RAIN showers did not dampen the spirits at Kilmacolm Bowling Club as members flocked to its open day.

About 40 players rolled up for the first day of the new season last Saturday while others turned out to enjoy the colourful spectacle.

Performing the prestigious honours were club president Jim Russell and his wife Karen, who threw the first bowl.

Club secretary Norman Johnstone, said it was a marvellous event.

Norman told the Telegraph: “It was raining but that didn’t dampen our spirits.

“While it was wet we took shelter in the bar — it was a great day.” The popular club, which was established in 1881, is fighting fit with a healthy membership of 120.

But it is always looking for new recruits, especially young blood to boost its ranks, and has been reaching out to the community in the village. Norman added: “Last year we taught about 40 children from Kilmacolm Primary School how to play bowls and it was a great day.

“So we hope to do more of these taster sessions in schools, including Port Glasgow High School.” It is a busy old time for Norman, as the 62-year-old also revealed that he has been selected from out of over 50,000 applicants to help out at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer.

He said: “I’m really looking to it as I’ll be at the Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Centre where the action will be.” Anyone who is interested in joining Kilmacolm Bowling Club, which is based in Park Road, should email kilmacolmbowlingclub@gmail.com See today's Tele for full pictures.