31-May-2025

Well weeks of sunny weather have certainly helped us to enjoy our club this month.

The Saturday bounce games have been very popular and it’s been great to see people having fun and enjoying each other’s company in the bar afterwards. 

​

We’re really pleased to say that use of the bar and the honesty bar is exceeding our expectations and this is very positive news for the financial health of the club - so thank you to Dan and all of the bar staff.

​

Club competitions have started now and several ties have been played already. 

​

We are very well represented in external competitions and at local invitation matches and Friendlies. 

​

As of the end of May the gents only have representation in the 4s for both the GBA and SBA knockout competitions. 

In the Roxburgh league we have one match left to play against Kelvindale but we’ve already finished top of our section and cannot be caught by any of the other teams. This means that we’ve qualified for the semi-finals and will play against the runners up of the other Roxburgh section. 

​

We’ve had a tough start in the McManus league. Our first game was cancelled and we’ve won two out of our next three matches, having played the teams that were at the top of the table in two of those games. Tomorrow, we play the current table toppers away. Hopefully we can knock them off the top too. 

​

On Sat 24-May we had our annual friendly match at Hyndland. Thanks to Hyndland for their fabulous hospitality and friendship.

​

Moving into June we will see more competitions to play in, including our Gents Invitation Triples and the GBA Millennium Triples.

​

Pauline has created a very detailed report on how the Ladies are doing and I have attached it at the end of this update.

 

In brief the Ladies have been very busy. They played in several invitation games including an invitation to St Vincent’s which was won by our very own Marilyn and Janice along with their friend Christine Maguire from St Vincent’s Bowling Club. 

At county level I’m pleased to say that Willowbank Bowling Club has been represented by no less than 11 of our ladies and so far we have been doing very well in the Scottish National Association matches. Additionally, we’ve made a good start in the Summer League – so keep up the good work Ladies!

​

 

 There will be a Ladies Friendly on Tuesday 10th June.

​

 

The clubhouse has been ‘hired out’ several times in May and these events have helped boost both club funds and our reputation since visitors are always very impressed and complimentary about Willowbank.

​

 

We have accepted two bookings for Friday afternoons in June  - Friday 5th June and Friday 27th June. Both of these bookings will be finished by 6pm and will not impact on our popular weekly social night. The green, piste and gardens can be used during the afternoon but members are kindly requested to use the Honesty Bar for refreshments.

While on the good news front it’s worth mentioning that our membership numbers are steadily increasing and have now overtaken last year’s figures.

​

 

I’d like to say a big thank you to Sharman, Kevin, Campbell and Rod who have worked extremely hard to have the grounds looking fabulous, ready for hosting the Bowls Scotland Ladies District Semi Final which will be taking place all day at our Club on Sunday 1st June from 10am.

​

 

 Finally a wee ‘Heads Up’ to say that our annual Summer Fete will take place on Sunday 6th July and you will get more information about this important event next week.