The week for Madeira Bowls Club got off to a good start for the Ladies representative team.

Having been disappointed to be knocked out of the first round of the National Vivienne Trophy days before, it was a real boost to win the first round of the Devon Lacemakers Competition.

On Sunday, Madeira played Sidmouth over five disciplines, some at home and some away, and achieved a convincing win in four – 2-wood singles, pairs, triples and rinks with only a narrow loss on the singles. They look forward to their next round against Isca next Sunday, February 5 – it is always a tough game against Isca but a challenge to embrace for the Madeira players.

There have been a couple of friendly fixtures. Topsham BC brought three mixed triples teams to Madeira for an enjoyable game. The home team had strong wins on all rinks and overall by 70 shots to 21. Joan Mansell and her team of Steve Stott and Jenny Charles achieved the strongest win of the afternoon with their plus 22 shots.

It was a pleasure to welcome the Devon Masonic team again. This game was also played as three mixed triples and this time the visitors were delighted to win all three games and overall by plus 10 shots. The games were all close but again Joan Mansell skipped Denis Huntley and Keith Weeks for the best home result.

A highlight of the week was off the rinks. The Social Committee organised a Burns Night which was enjoyed by around 40 members. Kathy Munro laid on a delicious traditional meal of cockaleekie soup, haggis and cranachan, prepared and served with the help of Janine Orchard and the social committee.

They were lucky that Exmouth piper, Duncan Nelmes, was able to fit Madeira into his busy schedule. The haggis was impressively addressed by Terry Dowrick and a witty toast to the lassies and response to the laddies were proposed by Ian Munro and Liz Healy respectively. A great evening appreciated by all who attended.