captain Tom Watson presented the club person of the year to Pam Davis.

“The indoor short mat continues to go forward with Club days on Tuesdays at 2pm and Thursdays at 7.30pm. We have two teams in the league now. New mats have been purchased so we continue our winter indoors with much optimism.

“The new year includes the continuation of the successful Quiz Nights with the next one taking place on Saturday, February 9.

“Work on the green continues under the watchful eye of Rob Arscott and Dave Cooper and painting and fencing with John Kinsey as overseer!

“The provisional date for opening of the green for the summer season is Saturday, April 12. This is open to all with new and old members welcome.

“For the first time in many years we will welcome a touring side (West Sussex) and hope this will be the start of new ventures for the club and maybe the club itself going on tour?

“Since the opening of the new clubhouse North Tawton Bowling Club has experienced a new lease of life with enthusiasm both on and off the Green. Hopefully this will transfer to all our teams in their leagues this year.

“We also feel we have a new rapport with North Tawton itself, with many outside functions taking advantage of our new facilities, pleasant surrounds and ample parking.