THE outdoor bowling season has finally ended for 2021, with the Bowls Wiltshire Men (Wiltshire Bowls Association) Dinner and Presentation of Prizes 2021.
On behalf of the Avon Bowls Club, Richard Buckland reports, “This extra special event took place at the Assembly Hall in Melksham on 13th November. In the chair for the dinner was John Crowder, president, Bowls Wiltshire Men, aided by master of ceremonies Philip Wells, (secretary, Bowls Wiltshire Men).
“The occasion was generously supported by delegates from a good number of county clubs. After the meal, loyal toasts were given, with a response from Paul Robson, president of Bowls England 2021. John then gave an account of his experiences whilst preparing for and subsequently taking up the post of president for 2020.
“Way back in 2014, under the guidance and encouragement of Philip Wells and Ken Bray, John put his name forward to be considered for junior vice president. He was accepted and found himself starting out in what was to become an extremely busy few years for him in the sport he so loves.
“Sadly, in 2018, illness limited him in the support he could give. To add to this burden, his wife Trish also became seriously ill. They both spent the best part of that year, back and forth to the Royal United Hospital. They received terrific support from the staff in the chemotherapy and radiology departments.
“To show their appreciation for all the treatment and help they were given, John and Trish decided to raise some money for charity. They chose the Forever Friends Appeal for the Dyson Cancer Centre at the Royal United Hospital. Their target was £5,000. Remarkably, at the end of the 2019 season, £3,700 had been raised.
“Then calamity, we were all stopped in our tracks by the pandemic. We know only too well how that has affected every one of us and in so many different ways. All sporting activities were not allowed for some time, while the world came to grips with the situation.
“Eventually as far as bowling was concerned, and with strict limitations, clubs were permitted to formulate some activities on the green. With this in mind and with good leadership and determination, meetings through Zoom were established and John was able to rally assistance from so many of his supporters and club officers in his efforts as county president.
“They helped to make it possible for him to fulfil many of his duties, which of course included making sure that his own club members were able to return safely to the green.
“These many tasks took him far and wide, playing and officiating during 2020 and on into the new 2021 season. This year he spent 12 days at Leamington Spa, the Mecca for English Outdoor Bowling Finals, witnessing Bowls England’s reduced celebrations and presentations.
“It was good to see the expertise of some of the top class bowlers in action, including some from our own local clubs and of course, the ladies were also well represented.
“The Bowls Tour went ahead in Bournemouth with a 36-strong group, seven of which were from Avon Bowls Club. The object of the tour was to play bowls of course, and for everyone to enjoy themselves, but it also provided an opportunity for more fund raising. To this end, a further £1,212 was added to the pot.
“On his return from his travels, John collected extra donations during the Avon club’s captains day, which enabled him to exceed his target, and hand over a further £1,407 to the charity.
“On his own admission, John has considered his presidency an honour and a privilege. Those of us who know him so well will be familiar with his farewell statement: ‘I would like to wish each and every one of you good luck, good health and good bowling for the remainder of this year and many many more years to come!’
“John was awarded Life Membership by a unanimous vote, proposed by Stewart Allison, seconded by Ken Bray. Don Butchers, (Mere Bowls Club), was installed as president for 2022.”
