GENEROUS BOWLERS

At the end of October over 50 members gathered for an evening of Bingo plus a Ploughman’s Supper. A good fun evening was had by all! On the first Wednesday in November the Clubhouse was packed, as members gathered for the presentation of the cheque to the charity chosen by the Lady and Gents Captains at the start of the season, which this year was the Dorothy House Hospice. Whilst fund raising continues throughout the season the events which raise the most are the Summer BBQ and the close season men’s tour. Each year nearly 30 men travel to different parts of the country, this year it was Stratford – on-Avon, where they are based in a hotel and play games against local clubs. They take with them a large money box in the shape of a pig which is placed at the end of rinks with the players of both teams being asked to make donations. They usually return to Keynsham with about £400.00 in the Pig. Our picture shows Dan Varley, the Community and Events Fundraiser receiving the cheque for £1,800.00 from our two Captains, Pam Rose and Carm Riccio.For publicity purposes a cheque had been drawn on the Keynsham Bowling Club branch of the Bank of Generosity and signed by Club Members. Needless to say Dan left with a “real” cheque that he could bank. In thanking the Club, he said that whilst the Hospice was a lovely caring environment, 95% of support given by the professional staff was in the patient’s own home and he reminded us that Dorothy House does have a shop in Keynsham High Street where we could give ongoing support.Later in the month over 80 members gathered at Saltford Golf Club for the Annual Presentation Lunch. After having enjoyed a first class three course meal and coffee, trophies were presented to the worthy winners. At the start of the season there were entries from 46 men and 21 ladies producing a total of 355 between them. After much competitive activity on the green there were 9 individual event winners, 8 pairs winners, 9 triples and one team of 4. There were some notable achievements in the year with one of our relatively new members, Jane Coles winning the Ladies Handicap, Ladies Pairs, Walden’s Cup and runner up in the Mixed Pairs. Another of our ladies Sally Difazio also had success in four events adding a win in the Tom Pells Cup to her Singles Championship and being a runner up in the Australian Pairs and the Walden’s Cup. Our photograph shows our winners with their trophies at the Annual Lunch.

Mike Barrow