Jan Dando and Pete Bonsor lifting the National Singles titles
WHERE ARE THEYNOW?
Focussing on former International bowler Dominic Mills
From the Editor
Dear Reader
CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS
Mel Highland and Frank Close continue their winning ways
BOWLERSíPARADISE
The most exciting venture at Cabrera ended in disaster
CONTENTS:
SPANISH FEDERATION
Functioning of the FEB6
NATIONALS 2015
We are the Champions 10
CLUBS IN FOCUS
San Luis Bowls Club13
WINNING WAYS
Coaching by Ruth Compton18
VALENCIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Newcomers take both singlesevents19
PETANCA
Achampion in the making23
MEMORIES
Peterís Famous Father25
CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS
Frank closes in on title26
FUTURE OF LAWN BOWLING
What do you get for 2 million pounds?28
USEFUL DIRECTORIES
Secretaries and Organisations30
should prevail. If you have a voice on a committee that can make these changes, speak up ! You could save lives.
The Valencian Championships, Andalucian Championships and Iberian Open all flourish, whilst the Spanish National Championship entries fade. Players from North and South will not come to play and pay dearly for two weeks accommodation in the Southern Costa Blanca. Holding it elsewhere would attract even fewer entries.
We are losing the services of Director John Muldoon, delegado John Carr, tireless worker Jan Dando and national coach Derek Toozer. If you can fill one of these posts, step forward ! We need new blood and new ideas.
It would appear that it is left to Spanishspeaking Bob Donnelly, our Valencian delegado, to negotiate with Madrid over fees and attempt to bring about a change in the way we pay for our lawn bowls. It is about time that every club member paid a standard fee to pay for the services that we all enjoy.
This summer in Spain we have suffered on the green in this blistering heat, without any escape from 18-ends and a serious risk to our health. Local rules can be made to shorten games and abandon them when good-sense
The solution is simple; play regional qualifiers with winners, in proportion to the number of entries, playing in a two-day Grand Final. Only one night's accommodation to be paid for, the venue changed each year and the emergence of true Spanish champions.
Editor: Carl Eagle
Thank you, all those who have supported us with this first issue.
Happy Bowling
Carl
Contributors: Bob Donnelly, Suzi Cooper, Lynne Bishop, Ruth Compton, Derek Toozer, Phil Hamer, Susan Ward, CyrilMedley, Arthur Brown, Carol Micklefield, John Carr, J & GAldridge, June Jones
Advertising: +34 600 228 616
Design by: The Leader Media Group
Office: +34 600 228 616
Email: office@bowlsespana.com
Editor Email: carlbowlsespana@gmail.com
The Spanish National Squad
During the final months of 2015, members of ourSpanish National Team will be engaged in competing in the European Championships in Israel (11th-15th October) and in the Atlantic Rim Championships in Cyprus (30th November13th December) and Pete Bonsorwill represent Spain in the Champion-of-Champion's competition in Australia.
Following a successful fourday practice-session at Quesada Bowls Club in September, the management are confident that the squad will bring home medals and may well qualify to compete at World Bowls in New Zealand in 2016.
Ourthree photos show:-
ABOVE: Players chosen to represent Spain in the European Championships - Lisa Bonsor, Debbie Colquhoun, Pete Bonsor (team manager), Derek Sale and Darren Johnson.
TOPLEFT:
The squad attending the practise at Quesada Bowls Club
Back Row: Derek Toozer(head coach), Tom Rogers, Bill Pain, Derek Sale, Pete Bonsor,Brian Robertson, Graham Cathcart, Jackie Breslin (asst coach). Front Row: Darren Johnson, Lynn Greenland, Debbie Colquhoun,Lisa Bonsor, Jacqui Johnston, Peta Rhodes and Steve Cantley.
BOTTOM LEFT:
The head Coach, Derek Toozer, instructing the players at Quesada Bowls Club at the practice-session.
World Bowls Law Book
1. All wicks must be pre-declared before the bowl leaves the bowlers hand. Any wicks not predeclared will be deemed as ìJammyî woods. The opposing side may, if they wish, replace all bowls affected by the wick in such a position as they believe was the original location(s). Phrases like ìThatíll teach you, you jammy bastardî are all perfectly reasonable responses and no correspondence will be entered into by the club following such a remark.
