Saturday 8th July 2023: The first of two matches in Gloucestershire took place at Frampton on Severn B.C. who are celebrating their Centenary this year. The club was founded in 1923 as part of the sports facilities provided by Cadbury’s for the workers at their newly built factory in Frampton, and the club became Frampton on Severn Bowling Club when the members purchased the green from Cadbury’s when the factory closed in 1982. Sadly for…
Sunday 2nd July 2023: Friends v Southampton & District Women’s Bowling Association, played at Lockswood Bowling Club. To celebrate the 75th 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…
Saturday 1st July 2023: Pembroke Gardens Bowling Club at Southsea, Portsmouth, are this year celebrating 100 years. Despite a road closure outside the entrance, and parking in the grounds of the club, all went very well. President Carol and Captain of the Day Richard warmly welcomed all the guests and members. The rink proved to be tricky for the Friends, but more so for the club members. With a sunny day and a cool…
Sunday 25th June 2023: We arrived at Trentham BC in the sunshine and were warmly welcomed by the members. This game has taken 4 years to be finally be played, due to covid interruption. This is a very spacious clubhouse with a wonderful view across the green. As always the game was played in a very friendly manner, with the Friends just coming out on top. Top rink for Trentham was Ted Rumble, Sheila Foster, …
Saturday, 24th June 2023: Some of us arrived a little early to Burghfield, but we were able to sit under the shade of a tree with our lunches. The club was hiding away in the countryside, but our sat navs didn’t let us down. The Friends today came from 12 different counties. Captain Gillian arrived to open up we took sustenance at the bar… thank you Charlie and Mark. It was, dare I…
Sunday 11th June ‘23 : Even though this was my second visit to Broomfield I nearly missed the narrow entrance to the drive and car park. Fortunately the car closely behind me had good brakes! With a hot afternoon in prospect Bryan, Club Chairman and bar manager was soon dispensing cool drinks to the thirsty travellers. Unfortunately this game hadn’t been as well supported by the Friends as other games had been. After a plea…
Saturday 10th June 2023: It was so, so, warm at West Ealing today. Some of us arrived early, and were welcomed by Norma with a cuppa and biscuits… others were unfortunately stuck in an endless traffic jam. We started a little later than planned, with no respite for poor Neil and Maxeen Fletcher and passenger Vi Oliver, who, after their frustrating and tiresome 3hr+ journey went straight on to the green to play! Plenty of water…
Thursday 1st June: This was to be the last game of a group of three, played in Yorkshire. The weather has not been particularly kind, and today was no different… probably the coldest! Never mind, there was a welcome hot drink and a good selection of sandwiches/rolls for us to buy when we arrived. Neil Forrester welcomed us all, and the teams were called in the clubhouse before we walked to the green, where…