Tom Sutton

Despite living in Glengormley and having a very busy working week, I always looked forward to my Saturday afternoon game of bowls, played between April and September, representing the Carrickfergus Club which I joined in 1951.  In those days, bowls were made of lignum - a very had wood.  Many old timers like myself, believe it was even a more skillful game than today when composition bowls are used.  However, the game itself most will agree, is the friendliest of all sports played.  In a match each side has sixteen players - four rinks of four, 21 ends are played which takes around three hours to complete, after which the home side generally provide a sit down tea - each rink sitting with their opponents - a great opportunity to further friendships made on the green.  Bowling knows no class or creed, it is a big happy family, and that family extends right across the world in the many countries where the game is played.