Firstly, Avon Bowls members were saddened to learn of the death last week of a much-loved member 79-year-old Ted Lowton. Ted had regularly played at Avon for many years and everyone at the club sends condolences to his wife and family. He will be sadly missed by bowlers everywhere.
Happier news comes with the announcement that two members of the club will be playing at the National home of Lawn Green Bowls, Leamington Spa, on Saturday 4th August with Marcia Hartley, this year’s Lady Vice Captain and Georgie Newman having reached the semi-finals of the John’s Trophy by beating Devon 115 points to 108 on 14th July. Their opponents at Leamington will be Yorkshire who won convincingly against Nottinghamshire.
Meanwhile, Georgie’s brother Tom has reached the Finals of the Under-25 Competition and will represent Wiltshire, again at Leamington on Saturday 18th September.
Finally, Georgie will be playing in the Amy Rose Bowl Finals at Leamington on Saturday 1st September as one of the successful team of young ladies from Wiltshire and we wish Marcia, Georgie and Tom the very best of luck in their respective competitions.
Following a very enjoyable President’s Day on 2nd July, the club has been working hard to keep the green in good condition and like many clubs throughout the country, the recent very warm weather has been somewhat of a hindrance, although it has made for interesting matches; no more so than last weekend when Avon Bowls Club welcomed players who had reached Bowls Wiltshire Ladies Finals, during which the weather broke, and in fact there was a distinct chill in the air.
However, a large number of spectators came along to support teams from around the county, and in spite of one or two interruptions, the day’s schedule was completed, with the last match of the tournament being played on Sunday.
So, although Opening Day last April seems a long time ago, things continue apace at Avon with Captains’ Days and Finals Week in the offing, a timely reminder that the fixtures list is nearing completion and sadly the end of the season is approaching!
But enough of that, the sun is still shining, if with less heat, and new members are always welcome, bearing in mind that although outdoor bowling finishes towards the end of September, Avon Bowls Club continues with social events during the winter months which will carry us through until the spring of 2019.
Pauline Baker
