Hello,
Well it really has felt like we’ve skipped autumn and gone straight into winter this week-end.
Before I go onto the news, can I remind you that your bowling shoes should not be worn outside. It was reported by John Boulton that mud was hoovered off rinks 3&4 during the cleaning of the carpet this week. Please respect this very expensive facility.
As you know, five of our younger members went to Northampton to play in the under 18s England trials. I am pleased to announce that Fin and Dylan Williamson have been chosen to join the squad with Josh Hodges a non-travelling reserve. Emily and Louie were not successful this time but I’m sure their time will come. Very well done to all of you. Not only is it good for the individuals to have been chosen but it’s wonderful for the club too. To have five members from one club to reach the trial stage is definitely something to be proud of!
The England team will be playing Wales in their first match in Sully, Wales on 12th, 13th and 14th January 2024 with a squad practice on 10th December, venue t.b.c.
And it doesn’t end there! Fin has been invited to trial for the under 25 England team next week-end in Nottingham. And this week-end he’s been down at Potters playing in the Open Singles Circuit Finals. We watched it on YouTube. Unfortunately, Fin lost to Tom Smith on the last end of the tie break in the last sixteen. Again, you’ll have many more opportunities. Really well done to get that far. SO glad you gave up football to concentrate on bowling! What an asset to the club you are!
Not such good news for the ladies playing in the Mason Trophy on Friday morning. Sadly, we’re out of that one now and the under 30s are also now out of their competition.
In the mixed Interclub on Saturday morning, MidGlos beat Cheltenham and Barnwood beat Cheltenham Spa. Next Saturday, Barnwood plays MidGlos while Cheltenham plays Cheltenham Spa. We were playing Newport at home in a friendly on Sunday afternoon but I don’t know the outcome yet.
We have a small team of volunteers who look after the gardens. Dave Pritchard chopped down the shrubs/trees which were encroaching onto the overflow car park and, with help from Bruce Gavron’s daughter (apologies, I don’t know her name), removed them saving us the cost of skip hire.
We have eventually had the decision on National rink fees. Singles players will pay £5.00 each both home and away while all other fees will be paid by each player at the rate that club normally charges. For example, our rink fees are £4.00, others might be £3.50 or £4.50 or whatever. Pairs players playing at a club which charges £4.00 will pay a total of £16.00 for the four people involved. This ruling applies to all clubs in our region (Area 5).
Just before I started writing this, I heard the sad news that John White died in the early hours of Saturday. I didn’t know him as a bowler but he always supported the club with Janet where he could despite not enjoying very good health latterly.
Our thoughts are with and condolences to Janet and family and friends. There is never a good time but I always think it’s particularly difficult at this time of year when everyone is looking forward to Christmas.
I’m sure the whole club will be thinking of you, Janet.
Take care, everyone,
Linda
Linda Watkin-Jones.
Director (PR & Marketing).