Alexandria bowler celebrates 50 years on the greens

Jun 26 2009 by Amanda McKendrick, Lennox Herald (main ed)

ALEXANDRIA pensioner John Wood has celebrated 50 golden years on the greens – but insists he has no plans to jack it in.

The 78-year-old celebrated his half century as a member of Vale of Leven Bowling Club with an anniversary match in his honour.

He said: “I joined the Vale because my father was a member. I played football and golf, but I wasn’t any good so I moved on to bowling and it turned out I was a wee bit better at that.

“I still play three or four times a week and am still involved in competitions with the club, although I don’t win any of them nowadays.

“I play for the club on a Saturday, competing against all the other Dumbarton area clubs. It does take up quite a bit of time but I enjoy it.

“I play with the Vale from April to September and then I switch to Dumbarton Indoor Bowling Club for the rest of the year.

“I retired 20 years ago so that gave me time to play during the day. I have spent a lot of time on the committee over the years, and have held every office, and a now I’m the honorary president.”

Mr Wood invited 50 guests along to celebrate his anniversary including Vale of Leven members, friends from other clubs, and his best friends Jimmy Roger and Jake Lewis.

They didn’t play but acted as team captains for the special match. Twelve rinks were selected and a game of 15 ends played in John’s honour.

Prizes, as well as specially commissioned badges to mark the occasion, were then distributed by John and club president Brian Wilson.

The keen bowler was presented with an engraved bowl to mark the occasion.

Vice president Kenny Crichton added: “I’ve known John for over 20 years. He still plays with me on a Saturday, plays for the club and represents the seniors.

“Although he’s been a member for 50 years, he’s still a good bowler and a genuinely nice guy.”

Despite Jim notching up half a century with the club, unbelievably he is not the club’s longest-serving member.

He added: “One of my friends, Jimmy Roger, had been a member for around 10 years longer than me although he doesn’t play anymore.

“I’ve got a bag full of bowling badges, and a cabinet in my hall with all the trophies I’ve collected over the years and there must be 100 or maybe more.

“I still enjoy the game and I’ve no intentions of stopping playing. I’ll keep on going as long as I’m fit.”