This weekend sees the end of the indoor season after a cracking winter. Whilst not wishing to take anything away from the Heatherton press secretary, I felt that it only right to make a special mention of the excellent job Mike Gouldingay has made of their tournaments this season. He took on a class act from Stewart Howe, who started things off last year.

When Stewart felt that he could not continue in the job this season, Mike, having run Saundersfoot's tournaments for many years, took on the task. Always willing to alter things to suit individual needs when he can, Mike has spent nearly every waking hour at Heatherton this past fortnight.

In fact, I hear tell that last weekend when he eventually got home, Margaret screamed the house down - she thought a strange man had crept up on her (well nearly right). As it was, it was only Mike after another session at the desk.

Thanks for all your efforts Mike, they are appreciated, even by the losers, and I speak from experience!

HE 'NOSE' YOU KNOW

All week I have had people coming up to me asking if I knew that Gwynfor 'nose all about it'. Personally I thought they had all cracked, until I bumped into him (not literally). It seems the terms ' low garden wall' and 'sticking plaster on a prominent facial feature' come into bearing. I am sure he is not safe out on his own.

WORK PARTY

Another quick reminder about the work party for Sunday, April 6, down at the green for 11 am (even time for a lie in). With the ditch inlay and benches to lay out, we would appreciate as many as possible coming along. Paul Gray has actually started the job, but a quick burst on the Sunday and it will all be up and ready for the opening on Saturday, April 12.

I am delighted to say that the inside of the upstairs lounge was successfully redecorated last Tuesday, despite the lack of enthusiastic helpers - only six members managed to turn up. Whilst obviously we have a number we would not expect to come along, due to various incapacity problems, we had hoped that we would get a better response. However, sincere thanks to Elaine and Tony Shaw, Roy Kennion, John Austin and Dave Roberts for giving up their day to do a marvellous job. I know that we were all rather aching, to say the least, the next day.

Please make sure that we get a better turnout for the 6th folks - remember it is 'our' club.

By the way, thanks to the 'two late shift workers' who came along at night to 'do their bit', only to find that the place was locked up, and the job done. Sorry for the wasted journey lads, and thanks for making the effort at least.

BUSY, BUSY BUSY

Whilst better half Elaine is trying to pick up the honours at Heatherton, Tony Shaw is doing what he does best - working like a beaver down at the club, doing his bit to make sure that the green is in pristine condition for the start of the season.

You may remember last year he went down and cleaned all the concrete path under the balcony. It seems to get lots of green moss etc. gathering on it during the winter.

Anyway, Tony took it on himself to clean the place up before opening day. The fragrant smell of 'ammonia' or similar was pervading the car park on Monday morning, as Tony slaved away, all on his lonesome. Thanks a million Tony, all your efforts are appreciated.

WHIST EVENING

The whist evenings are rapidly coming to an end, unfortunately. Once the season starts, we have to lose our good friends for the summer months. Thankfully they still make their appearances come the end of the bowls season, just like a flock of migrating birds, and for that we are thankful.

Last week we had five tables running. Pocketing the cash as top scorer on the night was B. Davies, while adding to her bank balance as first lady was G. Cleaton, with M. Whitaker chasing hard as second lady.

Doing his bit for his household economy by picking up the first gents prize was J. Rose, his nearest challenger being R. Hughes as second gent.

The first half top scorer prize went to D. Robb, with the second half award being claimed by G. Irvine.

The booby prize went to V. Austin, with the longest sitter going to J. Austin, who stretched his club record to 15 sits.

The evening raffle prizes went to S. Dick, G. Brace, B. Marsh.

NARROW BIAS