PATRICK Allan, the Mayor of Southampton in 1980, is wearing a new chain of office - as the 2005 president of Pirrie Park.

Allan spent 25 years in local government, retiring in 1997 after a distinguished career in which he served for eight years on the county council and was deputy vice-chairman of the county's education committee.

A Pirrie Park member for 13 years, he has shown the same enthusiasm for bowls as he did in local government not only on the green but as an administrator.

Although born in Plymouth, he can be considered a local as he has been living in Southampton since 1935.

Now 78, he is particularly looking forward to his club tour in August when he will lead a party of 50 to Banbury in Oxfordshire. During that event and others throughout his 12-month presidency he will be raising money for his chosen charity Age Concern. He is a trustee of the Southampton branch.

Hampshire Indoor BA have revised the closing dates for entries to this season's county championships to January 30. Play dates for each round are: round one by February 13; round two by February 27; round three by March 13; semi-finals by March 27 (neutral venues); finals Sunday, April 3 (Atherley).