BLANDFORD BOWLING CLUB
GALLERY 2022 - SOME IMAGES AND REPORTS FROM THE 2022 SEASON.
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THE LILIAN LYNEX CUP - PRESENTATION
Liz Males attended the Bournemouth and District Women's Bowling Association luncheon, She was presented with the Runner's up cup of this 2 wood singles competition.
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THE WINTER PROGRAMME - UPDATE - 2nd NOVEMBER 2022
The Winter programme is now well under way. The programme is available at WINTER PROGRAMME 2022/23.
CRAFT MORNING. On Tuesday 1st November Elizabeth Pickering arranged a very enjoyable "Christmas Craft Morning" in which Christmas boxes and woollen present holders were made. These items were then sold at the coffee morning on the following day with proceeds going to the club.
COFFEE MORNING, Jan Cornick arranged the coffee morning on 2nd November. Both the second hand and Christmas present tables were available. Sue Wood also arranged the customary raffle. The event was well attended by over 20 members and it was decided to hold an extra coffee morning on Wednesday 23rd November.
QUIZ NIGHTS. The Quiz night on 26th October was well attended and Quizmaster Michael Parker posed the questions. The winning team was the Oakers of Richard and Zilla Brown, Judy and Cliff Walters, Sid Steele and guest Helen.
BINGO NIGHTS. Bingo nights are now well under way with Richard Brown calling the numbers and Jan and Pete Cornick keeping an eye on the details.
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SATURDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2020 - CLOSING DAY
Closing day was held on a bright sunny afternoon. It started with the traditional spider in which all 28 playing members participated for £1 each. The winner was Brian Fry who shared the profits with the Club President's charity, MIND DORSET.
The afternoon of fun bowling was arranged by John Beckford. It comprised 4 rounds each of 4 ends on 4 rinks. Teams were redrawn for each round and each player recorded only their own score. The winner was Terri Lake who scored plus 13.
Following the bowling, club members retired to the clubhouse for the presentation of all the Club trophies for the season by Peter Short who represented Lesley Shand the club sponsors.
Then, the members tucked into an excellent buffet provided by club members. The buffet was arranged by Pat Edmunds, Tina Anthony and Jan Shutler. Terri Lake and Margaret Thorne staffed the bar.
The busy afternoon continued with the customary raffle arranged by Val and Terry Cottle with prizes donated by members.
The final event was for President, John Beckford, to thank everyone for an enjoyable day and to thank key volunteers for their work during the season. This included Dave Burge and the green team, Terri Lake and the bar team and members for providing food for the event.
The final day of the season was enjoyed by everyone and rounded off a season that was much more enjoyable than the previous two years of pandemic restrictions. We now look forward to a comprehensive winter programme of social activities that will precede the opening of 2023 bowling.
Images below include only those trophies that were not presented on Finals Day which can be seen on
FINALS 2022.
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WEEKEND 17th/18th SEPTEMBER 2022 - DORSET BOWLS FINALS - HELD AT BLANDFORD
The Dorset Bowls finals were held at Blandford on a cool but dry weekend. The flag was at half mast in respect of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The green was in fine shape and the club was well arranged to meet, greet and cater for the many players and visitors. Well done to all concerned.
The club was well represented in the finals by 13 bowlers and, at an official level, the Bowls Dorset Ladies' President Carole Beckford and our President John Beckford (a family affair). Well done to all the finalists who battled through many rounds to get this far. Finally, we had 8 winners but congratulations go to all finalists. The results involving club members were:
Winners:
Cobern Trophy - Julie Pitt.
Edna Paisley - Carole Townley, Jan Cornick, Pat Edmunds, Del Way, Sylvia Pink, Margaret Thorne.
Ladies' Under 16 - Nesta Roberts.
Runners up.
Benevolent Triples - Gill Budd, Barbara Fry, Terri Lake.
Men's Sectetaries - Colin Pickering.
Ladies' Under 16 - Hannah Edwards.
Refreshments for the day were provided by Elizabeth Pickering and her volunteers. Thanks were given by our visitors to the caterers, green team and bar staff for providing excellent facilities. A good weekend was had by all.
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FRIDAY NIGHT MIXED TRIPLES (FNMT) - FRIDAY 16th SEPTEMBER 2022
This was the final evening of the FNMT 2022 season. In all, the 4 teams played each other 4 times except, one evening was cancelled in respect of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. It was a cool evening and as the light drew in we were just able to complete 15 ends.
