Bolton Flat Green Club was Friend’s Last Call in Lancashire

🌿 Final Match in Lancashire: Bolton Flat Green Club

Monday 4th August 2025.   The last of our Lancashire fixtures took place at the Bolton Flat Green Club, nestled in the southeast corner of Bolton at Darcy Lever. Despite a forecast of storm-force winds and rain, the weather cleared—right on cue—by 1:00pm, just in time for our 2:00pm start. Thanks to the artificial green and a touch of luck, everything was set for play.

Due to some last-minute challenges, three players were kindly loaned to us, including Graham Ellis, who also served as Bolton’s captain for the day. The green played well, and the air was filled with cheerful banter throughout the match.

🎉 After the game, everyone gathered for a delightful buffet meal, topped off with a strawberry flan. Graham offered a few words of welcome before introducing Neil, the Friends’ captain of the day. Heartfelt thanks were extended to Ken and Paul for managing the bar, and to Carol, Clare, Moira, and Evelyn for their excellent work in the kitchen.

Twelve counties were represented among the Friends—a fact warmly acknowledged before Neil gave a brief overview of the Friends’ mission and activities. Then came the results: three rinks won for the Friends and three for Bolton.

🏆 The Friends’ top-performing rink was Rink 5, featuring Tony Waller, John Scholey, Bryan Robinson, and guest player Steve Brady. Bolton’s highest-scoring rink was Rink 3, made up of Mary, Tony, Paul, and Mike.

In a light-hearted moment, the Friends’ losing rink—Richard Peyton, John Bates, Carolyn Hunt, and Debby Bloodworth—were each presented with a Kit Kat, accompanied by the suggestion to “Take a Break.”

📣 The final score? A perfectly balanced 94–94 draw.

To conclude the day, Neil presented Graham Ellis with a commemorative certificate marking the Friends’ visit—bringing a memorable and enjoyable day to a close.

Neil Fletcher
Captain of the Day