A RARE piece of local history has found its way back into an Alloa bowling club – almost a century after it first left.

The Co-Operative BC has taken possession of a silver jack which was first given out back in 1927.

At the time, it was tradition for first jack of the season to be 'thrown' by the wife of the president who, in return, would receive the souvenir.

The president at the time, Mr WG Sinclair, and his wife then passed the jack on to their daughter, Betty, before they both sadly passed away.

Betty went on to become a Scottish international bowls player between 1976 and 79 before retiring.

Now aged 93, Betty has handed the jack back to the club to be stored in their trophy cabinet, much to the delight of everyone at the historic club.

Duncan Omay, a former president, told the Advertiser just what it means to every member.

He said: “We were extremely grateful because in 2000 we celebrated our 75th anniversary and we had all our former presidents at the event. To now receive this piece of history really completes the jigsaw for us.

“Our current president, Norris Kyle, was absolutely delighted to receive it.”

Despite Betty being of a certain vintage, Duncan received a somewhat surprising message from her with the information about the antique she held.

He said: “I can’t recall exactly what she said but she messaged the club’s page on Facebook to say that she was in possession of this silver jack which was inscribed with a message to her mother.”

Such was the excitement round the gesture, the club invited Betty and her son Ken to come down to formally hand the jack over before indulging in tea and buns which the members had laid on for her.

In return for the very kind gesture, Betty received a framed photo of the committee taken in 1925, which features her father who was secretary at the time before taking the office of the president two years later.

The silver jack has now taken pride of place in the club’s trophy cabinet as they approach their centenary year.