BALERNO BOWLING CLUB

I am wary of records. They are often debatable and only as accurate as the people who compiled them. We have no records for the first 42 years of our existence. It annoys historians but certainly stops arguments!
Consequently when, in April, I ventured a list of our longest serving members, I added the caveat, “unless of course you know better”. At least two people did!
For the first, Lawrie McMorran, I have no excuse. Only last year I was congratulating him and Nan on their Golden Wedding anniversary. Lawrie confided that his first subscription was a wedding present from his father in law. How could I forget? My apologies Lawrie. Put it down to a Senior moment!
The second was something of a surprise. Bill Steedman. Bill also joined in 1955 and has his original subscription receipt to prove it! In fact Bill has every receipt from 1955 to 2006. Proof that if you keep something for long enough it will eventually be needed. Bill played a lot of bowls, representing the Club in the XVI’s and also the old Eliburn and Colville tournaments, until a recurring ear condition affecting his balance forced him to retire. Now he supports the Club socially. Long may he continue to do so.
So, the Roll of Honour now reads, in first place, Alan Rankin. Joint second Lawrie McMorran and Bill Steedman. Then Bobby Marshall, Simon Mackay, David Martin, David Stoddart and Brian Turner. Unless, of course, you know better!
The upstairs kitchen has been completed and we can thank David Lees and everyone else concerned. It is a super job. It will be interesting to see how much it is used. Until the downstairs lounge was refurbished some years ago, function meals were prepared in this kitchen and served in the upstairs lounge. It would be a pity if now it was just used for tea and biscuits.
While on refurbishment, it is to be hoped that thought has been given as to how to accommodate our smoking members. Perhaps a beer garden or some shelters? It should be remembered that they have supported the Club well through the years. We should support them now.
I would remind non bowling readers that we are still open for new members, beginners or experienced. The special subscription offer for those under 30 still applies.
For more, check our web site www.balernobowlingclub.co.uk

F.D.H.King