Three Games in Lancashire begin at Heaton Hall

Saturday 2nd August 2025 – Heaton Park Bowls

The players ready to play

Heaton Park’s striking bowling facility, originally built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, played host to a lively day as Friends arrived from 11 counties to kick off a weekend of bowling in Lancashire. Some made an early start, enjoying a pre-match catch-up at the nearby garden centre café before play began at 2pm.

President Mark Oliver served as captain for the day, alongside Friends’ Captain and Webmaster, Carolyn Hunt.

Unexpected team changes added a challenge before the first bowl was rolled, as Friends faced late cancellations due to ill health. Thankfully, President Mark stepped in and kindly lent a player to complete a rink. With a quick reshuffle, the format shifted from six rinks to five rinks and one triples.

: An exotic look to the surroundings

: Heaton Hall’s impressive looking clubhouse

Though the green looked a little tired, the bowling was spirited — and definitely fast-paced! The weather held fair, breezy but dry, and waterproofs were happily unnecessary.

Back at the clubhouse, a welcoming buffet awaited. First, the Captains’ speeches deftly covered by Claire’s helpful sign language, took centre stage. President Mark greeted all warmly and congratulated Friends on their impressive 110–79 win.

Captain Carolyn celebrated Friends’ highest-scoring rink with a +15 shot difference: Clare Fletcher, Gordon Newman, John Bates, and Neil Fletcher. Heaton Hall’s top-performing rink was the triples team — Mike, Lam, and Peter — with a +4 shot difference. Great bowling all round!