2. If the bowler is genuinely trying to draw, come in heavy, or fire into the head and the bowl goes through a gap, without touching any other bowl, then that bowl can be sent back to the bowler to try again. This may only happen for a maximum of 3 times in an end and only if there are at least 3 people who witness the delivery and say ìOooooohî as it just misses. If there are no
Pr Pr oposed oposed Addenda by Phil Hamer ECBC Addenda by Phil Hamer ECBC
ìOooooooohîs, then the gap was too wide in the first instance and they will be deemed to be a shit player and their bowl will be removed from the rink. If they get sufficient ìOooooohîs, but then miss again on the fourth attempt, they will also be deemed to be a shit player and their bowl will be removed from the rink. The ìOooooooîers will be deemed to not know what theyíre talking about and will be told to shut up.
3. Any person who does a wrong bias in a competition (except club sessions), shall have a large red ìDî written on their forehead in indelible ink, to denote ìDunceî and shall leave it there for the remainder of the game. If a further wrong bias is delivered in the same game, they must also play in just their underwear. The only exception to this rule is if they get shot wood on the adjacent rink, whereupon they may
swap players with the person playing in the same position on the other rink and continue their game on that rink.
4. Any bowl which comes to rest within 2 metres of the jack and is the nearest bowl to the jack will, as is currently the case, be deemed ìShot Woodî. If the bowl is the nearest the jack, but is over 2 metres from the jack, it will be deemed ìShit Woodî.
5. It will be perfectly reasonable and sporting to snigger when the opposition fires a wood and misses everything.
6. Following delivery and before the bowl has reached the halfway point on the rink, if you can see that the bowl is crap, upon declaring that a. ìIt slipped out of my handî, b. ìI scuffed the ground with that oneî, c. ìI caught the bowl on my legî, d. ìOH! Thatís gone out too wideî, e. ìThatís a bit heavyî or f. ìOH
NO! Thatís never going to get there!!!î, the bowl shall be stopped before it reaches the head (except in case ìf.î!) and returned to the bowler. The bowler may exercise this rule no more than three times in a row after which they will be wedgied & sent off the green never to play bowls again!
FUNCTIONING OF THE FEDERATION AND LAWN BOWLING
F.E.B (Federacion Espanola de Bolos)
The head of the Federation is the President, who is elected for a four year period by the General Assembly, which comprises approximately 40 people, representing all the different types of bowling within the Federation, and based on the number of members they represent. Lawn Bowling has 5 representatives, who, in theory, should be elected by all Federated members, but, because on the last occasion very little notice was given, the Representatives were selected as the Delegates from the Malaga Region (John Carr), Valencia (Bob Donnelly), and because the Almeria Delegate had just retired, and a new delegate had not been selected, by Graham Marlow. In addition, John Muldoon, as Director of Bowling, and Pat Metcalf were also selected.
These posts are also for four years, and cannot be replaced, and as the last elections were in March 2012, and since that time Graham Marlow and John Carr have resigned their positions, we are left with less representation, although John Carr has attended, when possible.
There are two full-time employees; the General Secretary and the Technical Administrator. The President receives no salary, only expenses.
The running of the Federation is controlled by an Executive Board, appointed directly by the President, which has about 14 members, representing all the different types of bowls played, and these meet three or four times a year. At present our representative is Bob Donnelly.
F.B.C.V.
(Federacion
de Bolos de la Comunidad Valenciana)
The General Assembly meets once a year in Madrid, usually in March, to approve the budgets, etc. as any A.G.M. would.
THE 2015 BBC MASTERS
This is organised on a similar basis to the F.E.B., albeit on a smaller scale. The four- yearly election for President and committee is held at a two-year lag from the F.E.B. i.e. the last elections were 2014. The General Assembly should represent the numbers of members in each type of bowls played, but, as only one of our bowlers put their name forward for election (Bob Donnelly),we are under-represented. This is our own fault as all clubs displayed a notice explaining the importance of us being represented. There is an Executive Board comprising the President, Secretary and Treasurer, and an A.G.M. is held every year, although it is poorly attended.
