It would be great to report that on Saturday, April 2, Pembroke Dock Bowling Club opened its green for its 91st season in glorious sunshine. Sadly, dark clouds and incessant heavy rain resulted in the customary rolling of the silver jack being abandoned for the first time in living memory.

However, the miserable conditions did not deter over 70 members attending the opening and during the ceremony, club chairman Mr. Alan Yea welcomed Mr. Simon Hart MP to the club.

Alan paid tribute to the band of volunteers that had worked tirelessly to get the green and surrounds ready for what promises to be an enjoyable season. A special thank you was extended to the greenkeepers for their work in getting the immaculate green ready for play.

In response, Mr. Hart, who in his younger days donned the wicket-keeping gloves while playing for Cresselly, complimented the club on the alterations that had taken place during the winter.

He reminded members that clubs rely heavily on volunteers and as a result ‘The Dock’ has a fantastic club which every member should be extremely proud of.

In conclusion. he proposed a toast to Pembroke Dock Bowling Club and wished the club a successful season.

Let’s hope the weather improves by tomorrow (Saturday) when a captain’s team, led by club captain Richard Jones, will play a president’s team, captained by Di Davies.

Footnote: The silver jack is the original jack that was first rolled on the green in 1925 by Mayor W. G. Lloyd when the Memorial Park was opened.