April’s excellent weather ensured the the Green opened on time and a number of ties have already been played.
The reigning Ladies Singles Champion, Emma Crichton, was quick off the mark by beating Anne Blake in the first round of her defence of the title. Emma now meets Gay Peden.
Alison Clark, who lost to Emma in last years final by the narrowest of margins, has a difficult first round match against past champion Pat Williams. Pat is always a difficult opponent and Alison might have wished for an easier opening game.
Helen Girdler, who tries again to emulate Jessie Downie’s feat of 5 Championships, opens her account by playing Eleanor Mackay. Helen and her partner Margaret Turner do, of course, have commitments outside the Club as they defend their title of Edinburgh Women's Pairs Champions. We wish them well.
Men’s Champion, Tom Murray might also have wished for an easier opponent than David McNeill. David is the last Champion to retain his title and he will no doubt do his utmost to prevent Tom emulating his feat.
Last year’s Runner Up, Maxie Baigrie, who seemed to have won virtually everything except the Championship, tries again by playing veteran Bill McLean in the first round. Bill has not enjoyed the best of health in recent seasons and it is good to see him back in competitions. Bill’s disabilities may prevent him being the best bowler in the Club but he is still by far the best Al Jolson impersonator at the Prize giving Smoker!
The Wednesday Night Dance Club celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. Sandra Duguid, the sole remaining founding member, tells me that the Club was founded in 1982 at the Cavendish Hotel. When the hotel tried to move the dancers from Ballroom to Disco dancing they decamped to the Orwell Lodge. About, eight years ago, one or two Club members, who were also members here, approached us about using the Club Lounge on Wednesday evenings. It has proved a great success. The Dance Club contributes greatly to the social life of Balerno and to our finances. Besides hire charges, Members regularly buy Monthly Draw and Tote Double tickets and donate Raffle prizes and profits from their formal dances. Long may it continue. A large vote of thanks is due to Sandra and her helpers.
All Balerno Members and Guests are very welcome on Wednesday evenings.

F.D.H.King