During the season 50 members represented the 4 teams. Unfortunately, more teams could not be established at the start of the season due to the restriction of numbers. Fortunately, there was an influx of new members who were very welcome and made a considerable contribution.
FNMT has been a favourite club evening for some years. The evening is enhanced by the "Meat Draw". On this occasion Jan and Pete Cornick arranged 40 prizes worth £180.
At the opening of the final evening any one of the four teams could win the league. However, Buzzards remained calm and the outcome was very close indeed:
Buzzards - Captain Tim Bryning - 37 points.
Kestrels - Captain Kevin Donaldson - 35 points.
Eagles - Captain Cliff Walters - 34 points.
Hawks - Captain Bill Hussey - 32 points.
Before presenting the prizes organiser Cliff Walters thanked all those who had assisted in making FNMT so enjoyable and successful. This included the Team Captains, Jan and Pete Cornick - meat draw organisers, Terri Lake and the bar staff volunteers, Dave Burge and his "green team", and all participating members.
Pete Cornick then held the final raffle to complete the season in an appropriate manner.
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TUESDAY 6th SEPTEMBER 2022
CONGRATULATIONS to Julie Pitt and Margaret Thorne on winning the Dorset Women's Bowling League (DWBL) Championship Pairs at Dorchester. This was a fantastic achievement, well deserved and rounds off a fine season for both of them. They were well supported by Club members and the cups were presented by club member, Lorna Foreman, President of DWBL.
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SATURDAY 12th AUGUST 2022 - CLUB PRESIDENT's DAY
John Beckford held his day to celebrate his successful year in office on a "scorching" 12th August afternoon. Despite the heat 36 members managed over 2 hours and 12 ends of bowling for this individual competition. The format was of 12 ends of triples in 4 rounds with each round being redrawn for teams. Each player recorded their own individual score only. The final outcome was a ladies win for Sally Burton and Norman Arnold win for the men: each had 17. The wooden spoon for the lowest score went to Gerry Mosney. Bill Hussey was encouraged by John to pay a charity fine for wearing pink shorts.
A fine ploughman's lunch was provided by Liz Pickering and Pat Griffin with additional provision by members. John cut the cake (which represented a rinks fours) prepared by Zilla Brown. The many raffle prizes, presented by members, raised a very pleasing £100 for John's DORSET MIND charity.
Finally, Pat Griffin presented John a gift of thanks on behalf of club members.
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On Wednesday 6th July 2022 the club hosted the friendly county men's match between Dorset and Isle of Wight.
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SUNDAY 22nd MAY 2022 - DORSET WOMEN'S BOWLING LEAGUE PRESIDENT'S DAY
SUNDAY 22nd May 2022 saw Lorna Foreman’s long awaited Dorset Women’s Bowling League (DWBL) Presidents Day due to pandemic restrictions.
The afternoon began with a welcome drink and nibbles for the invited guests. Sid Steele had arranged an afternoon of fun and games on the green which seemed to be enjoyed by all.
The home team of Julie Pitt, Carole Beckford, Daphne West and Pat Elliston from Gillingham had the highest team score with Julie Pitt winning the highest individual score. As the sun shone Lorna’s standby games and quizes were stored away. There then followed a buffet, trifle and cake provided by Lorna’s band of helpers.
Lorna’s charity is MND in memory of her youngest daughter who passed away with this terrible disease. Table flowers and cakes were auctioned off raising more funds. The Blandford Ladies had a collection and presented Lorna with a rose tree with red and yellow flowers and a novelty bird bath with two bees (one red and one yellow).
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SUNDAY 8th MAY 2022 - FRIENDLY v SOUTH DORSET BOWLING ASSOCIATION
On Sunday 8th May 2022 Blandford hosted a friendly against South Dorset Bowling Association for the Beryl Williams Trophy. Blandford have retained this for many years SDBA finally had revenge and won so we now have a spare space in our Trophy Cabinet. It was unfortunate they could only provide 3 teams and it was all square at the half time break. The tea break seemed to spur them on and Blandford wilted in the sun. Despite this a good time was had by all.
Our President John Beckford presented the trophy to Sylvia Lawley of SDBA. There is also a certificate for bowling a Wrong Bias - the first of the season went to our President himself who was presented with his certificate by Denis West.
