THE LULL BEFORE THE STORM?

 

The Clubhouse has been a little quieter of late with the end of the outdoor bowling season. But already I sense a change as we enter the Annual Presentation of Prizes phase and our ongoing social activities gather pace. The first of those special nights took place on 30th October when members of the Gents’ Section prepared and presented a sumptuous meal for the Ladies’ Annual Presentation of Prizes. So the bar has been set high for the Ladies to reciprocate when the Gents’ Presentation of Prizes takes place on 20 November. From past experience I know they will be up to the challenge and I am grateful to all from both Sections who put so much effort into making these nights so successful.

Like all Club Presidents I dread the phone call that tells you one of your members has passed away. When that member is also a close friend and playing partner the call is devastating. So it was with great sadness and a deep sense of loss that I learned on 5th November – a date that will have new meaning for me now – that Life Member Bill Manson had lost his brave fight against cancer. Bill, the eldest of three brothers and two sisters (including Club Member Mabel), was born in New Galloway. But after National Service (mainly in Cyprus), he spent most of his working life as a farm worker in Roddinglaw, Ratho Mains and principally Balerno. A keen sportsman, he enjoyed football as a goalie with Gogarburn FC before spending many years at Balerno Bowling Club where his name appears on most trophies for bowling and for darts. Bill also loved dancing and ceilidhs and he and second wife (and Club Member) Janet who he married in May 1983 enjoyed many of the social nights that he had organised. All our thoughts and prayers are with Janet, his two sons, his daughter and grandchildren and his extended family at this difficult time. He will be sorely missed

Bill and Janet would certainly have taken full advantage of the attractive programme of social events that members and guests will be able to enjoy over the Festive period. Starting on 28 November with the Gerry Anderson Show, our Festive programme includes the Folk Club Ceilidh on 18 December, the comedy singing duo ‘The Two Divas’ on 26 December and our Disco Ceilidh on Hogmanay. I’m exhausted just thinking about them!
On behalf of all associated with Balerno Bowling Club let me finish by sending all C & B readers our best wishes for a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year and our hopes that you may join us in the period ahead.

 

Charlie Husband OBE
Club President