THE sun shone brightly at Fort Matilda Bowling Club as members and guests gathered for their annual open day.

Claps rang out on the green as the 60-strong crowd watched club president Janette Hyde’s husband Allan throw the first bowl of the season.

Looking resplendent in their smart uniforms, members then took to the green to play eight ends before retiring to the clubhouse for a well-deserved afternoon tea.

Honorary secretary Norrie Mungin says it was the perfect start to a highly anticipated summer season.

He said: “It was fabulous as we had plenty of sunshine and it was a great turnout.

“We’ve been really lucky as for the past three years we’ve had sunshine, so we’ve had about the same numbers coming along every year.

“Representatives from Bowls Scotland, the Renfrewshire Bowling Association and kindred clubs also came along on the day.” The thriving Newark Street club, which has 101 members as well as 17 social members, have a busy season ahead with plenty of silverware on offer.

Norrie said: “The gents will be playing in the Greenock and District Triples league this year and the ladies will hope to repeat their success last year in winning the Greenock and District League.” Like many other local clubs, Fort Matilda would like to boost its membership, especially in the junior sections.

Norrie added: “We’ve had four new members this year, which is great.

“We’re working on trying to attract younger members and we’re in fact involved working on two campaigns with Bowls Scotland to encourage more youngsters to take up the sport.” Anyone who is interested in joining the club can pop down to the club for a taster session.

For more information phone 07549 994669.