Avon Bowls Club News

Rounding off the outdoor bowling season, Avon Bowls Club report having “some wonderful news.”

“Steve Faulkner and his gardening team (Sue and Basil) have won the Gold Award in the Business, Leisure and Tourism Section of the South West in Bloom Contest 2019. Steve has worked tirelessly throughout the year and brought a completely new look to the club. He is a well deserved winner of this prestigious award. We thank him for his valuable contribution, which not only raises the profile of the bowls club, but is a positive and welcomed attraction in the run up towards being a central and focal point of the new Campus.

“League matches, mixed friendlies, county competitions, national competitions and club competitions have now been played, with the club competition finals taking place during the week from 15th to 20th September. The season ended with the usual events taking place as follows: Ladies’ Captains’ Day held on the 14th September supported by club members and guests, (some in fancy dress). Captain Marcia Hartley (dressed as Cinderella) gave a heartfelt and jolly speech and presented gifts of appreciation to well deserved club members. Best fancy dress prize was awarded to Wizard of Oz Tin Man, Sue Renshaw. 

“Men’s Captains’ Day on the 21st September started with the usual ‘Spider’ challenge which was won by Alfie Holland (the prize for this year being a bottle of Scotch whisky). Young Alfie, a little under age for such a prize, proudly donated it to his dad! The game got under way, being played in three stages, with six ends played in each stage. All players then retired for a wonderful meal, provided for them by some of the club ladies. Captain Danny Holland then gave the customary speech and also presented gifts of appreciation to well deserved club members. Overall winner for the game was Richard Connor. 

“On 23rd September, the very last game of the year, was played for the much coveted Dawn Dimmick Trophy. This special club trophy pitches the Ladies against the Men. It was introduced in 1988 and was first won by the ladies in that year and then by the men in the following year. Since then, it has changed hands many times. 

“After a tough game, this great trophy remains with the men for yet another year. All praise to the ladies for putting up such a good fight, better luck next year! 

“The final event of the year was the prize giving dinner, held at the Kings Arms Hotel on 5th October. This was jointly organised by Danny Holland, Colin Edwards, Marcia Hartley and Peter Renshaw. The dinner, compered by Malcolm Hole, was attended by Mark and Julie Pratt of MDP South West Ltd, who kindly sponsored the competitions for which, Avon Bowls Club are truly grateful. Finally, thank you to the Kings Arms Hotel for providing us with such a great evening with delicious food and drink. Although the outdoor bowling has finished for this year, social activities will take place at the club during the winter months.

“Avon Bowls Club offers excellent opportunities for everyone to enjoy the sport. It caters for ladies and men, young and old and is ready to welcome new members throughout the season. Fully qualified club coaches are ready to offer training and advice to all of us, including existing members, but especially for newcomers, to ensure that they get the best possible introduction to the game.

“The bowls club is situated in the grounds of Melksham House. Access to the grounds is just off the town Market Place.”

For more information, please contact club secretary, Email: abc-secretary@hotmail.co.uk

Phone: 01225 352283.