The sun shone, the mayor bowled the first wood, members gathered to enjoy the green, plus an excellent tea and a new sign.
Saturday 11th April 2026 – what an Opening Day – WOW !! Even the weather played its part, with predicted rain staying away until it was all over. Members assembled for pictures outside the newly painted clubhouse, with the new ensemble of club shirts and black trousers, shorts, skirts, etc making its debut. Wadebridge Mayor, Cllr Ian Welch, after a short speech, delivered the first bowl on the green with excellent poise and precision – quick, sign him up as a new member!
Aly Tapley, Club President, thanked all members for their hard work behind the scenes over the winter: organising, painting, cleaning, mowing, weeding, especially the green team, who have worked diligently to provide a top-class green for everyone to play on this season.
44 players began a random-selection drive after the initial spider. Everyone enjoyed 4, then 6 ends in beautiful sunshine, and despite the bitterly cold wind. One of the longest serving members of the club commented that they had never seen the green look so good, or bowl so well, at the start of the year. A fantastic achievement for Wadebridge to be proud of.
Pete and Iris Richards had upgraded the small gate sign, with club colours and a bright background, including an Australian vintage split bowl which was fixed to the entrance gate after the bowling had taken place.
A wonderful buffet spread of donated food followed. Jacquie White from Wadebridge Foodbank (the chosen charity of the year) gave an insight into their community work, and thanked members for their contributions.
The monthly lottery was drawn, a raffle held, there was even a Grand National sweepstake, and everyone left having enjoyed a pleasant afternoon of bowling, companionship and fun.
Hurrah to the 2026 season! Let’s bring home some wins to Wadebridge throughout the many competitions entered this year.
Iris Richards
Photos by Penry Archer
