Port Glasgow Bowling Club 2024 season underway after opening day

A FATHER-son duo got Port Glasgow Bowling club’s new season rolling as it held its annual opening day.

President John Fleming senior and his son and vice-president John Fleming junior led proceedings as scores of members turned out for the club’s first day on the greens in 2024.

Despite a downpour threatening to spoil the fun, a gap in the clouds allowed Mhairi McNeil time to throw the first bowl of the season.

The club, which has welcomed almost 30 new members in this year, will be represented in Scottish, Renfrewshire and Greenock and District competitions.

Club secretary and treasurer Sandy Wotherspoon told the Tele that members couldn’t wait for the season to get started in earnest.

He said: “Opening day was fantastic.

“It went well, although at half past one the heavens absolutely opened, but then at quarter past two we got some blue sky to get the greens opened, but we didn’t get any play on the first day.

“But it’s been great since then and we’re looking forward to a fantastic start to the outdoor season.

“We were also happy to have the Provost McKenzie and Councillor Moran along for opening day.

“We’re in the infancy of the season at this time, it’ll really start this weekend.

“We can’t wait to get going.

“We’ve got young John Fleming junior and Blair Davidson back from a sabbatical they were on in Australia and they’ll help strengthen the club.

“Stuart McAlees is the captain of the Renfrewshire under-25s this year as well, so the young ones will be holding the fort."

Throughout the winter months, the club ran Sunday fellowship sessions in conjunction with Inverclyde Council through its Warm Hand of Friendship scheme.

Sandy said the club was doing whatever it could to help out and be a part of the local community.

He added: “It was great to take part in the community and to have it be such a big success.

“As well as making people feel part of the community it’s important to get them involved in the physical exercise of playing bowls.

“My ambition is always to get everyone who’s in the club to get out there and play.

“It’s only when folk take the game up they realise the benefits to their mental health, their physical health and joining in with other people to make a community.”