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…

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The Big Wheel was next door in Southport

3rd August 2025 at Southport BC The weather on the morning was not good with rain on the way and it did not look good for the afternoon. However, the sky cleared and we were met with a warm welcome  from all at Southport for a celebration match whilst in the area. Captain Ted Pentecost gave us a warm welcome and the game was played in the usual good humour and sportsmanship. The rinks were…

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Three Games in Lancashire begin at Heaton Hall

Saturday 2nd August 2025 – Heaton Park Bowls 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 cafĂ© before play began at 2pm. President Mark Oliver served as captain for the day, alongside Friends’ Captain and Webmaster,…

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Friends take on Surrey Clubs

Thursday, 24 July 2025 — Cranleigh Bowls Club Organised by Charlotte Emanuel, 2025 President of Surrey, this spirited match saw the Friends face rinks representing Surrey clubs from Hersham, Purley, Hook & Southborough, Wonersh, and Mitcham. A last-minute addition included a team featuring 13-year-old Frankie, bringing youthful energy to the greens. The game commenced at midday, with Surrey Clubs remaining on their designated rinks while the Friends rotated every six ends — keeping bowlers on…

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Celebrations continue at Woolston BC

Sunday 20th July 2025 President’s Centenary Celebration Match We were invited to Woolston to help them celebrate the one hundredth birthday of their president Wally Kemish. He was president in 2018 when he was 93 and has remained active at the club since then. His bowling these days is a little gentler but the Past Presidents convinced him that he could do it with their help. Wally did not bowl on the day but he…

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100 Years to Celebrate at Gosport BC

Friends vs Gosport Bowling Club – Hampshire Saturday, 19th July 2025 After several weeks of sunshine and warm weather, it came as quite a surprise when heavy rain fell just ahead of the planned 2.00pm start. Thankfully, the showers passed quickly, the sun returned, and the green dried out in good time. What followed was an excellent match, with the rinks shared three apiece but a final score of 115–80 in favour of the Friends….

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Cloudless Skies at Fareham

Friday 18th July 2025 Cloudless skies and warm sunshine greeted members on arrival at Leigh Park, the home of Fareham Bowling Club, for the first of three matches in South Hampshire. Brian, the Club President, sensibly welcomed us on arrival inside the air conditioned clubhouse, and the bar was open for those who declined the offer of tea and coffee from the ladies of the club. As the club had a league fixture later in…

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Fosseway BC Celebrate 90 Years

Sunday, 13th July 2025 Friends were delighted to mark a 90-year milestone with Fosseway Bowls Club. Although the heat had eased slightly, the sun remained in full force, accompanied by a welcome gentle breeze. John Thompson once again led as Friends’ Captain of the Day, no doubt hoping for a win today. The bar, cheerfully managed by Brian, was kept busy, and we were kindly treated to savoury rolls — a welcome snack to tide…

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