Avon Bowls Club’s season drew to a close – officially – on Saturday, 29th September when a large number of members and guests gathered at the King’s Arms Hotel for the Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation.
Malcolm Hole, current Avon Men’s Captain acted as Master of Ceremonies, ably assisted by Danny Holland, Peter Renshaw and this year’s Lady Captain, Sylvia Crabbe. As principal guest and speaker for the evening the club was delighted to welcome a retired police officer from the Salisbury force, former Detective Chief Inspector Steven Higgs, together with his wife. Mr. Higgs gave a witty and informative talk on the history of Wiltshire Police preceded by stories of his youth which caused considerable amusement.
“The presentation of awards followed and the winners of the various cups, medals, plates plaques and certificates received warm applause from the assembled company.
“John Crowder, a long-serving player with the club won numerous awards, among them the Men’s Over 60s Singles, the Open Men’s Singles, together with certificates as Runner-Up in other competitions.
From the ladies, Vice-Captain Marcia Hartley won the Two-Wood Singles, the Four Wood Singles and was the Ladies’ 100-Up Winner. She also received congratulations on having steered the Wiltshire team of young ladies under the age of 31 to being winners – for the first time ever – of the Amy Rose Bowl.
“Next, Emma Maslen was given a rousing ovation for her success in the Wiltshire Ladies’ Unbadged Competition.
“Georgie Newman was also praised for her successful bowls season, having not only been a member of the Wiltshire team who won the Amy Rose Bowl but was also in the final of the John’s Trophy at Leamington Spa, together with Marcia Hartley where they fought the good fight against the eventual winners, Surrey.
“And to keep it in the family, Tom Newman, Georgie’s brother, was applauded for his very successful season, having represented the county of Wiltshire, particularly in the Under-25s played at Leamington. He was also the winner of this year’s Terry Gregory Mixed 101 Singles.
“The award to the most improved player went to John Woodhouse, while the certificate for the member who took part in the most Mixed Friendly matches was Steve Faulkner. Steve also found time to keep the Avon Bowls Club grounds ablaze with colourful floral displays, much admired by both members and visitors.
“Dawn Edwards, whose highly successful year as President of Bowls Wiltshire Ladies is drawing to its conclusion, thanked the guests for their attendance and congratulated the club members on their efforts throughout the season to keep the game of bowls alive and well, particularly at the Avon.
“A splendid, well-supported, and thoroughly enjoyable occasion. Now the club is looking forward to various events which are being arranged to keep everyone entertained during the winter.
See you all next April!
Pauline Baker
Pictured: from left to right: – John Crowder, Tom Newman, Emma Maslen and Sylvia Crabbe.
