Southampton & District WBA Celebrate 75 Yrs

Sunday 2nd July 2023:
Friends v Southampton & District Women’s Bowling Association, played at Lockswood Bowling Club.

To celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of the S&D WBA, this match was played at the home club of the Association’s 2023 President (and member of the Friends) Maxeen Fletcher.  The Friends have previous experience of the warm welcome afforded by the members of Lockswood BC and today was no different.  Although breezy, the weather was kind and, well fortified by an excellent buffet lunch, and a pink prosecco toast to celebrate the anniversary, we prepared for a game against the ladies of Southampton & District, led with her customary enthusiasm by President Maxeen, who organised the pre-match photographs with aplomb, having obviously taken organisational lessons from Cindy Lee!

Some members of the Friends adjusted to the artificial playing surface rather better than others, but the friendly atmosphere ensured a competitive game played in an excellent spirit, with the Friends team obeying the orders of their Captain of the Day by winning on four of the six rinks and overall.

 

After the game, the ladies of Lockswood treated us to a lovely three course meal, featuring local Titchfield strawberries picked that morning at the local PYO farm by Neil Fletcher and Maddie McConomy (many thanks to them),  followed by tea and coffee.

With Alastair ensuring that the well stocked club bar satisfied everyone’s thirst, we moved on to the presentation of awards to those who were successful, and those who tried hard!  For S&D the rink of Carol, Peggy, Jan and President Maxeen left their opposition well behind, (home advantage for the President clearly in evidence here) and for the Friends, Maddie McConomy, Neil Gillespie, Adie Booth and Mike Skerry took the honours.  The runners-up to these two rinks received some chocolate encouragement.  There was a suggestion that the prosecco had had something to do with some of the performances, but no concrete evidence emerged!  Maxeen gave a brief history of Southampton & District ladies who started with five clubs in 1948 and now have twenty-three member clubs.

A most enjoyable day for everyone, with thanks to Steve, Jim and, at the very last minute, Michael Young, who answered SOS calls to complete the Friends team, with friendships renewed and new friends made.  Congratulations to Southampton & District ladies on their 75^th Anniversary, and thanks to Lockswood for their hospitality.

Graham Annetts
Captain of the Day