On Sunday we entertained a mixed team from Bowls Wiltshire, the game started at 2-30 pm, and progressed during the afternoon with much humour and chat, as well as excellent bowling. As usual the visiting team ran out winners although Calne managed to win 2 rinks.
A big thank you to all involved, particularly Pip, Ro and Gladys on the catering front and Martin G for arranging and last but not least June Corbett for getting a team together to visit us, lets hope for a return visit. Many thanks to all the Bowls Wiltshire players who gave up there time to visit us and raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.
With apologies for the delay in the photographs, camera decided to give up the ghost at the very beginning, so thanks to those that have sent me their photo’s of the day.
The mingling of the great and good!Casual chat before the gameMartin and David discussing tactics?The arrivalsSpot the waver in the crowdAll set for the hungry hoardsNothing like a good cuppa to start the dayIts good to see it flying againGlad to see the shorts are Bowls England approvedOne of the few occasions BW had to push the woods back.General shotGood to see the green in full use.
Well the day arrived at last and started well, with the Calne Bowls Club flag flying proudly over the green. There was a slight delay at the beginning that was soon overcome and the weather was pleasant and dry. Very soon all 7 rinks were busy , with the ladies in the pavilion serving up refreshments to keep the bowlers going. Rain was forecast between 12 and 2pm, however never trust the forecast and rain started about 11am, but this did not dampen the spirits – bowlers can cope with a little rain.
Novice teams from our main sponsors, Imagine Cruising, as well as sponsors 3D Computers of Chippenham, soon mastered the bowling technique and surprised some of the club teams, getting a few scalps along the way.
Break for lunch (provided by Upper Crust) followed by the Spider and a briefing for the Skips, led on to the afternoon with 8 teams in each league battling for the Trophy and the Plate.The rain then decided to get serious. Unfortunately we ran out of wet weather gear and umbrellas, but that did not deter some of the bowlers, who battled on in shorts and T shirts(note for next year – GET MORE WET WEATHER GEAR IN)!
The 2 finals were between 2 Winsley teams for the Trophy and Chippenham Park and Chippenham Town for the Plate.
As it was still raining the presentations took place in the Rec Club. Club Captain opened the proceedings, followed by Barry Wicks the Club Chairman. The Calne Town Mayor Robert Merrick then presented the majority of the prizes, whilst the Imagine Cruising Gala Shield was presented to Winsley by Ashley Royston (Imagine Cruising), The Jim Wilkie Memorial Memorial trophy was presented to Winsley by Margaret Wilkie’s daughter, Fiona.
Runner up for the Trophy was another Winsley team, whilst the best shot went to Ashley Royston for his straight down the middle ace.
Chippenham Park won the Plate league but in the play off Chippenham Town beat them so taking the winners’ Plate, and Chippenham Park were runners up.
The Mayor then wound up the proceedings by apologising for not bringing any good weather with him and hoped that everyone had had a good day albeit a wet one. He had enjoyed watching the games and said that the Council were looking forward to working with Calne Bowls Club over the next few years.
Start of the day with the flag flyingOnlookers in the pavilion, with Paul’s “Temple” to the right!Could not resist taking this, 2 bowlers sitting it out!One of the surprises of the day, the novice team from 3D Computing, turned out to be good bowlers, after a shaky startChippenham Town, still dry you will noteThe Imagine Incredibowlers team made up of Ash, Nick and NeilMartin G took this one, as he did most of the others, the footwear is unusual but suitable for the dayThis is an all action shot, Jan let me know if you want me to edit this one!!Getting ready to play the next roundPaul puzzling over another score card that didnt add up.Pam and Martin, getting the Chips ready for the hungry bowlers, Pam also played and Martin was the photographerThis picture just about sums up most of the dayWho is worried about the rain when you have a drink handyThe Gala Day final between 2 Winsley teams and it’s still rainingThe assembled throng waiting for the presentation to startAsh getting the best shot trophyChippenham Park – League winners but Plate runners up in the play offsWinsley Trophy runners upChippenham Town Trophy winners (with apologies for the slightly blurred picture, but Roger asked me to use his phone to take a picture as well, hope yours turned out better Roger)The Imagine Incredibowlers team winning the Divine food vouchersWinsley, with the Jim Wilkie Trophy presented by Fiona, Jim’s daughter.Winsley the Gala Shield and Jim Wilkie winners with AshleyThe Mayor making the closing speech, with Club Captain still working in the background, Chairman Barry looking on.
The new Open Day banner in the Town Gardens, should catch a few people’s eyes!
Oh dear! After the traffic accident on Tuesday night, we do hope the lady driver is well. A new banner will be going up soon.Good place Barry, new banner up, lets hope Wiltshire Council do not replace the railing in the next 2 weeks!
Nearly finished all the preparation for the coming season, pictures from the 6th April work party, understand that there will be some more work being done on Tuesday 9th April, thanks to all who have given up their time, you can be proud of the results you have achieved.
6th April – More excitement at the club
Martha getting down to it
Gladys sporting the latest paint protection hat with JosieOur local C.S.I. on paint duty, Ann and Josie ‘enjoying’ themselvesMartin with the new blue mats and Pam cleaning up the men’s area, is that a can of lager in her hand?
30th March – The Day
Well, approx 14 club members turned up and got stuck in. There will be a follow-up session to finish off the preparations and, as Martin G said, that will be Saturday 6th April at 10am. If you want to help please let Martin know so that he can allocate exciting tasks for you!
Thanks to all who turned up. There was plenty to eat and drink, thanks to those who brought consumables for the workers. Here are some pictures of some of the happy band (not everyone I would add, please accept my apologies if you are not featured). I would point out that Gladys was out doing ditch cleaning, as well as keeping the troops going with refreshments.
See you all on the 6th April
Gill and Rod pruning and sweeping, like good ‘uns!
Martin and Arnold deep in the ditch, clearing it out ready for the bowls to fall into it in the summer
If you want to know how much fun can be had painting a bench ask Des and Yvonne!John giving instructions to Karen, who was too fast to catch on camera!
Gladys keeping the workers going (Gladys also did work on the green as well!)Pam and Ann forgetting that the purpose was to paint the bin!
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