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During the
formative years of the club, the following were amongst the
members:-
Willie Davidson, Jack McCracken, John Davidson, Harry Carpenter,
Hugh Brooks, Tommy Hall, Eddie Carpenter, George Bailie
(Greyabbey), Eric McCullough, George Bailie (Millisle), Sam
McKeown, Ian Blair, John Webster, Barney Gilmore, Jack Adair,
David Boyd, Rev. McIlveen, Hazel Davidson, Carrie McCracken,
Jean Hall, Georgie Blair, Margaret Boyd, Betty Bailie
(Greyabbey), May Adair, Josie Gilmore, Joyce Heaney, Gary Smith
and Bill Plank.
They started with
nothing: no money, no furniture, and no crockery!!!
Sales were held in
the old Presbyterian Hall and in the Adairs’ caravan at
Sandend. At the end of the sale, May Adair invited all the
helpers to coffee, and then charged them for it ! A stall was
also taken in Bangor Market, selling cakes, jams and pies.
Gradually, a few cups and saucers appeared. (I once got a
matching cup and saucer!)
The membership grew and they entered one of the Junior Leagues.
They reached the semi final of the Junior Cup losing out to NICS
in a match played at Pickie in 1986. Jack Adair and Willie
Davidson lost by one shot in the semi final of the Veterans
Pairs, after leading for 18 ends!!
Success did come to the club when Gary Smith won the “City of
Belfast Singles” and Georgie and Ian Blair won the prestigious
Bangor Pairs tournament. Also, the Senior team are now
prominent members of the Senior League.
As the years rolled on, newer buildings were procured and the
green improved. Ballywalter Bowling Club became noted for the
high quality of there meals, prepared by the ladies, for
visiting teams. Some teams were heard to say that they hoped
for an away draw in cup matches due to the excellent catering!
The early days were hard both financially and physically, but
they were exciting and rewarding as well. Unfortunately, many of
the members are no longer with us, but they have left a legacy
of many happy hours spent at the “Green”
The present Committee have turned the whole place round. Was it
Churchill who said, “never have so few achieved so much in such
a short time”. They deserve the thanks of everyone, and should
all be in control for years to come.
One thing remains unshakeable, without the tenacity, drive,
determination and sheer hard work of Willie Davidson, it is
doubtful if there ever would have been an outdoor bowling club
in Ballywalter.
( Supplied by Jack Adair. November 2002) |
