Unfortunately Opening Day was greeted by grey skies and heavy showers, but it failed to spoil the day for all who attended. Around fifty Members and invited Guests turned out to watch Gourock Park President's Girlfriend, Ann Marie Hutchison, deliver the opening shots of the new season. Despite the miserable weather, the wapinshaw consisted of 3 Triples and a Rink on the top green and we managed to get six ends played. Afterwards everyone retired to the Clubhouse, where as usual, the Gourock Park Ladies ensured there was a warm cuppa and bite to eat for all the hardy souls and to listen to the opening day speeches. The first speech was given by President Bradley who gave us his vision of a perfect world in his ''Party Political Speech' for an imaginary Independent Bowlers Party, which I am sure went down quite well with the captive audience. Inverclyde Council's Jim Hunter followed and among other things he mentioned how much he looked forward to visiting Gourock Park and praised the spirit and the friendly welcome he always receives at our club and wished President Gary and members of Gourock Park a successful 2005. Gourock Bowling Club's Arthur Boyle spoke on behalf of the kindred clubs and he also wished Gourock Park all the best in the coming year and hoped that we our fair share of trophies except maybe not one certain trophy that will be keenly contested by our Clubs later in the year, which of course Gary had previously hinted on during a similar speech the previous Saturday down at Gourock BC. The day was brought to a close by Vice-President Michael Stevenson, who thanked everyone for their attendance and the hard work put in by the ladies throughout the day and wished everyone a safe journey home. President Gary's guests on the day were as follows- Ladies President, Mrs Jean Chambers, George White and Jim Hunter (Inverclyde Council), Honorary Vice President, John Mc Cartney, President Robert Harron (IBM BC), William Delussey and Arthur Boyle (Gourock BC) and Kenny Beaton, a friend of Gary's for around 20 years.
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