ON Saturday the bowlers of Broughton declared that spring had arrived by opening the village bowling green on a beautiful sunny day.

The president Billy Rutherford thanked members who had worked hard over the winter to complete various improvements to the green, its surroundings and the clubhouse.

He also thanked the members of other clubs who had come along to help celebrate our opening.

He then asked one of our senior members, Arthur Lucas, the match secretary, to do the honours of bowling the first bowl of the season.

After a gentle and enjoyable introduction of 11 ends, the company retired to the clubhouse for tea, sandwiches and home baking to complete a perfect beginning to the season.