If you are off on the tour tomorrow (Saturday) morning, and are sitting back relaxed reading this paper, then one of three things has happened Either you have already packed your suitcase and are a right smarty pants, your wife is at this moment (delete wife insert husband if appropriate) dutifully packing your things for you, or possibly you are one of those people who wait until the very last minute and throw a couple of things in a carrier bag and to heck with the rest. No matter what category you fit into, I am sure everyone is looking forward to a great week.

One very important item, mainly I would suspect for those lady bowlers going on the tour: a number of you prefer to wear sandals whilst bowling in our area, but John has been informed by the powers that be down in Devon that 'these are not allowed'. So, if you have packed your case and don't have bowls shoes packed, start undoing the straps, as you will not be allowed to play if you don't have them.

Please also make sure that you have your bowls bag duly filled with 'at least two bowls' (just in case).

You are reminded that travelling is in 'mufti', but when travelling to all games, gentlemen are required to wear greys, club blazers, shirts and club ties, so again make sure that you have them in your case.

It is also hoped that the entertainment squads of 'Poole's Pilchards' and 'Bissell's Babes' have their words and steps off perfect all ready for the Thursday night extravaganza.

Oh, and last, but I am sure by no means least, make sure that you set your alarm tonight - you don't want to keep the coach waiting, do you!

GETTING OUT

OF THE SUN

For a number of years, visitors and players alike have mentioned at various intervals that when the sun really shines, there is no place to get shade at the bowls green. Thinking about it, most greens have the same problem.

Well, say no more, we at Saundersfoot always like to consider the punters. Paul Gray has been working his fingers to the bone once again, transforming a couple of the seats, by erecting what I think is called a 'bower' over them.

Once the climbing roses, or whatever Paul has planted, grow, the seats will be grabbed by the early birds for the shade they will offer. Some wag suggested that the lovers of the club will be using them as lovers seats - 'say no more'.

They certainly look great and once again we are indebted to Paul for all his work.

THE MISSING LINK

Obviously, with me heading off on tour tomorrow, your Observer next week will not be the same. I did think about writing my espistle whilst in Devon and e-mailing it to HQ, but then again I thought, give them a break; it will be the first time in six years that Saundersfoot Bowls Club will not have a mention, the public deserve a break. So enjoy your week off, I will be back the following week to regale you with 'the truth about the tour'. Don't worry, I will not miss out on all the scandal and the juicy bits, other will try to hide from you. All will be told!

PRESENTATION PLATES

Prior to the opening of the green the other week, the club was presented with two 'anniversary plates' - copies of the smaller ones the club had commissioned to present to visiting dignitaries this season, and to teams we will play whilst on the tour of Devon.

Mr. J. Evans, of the 'Glyn Coch' potteries, very kindly donated the two larger plates to the club; one will be put on display in the pavilion, the other will be used as a raffle.

Should anyone wish to purchase one of these 'one-off' plates, then they are asked to get in touch with Mary or George Cavell. Already a number have ordered from Mary, and you are reminded that these plates will 'not' be repeated.

So if you want a permanent reminder of the club's 40th anniversary year, with a beautiful plate, showing a scene of the village harbour, with the club crest and name etc, get your order into Mary soonest. They could be on the Antiques Roadshow in a few years, you never can tell, so don't miss out.

ST. ISSELL'S AND ST. BRIDE'S GET-TOGETHERS

Both teams had a good turnout last week for their get-togethers, which was a relief to the selectors. St Issell's selected their team to play against club-mates Saundersfoot on Sunday, May 5. As the selectors are away on tour, the team had to be chosen in plenty of time. All squad members are asked to make sure that they have signed their names as being available; this includes the reserves.

The St. Issell's players not going on the tour are asked to be at the green on the day of the game at 2.15 pm prompt. As we are the home team, we will be playing in the club 'polo' shirts, with Saundersfoot stickers. The Saundersfoot team will be in all white.

St. Bride's players are also asked to keep their eyes on the notice boards, as they have a game on May 7 against Goscar. This team will be appearing on the board shortly, and remember that with a large squad, your selectors will be hoping to give as many players as possible a runout early in the season, so please be patient with them.

WHO'S THAT MAN?

People have been asking who was strange man bowling on the green last Sunday. Whilst we agree with the strange bit, I can tell you it was our 'beloved' chairman Graham Poole, having a go four years since he last bowled on the county tour. He still denies the waitress had a hand in it, but a bit odd, tomorrow he comes face to face with her again. And the week before, he bowls again. Could it have been inspiration at the thought of seeing her? I rest my case.

I'M OFF

Right that's it then, all done, the carrier bag is packed, the bucket and spade all cleaned and ready for use. I don't know whether to take the sun tan cream or rust preventer, let's hope for the best. See you all in a week.

NARROW BIAS