Avon Bowls Club, based in the grounds of Melksham House, is continuing a successful season, both in the League Matches and the numerous friendly matches with visiting clubs, while the Tuesday Roll-Up evenings are well supported.
Membership has increased with several younger players joining our ranks, always a welcome addition. The club has also enjoyed some highly successful and entertaining events.
In June the club was delighted to welcome a dozen County Coaches who spent a pleasant Sunday afternoon pointing out to a well-attended membership their good and bad points. Members were videoed on the green followed by each group being analysed by a Coach who explained how their play could be improved.
Everyone who took part commented on how useful they had found the experience. The Committee would like to thank everyone concerned for their support and particularly the County Coaches who gave of their time.
On 26th July, unfortunately in rather inclement conditions, the club hosted a Celebrity Bowls afternoon which was attended by an eclectic variety of people well-known in the town. These included the deputy mayor, Pam Wiltshire, together with several town councillors, including David Pollitt who also serves on Wiltshire Council.
The deputy town clerk, Miriam Zacharelli was there together with her camera, as was the editor of the Melksham News, Ian Drew. Other guests included the club’s loyal supporters, Tony and Jean Brown who appear at many matches throughout the season, but only as spectators.
Unfortunately, Michelle Donelan, MP was unable to attend due to family commitments, but she has promised to support the event next year!
Despite the dull and rather chilly weather, all the guests were persuaded to ‘have a go’ at bowling, some with greater success than others, but everyone appeared to be having fun until the rain finally took control and there was a concerted dash for the Club House to enjoy the splendid array of cakes available and buy a raffle ticket or two.
Whether any of the club’s guests were persuaded to take up the game of ‘old man’s marbles’ remains to be seen, but rest assured should they decide to do so, they will receive a warm welcome from the Avon, who would like to thank everyone who gave up their time to come along.
The last open event of the season will take place towards the end of September when the club is to host a Charity Match on behalf of Julia’s House, a Children’s Hospice based in the South West. Further details of this event will be published nearer the time.
Pauline Baker – Press Officer, Avon Bowls Club
