The Friends and Ilminster B.C. all friendly before the match
On Sunday June 24th, Friends from eight counties converged on the Somerset town of Ilminster to help the local bowls club celebrate being runners-up in the 2017 Bowls England Club of the Year Awards.
We found a thriving club with excellent facilities, plenty of car parking and very friendly members. After an excellent buffet lunch, served in the modern air conditioned clubhouse (all powered by solar panels on the roof!), and the mandatory photo call, the match got under way.
The Captains of the Day, Kevin Hamilton and Graham Annetts, greeting the teams
In brilliant sunshine, some competitive bowls were played on a green which, like many up and down the country, had been affected by the lengthy spell of dry weather. Judging by the banter heard across the green, most people enjoyed themselves, with Ilminster gaining the upper hand on four of the rinks. Although the Captain of the Day managed to create a draw with some creative accounting, in reality Ilminster ran out winners by 133 shots to 104.
Everyone was pleased to retreat to the cool of the clubhouse for an enjoyable meal, after which the Club Chairman Kevin received a glass plaque commemorating our visit.
A close up of the award
Chairman Kevin receiving the well deserved memento of the day
Lovely weather, good food, a competitive game and several raffle prizes for members of the Friends team. What better way to spend a summer afternoon?