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)