Newsletter Issue 122

Hello again,

Let’s start with the sad news. Sadly, our oldest member of the club, Ken Spink, died last week. He was such a lovely man. I inherited John Tolmie’s team (Jet Set), which became “The Easers” before Covid struck. Ken had been a member of that team for a number of years. Howard and I bowled in that team with Ken until John handed over to me.

We continued to bowl together until this season. Towards the end of the summer season, he was given weeks rather than months to live. He decided reluctantly that it was time to “hang up his bowls”. However, they still live on since he sold them to a member of our club. Not only was he a lovely gentle man but he was an excellent bowler. He will be missed by his team and many other members. So far, we have no details of his funeral but, as soon as we do, I will inform you.

On Friday, those of you who bowl in the morning umbrella will have been aware that the Mason’s was being played. The A team was playing Malvern Hills at home and away while the B team was playing Nailsea at home and away. Both teams won overall which is great. The down side is that we now have to play each other. The up side is that one MidGlos team will get through. This game will be played on 9th December.

Steve Bluck has asked me to announce that the friendly against Welford on the previous week-end was won narrowly by us – 90/82. Well done to all who took part. Our next friendly is this coming Sunday against Bristol. Fingers crossed that we come out on top.

The first of the Saturday mixed Interclub matches took place on Saturday morning with MidGlos beating Cheltenham and Barnwood beating Cheltenham Spa. Next week Barnwood is playing Cheltenham while MidGlos is against Cheltenham Spa. Bacon baps will be available from 10.30am. Please take advantage – they’re very good.

Next Sunday our men are in action. The A team is playing Chipping Norton home and away. Good luck, gents! Check the white board at the club for the available rinks to be booked.

Finally, news travels far and wide! I mentioned several newsletters ago that Derek Ford’s son who lives and works in Australia was over visiting his parents. While over here, he played in the Friday night umbrellas and thoroughly enjoyed both the playing and the camaraderie.

Last week he phoned Derek to say that he’d been watching the news back in Australia when he recognised the club and Howard as one of the guys he’d bowled with on a Friday! Worldwide fame at last! I’m not sure how many folks from far, far afield will be motivated to join our great club but it makes a good story!

On that positive note, I’ll sign off until next week.

Take care,

Linda.

Linda Watkin-Jones.

Director (PR & Marketing).