Some 55 bowlers old and new turned out in their whites for the opening drive.

On Tuesday, April 23, also being Saint Georges Day, some donned various bits of red attire.

The afternoon started with our president John Mason delivering the first bowl to open the green.

That was followed by the Spider Competition.

Sidmouth Herald: Mike The Spider, Winner John Buttigieg & Captain

I think several onlookers must think we are just a tad barmy, as we all stand around the green with one foot in the ditch and one bowl in hand.

The Jack (that's the little white one) is placed in the centre of the green, and on the whistle everyone delivers their bowl.

Lots of crashing into each other but finally the one that finishes nearest the Jack is the winner.

This year's winner was John Buttigieg, who won the Silver Jack Trophy and a bottle of bubbly.

Then the main business of the day - the opening drive.

This was divided into 14 teams, playing four ends on four different rinks.

After most playing on indoor carpet for the last seven months, the outdoor would be much heavier, so starting with 16 ends and short jacks was the way to go until players get into the habit of swinging that arm back.

Sidmouth Herald: The Drive Winners Wilf, Carole, Carol and John

The winners of the drive with a great plus 13 score were Carole Williams, John Quinton-Navarro, Carol Timms and Wilf Radburn.

The rain kept at bay, it was a little chilly but the sun did shine, if only on the odd occasion .

Considering the awful weather we had all autumn and winter, the greens played well.

For this we are forever grateful to our greenkeepers , Graham, Barry, Mark and Noel who put in an enormous amount of work.

We must also thank captain Mike Borst, who thankfully is doing this job, and once again his committee and many others that are doing jobs in the background .

Now it's all about lots of practice as several county competitions start early.

The Mens Exeter and District Over 60's starts next week.