BLANDFORD BOWLING CLUB
GALLERY 2021 - SOME IMAGES AND REPORTS FROM THE 2021 SEASON.
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CLOSING DAY - SATURDAY 18th SEPTEMBER 2021
Closing was met with blazing sunshine which was enjoyed by all the 24 players and spectators; about half of a normal season's attendance.
This was an extraordinary closing day due to the pandemic and the presence of the virus in the club. It was decided that no food would be provided and the format would be as for Wednesday roll-up. This resulted in 3 rinks of 15 ends.
The bowling was followed by drinks from the bar and President, Peter Preen, held a raffle to support his charities of Dogs for the Bland and Deaf.
We now move on to our Winter programme in the hope that this will be followed by a more normal 2022 season.
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FRIENDLY v FOSSEWAY BC
28th AUGUST 2021
Our visitors from Leicestershire were only our 3rd friendly of the season. We played 6 mixed rinks on their 4th and final match of their tour. The opposition was very strong and came out convincing winners by 135 to 93. Nevertheless, it was very enjoyable for all concerned to be playing friendlies once again. We were also well entertained after the match by the Fosseway Fines Member who handed out fines for member's misdemeanours during the tour.
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25th AUGUST 2021 - FRIENDLY v WOLVERTON BC
Due to the pandemic restrictions this was only our second friendly of the season. We hosted Dave Tysoe and 7 mixed rinks from the Wolverton area of Buckinghamshire.
43 members of the touring side were playing the first of three matches. Fortunately they had brought bright sunshine with them.
Tea was held after 10 ends and the score made it clear that our visitors had brought a strong side.
The final score was a resounding 166 to 123 to our visitors with only one win and one tie for Blandford from the 7 rinks.
The contest was enjoyed by all concerned and we hope that Wolverton will visit us again in future years.
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FRIENDLY v AMESBURY BC - 25th JULY 2021.
This was our first friendly since 2019 due to the pandemic. Our President, Peter Preen, welcomed 12 bowlers and we played 4 mixed triples. We all thoroughly enjoyed the "new experience" of friendly rivalry and congratulate our visitors on a narrow win by 59 to 63 after winning 2 rinks each. The match was followed by an excellent buffet of sandwiches, cakes, quiche and sausage rolls provided by Judy Walters and our ladies. We sincerely hope that Amesbury will visit again before long.
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BERT PLUTHERO TROPHY
To commence the Men's bowling season for 2021 a new triples competition was established in memory of Bert Pluthero who sadly passed away recently. Bert was a stalwart of the club, not only as a player but also as a volunteer who together with his wife Brenda ran the bar facilities for a number of years.
The new Bert Pluthero Trophy was contested by our 4 Percy Baker teams on a league basis over 3 consecutive pre-season Tuesdays.
The winners, left to right, were E3 comprising Sid Steele, Brian Fry, Peter Preen, Carl Budd, Norman Arnold and John Harding.
All members wish Brenda and her family well.
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WEDNESDAY 19th MAY 2021
EDNA PAISLEY HAS STARTED
This was the start of ladies league bowling with the first match against Swanage.
It was a cool day with some sunshine and fortunately it did not rain.
Our Otters team were very strong and won convincingly on both rinks.
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19th MAY 2021 - WEDNESDAY LEAGUE IS WELL UNDER WAY
This was the second day that the Wednesday League has been held.
Tim Bryning arranged triples matches for 12 members on both occasions.
The weather held on with a cloudy sky, some sunshine and a cool gentle breeze but fortunately there was no rain.
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15th MAY 2021 - PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
Joy and Sid Steele received their award from the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Lynn Lindsay.
The award is for outstanding support to the young people of Blandford.
For many years Joy and Sid have held junior sessions, for ages 6 to 16, on a Saturday throughout the bowling season. They have also supported juniors at county level and have continued with indoor bowling once the outdoor season has closed.
It was intended to make the presentation at a junior training session but unfortunately this had to be cancelled due to inclement weather.