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SATURDAY 7th MAY 2022 - OPEN DAY
Our Open Day, arranged by Chairman Richard Brown, was blessed with a bright, sunny and warm day. The event had been widely publicised to encourage potential new members. The outcome was a success with about 50 potential bowlers turning up to "give it a go". Fortunately, Richard had arranged a good number of coaches who were kept very busy. A high percentage signed up for the 5 day coaching course at 6pm to 8pm between 10th May and 29th June from which we hope to encourage new members,
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PRESIDENT'S DAY - SATURDAY 23rd APRIL 2022
Peter Preen, our President for the 2020 and 2021 seasons was not able to hold President's Day in 2021 due to the pandemic restrictions so, it was held on 23rd April 2022. We were fortunate that the weather was fine with sunny intervals for the over 40 members who attended.
The bowling comprised 6 different fun tasks, set by Sid Steele, which fully tested the players' bowling skills. Each rink was completed twice before Margaret Thorne and Norman Arnold were declared Men's and Ladies' winners respectively.
The bowling was followed by a delicious "picnic" buffet produced by Judy Walters and Liz Pickering. Cakes were baked by Julie Pitt and Zilla Brown provided The President's Cake which was decorated with chocolate dogs to reflect Peter's charity.
The Presidents Charities were Hearing Dogs for the Deaf and Guide Dogs. The raffle prizes, appropriately, included Tramp and Pluto. In all £270 was raised on the day making a total of £445.
Finally, our current President, John Beckford, thanked Peter for his tremendous efforts during extremely difficult times. Everyone was able to reflect on an excellent and enjoyable day.
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SEASON'S FIRST PRACTICE SESSIONS
MEN - 1800hrs MONDAY 11th APRIL 2022 LADIES - 1400hrs TUESDAY 12th APRIL 2022
The first practice sessions of the year were well supported but held under in completely different weather conditions.
Captain, Carl Budd arranged an 1800 hours session on a dry and calm April evening. Four rinks were played over 15 ends before retiring to the clubhouse for refreshments and a briefing by Carl on the way ahead. It is evident that due to reduced membership it is likely that current commitments may be difficult to fulfil. League commitments may have to be reviewed.
Captain, Julie Pitt arranged a coaching and playing session that was also well supported. However, the cold, damp weather made the session a bit of a toil. Sid Steele set up some coaching exercises before playing formally. It is also evident that Ladies' commitments may be difficult to meet due to membership reductions.
The outcome was that we are pleased to be back on the green looking forward to a season of enjoyable bowling in a healthy state.
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SATURDAY 9th APRIL 2022 - OPENING DAY 2022
We were all delighted that Opening Day was held on a bright and sunny day without a drop of rain. This was by no means guaranteed after the weather of the previous week.
President, John Beckford introduced Mayor, Lee Hitchings who wished all club members a successful season after 2 years of covid restrictions. He then bowled the first wood of the new season. He was accompanied by his 1 year old daughter, Emilia-Rose who undoubtedly stole the show.
The bowling commenced with the traditional SPIDER which was won by Peter Hawkins.
We then played 4 rinks and, together with spectators, over 50 members were present. We were all delighted to be back on the green which was in excellent condition following a busy Winter programme by Dave Burge and his Green Team.
The after match celebrations included an excellent buffet, provided in the traditional way, by members. Our new bar staff, Margaret Thorne and Terry Lake ensured that all our needs were provided. Jan and Peter Cornick rounded the day off with a raffle before we all retired having had a thoroughly enjoyable day and we look forward to an enjoyable, healthy and successful season.
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TOUR TO WARNERS, BEMBRIDGE, ISLE OF WIGHT - 7th to 11th FEBRUARY 2022
Monday 7th February 2022 saw 25 Blandford Bowling Club Members family and friends head off to Warners Bembridge Isle of Wight to compete in the Warners open 4's competition. We entered 5 teams.
Unfortunately none of the teams qualified for the quarter finals. 2 teams where very close missing out on shot difference.
Teams participating:
Jules Roberson, Brian Hall, Daphne West, ( A borrowed player ) Alan Tiller
Denis West, Jan Shutler, Del Way, Peter Martin ( Poole Park )
Terry Cottle, Val Cottle Jan Cornick, Peter Cornick
Gill Walford, Tony Walford, Liz Males, Barry Males
Kathryn Harding, Lorna Foreman, John Harding, Norman Arnold
There were a few hiccups along the way but overall everyone enjoyed themselves. Plans are in place for another tour in February 2023.
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