TURN the clock back some 30 years or so and there would have been one almighty rumpus at any attempt by the City fathers to dump the Balgreen tournament deemed to be sacred by the Lothian bowls community as the highlight event of the Trades fortnight.
But the recent decision of Edinburgh Leisure to end 61 years of tradition hasn't raised a whimper of protest and that may be understandable as, by and large, the bowlers themselves are responsible for the dramatic fall in numbers from over 500 to few
er than 100.
In fact, Edinburgh Leisure staff and officials can be given a pat on the back for giving the event serious support and effort since they adopted responsibility for it but changes in the holiday priorities and horizons of the family bowler have altered down the years.
The Council introduced the City of Edinburgh Balgreen tournament, referred to in recent times as Festival of Bowls and The Edinburgh Open, to the Capital at the same time as the Edinburgh Festival and, down the years, many famous names were etched upon the prestigious silverware.
There is hope of a new beginning, however as, rising from the ashes of Balgreen, plans are afoot for a Bainfield Masters and the architect behind it is 22-year-old city star Paul O'Donnell, who is a former champion of the Edinburgh Open.
"I am greatly impressed and inspired by the success of the West Lothian Masters and, although not starting off as big, Bainfield will host an event with a target field of 128, of whom 16 will be seeds," explained O'Donnell.
The Bainfield Masters is to be sponsored by Brian Dickson (Green Services) and will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 26-27, with £1500 prize money including £600 to the winner. Scottish and Newcastle Brewers are also involved.
Willie Wood is the No.1 seed and that rating has a nostalgic value as the now 70-year-old star of the world stage won Balgreen in 1967 and 1976 and attracted the largest crowd in the event's history.
World Bowls gold medal winner Wayne Hogg is No.2 seed while Graeme Archer – a former national and Balgreen champion – is No.3.
Robert Marshall, a 14-times Slateford champion who has also known success in the Tait Trophy, is ranked at No.4.
However, the seeds are there to be beaten and opportunity knocks to have a go at them if you phone Bainfield on 0131-443 5847 to enter by July 19. Entry is open to all bowlers.
The full article contains 434 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