Valencia Delegate
Bob Donnelly
FUNDING
At present members pay to be Federated to the F.E.B. plus a fee to the Regional Federation, in ourcase the F.B.C.V. The money to the F.E.B. is then supplemented by a subvention from the Sports Council (CSD), to assist with the running of the FEB and grants forInternational players who are Spanish Nationals This is only ten-pin bowlers (bowling) and palm bowlers (bolas palma), because all of the othergames are eitherregional orlocal. As none of ourNational team are Spanish Nationals, they do not receive any funding. The F.E.B. give grants to National events, which, in ourcase, is the National Championships and to the National Grass Green Championships (which has not been held recently)
The F.B.C.V. receives a small grant from the Valencian Government which is split between ten-pin bowling and ourselves, as we are the two main sports in ourRegion, apart from about 26 players from two othersports.
The competition came to a close after 4 excellent days of bowling with sunshine throughout. This is arguably the best format on the Costa Blanca with teams of five playing all four disciplines over 4 days ñ the first two days were singles and rinks followed by the last two days of triples and pairs. The photograph is of the winning team ìPESCADORESî from left to right:Brian Doggett (President) Clive English, Chris Evans, Alex Fisher, Gail Chick, Sponsor Salvadore from Vives Pons, and Harry Chick.
PERCHARD SEALS LA MARINA VICTORY IN SABA SUMMER THREE DAY TRIPS
The 2015 SABA Summer 3-Day trips competition was held at La Marina from the 20th to 22nd of June. The group winners were Alan Castle, Jan and Peter Parsons, who dominated group ‘A’ winning all five games, Arthur Brown, Maggie Furness and Martin Foulcer who were unbeaten in Group ‘C’, Terry Perchard. Mike Smith, and Barbara Forshaw who won all but one game in Group ‘D’. But Group ‘B’ was the cliff-hanger,going down to the last end with three teams all on 6 points going into the last game, but Tom Spencer, Kathy and Jim Manning managed to pull it off on the last end to qualify with a 4-shot
advantage over Keith and June Jones and Colin Lindgren.
Terry Perchard and Tom Spencer’s teams were too strong for Martin Foulcer’s and Alan
Castle’s Teams, respectively, in the semi-finals and this brought us to a final which was probably decided by a bowl played by Terry Perchard which would have been worthy
of the title of 'Bowl of the Tournament'. This converted a 3-shot-down situation into a 1-shot-up position, where it did not look possible to do this. Well done Terry !
SABA SABA Revenge is sweet for Jackson Revenge is sweet for Jackson
The SABA Knockout competition, played throughout the summer, ended in the Finals played at Quesada Bowls Club.
In the Mixed Triples final Montemar's Geraldine and Gordon Fisher, with replacement Chris Merry, were overcome by
Quesada trio Marianne Holtham, Bill Pain and Pete Bonsor. Mixed Pairs finalists Carol Broomfield and Nigel Baigent gained another victory for Quesada, beating Judy Carrol and Derek Cooper of San Luis.
The Men's Pairs final was a replay of last year and took the two Colins from San Luis, Jackson and Lindgren, to an extra end against Bill Pain and Pete Bonsor, who retained their title, despite having trailed 19-8 after eleven ends. The Ladies' Pairs team from La Siesta, Beryl Styring and Irene Mangan, beat Marrianne Holtham and Carol Broomfield of Quesada. Colin Jackson took his revenge in the Men's Singles, thrashing Pete Bonsor 21-7. In the Ladies' final Sandra Heath, who
had beaten the holder Peta Rhodes 21-13 in the semi-final, went on to win against Ann Marie Stevenson of Vistabella.
18th IBERIAN OPEN AT JAVEA GREEN BOWLS CLUB
We cannot believe that there has ever been a better set of Finals at the Javea Bowls Club Iberian Open.
This highly- competitive, prestigious and lucrative tournament, with over 3,500 prize money, came to an end, with some fabu-
lous bowling served up for the spectators. Not for the first time in its long history, the Finals had to be spread over two days due to the storms experienced earlier in the week. It is impossible to congratulate everyone but we have to mention the Mixed Triples Final which came to a fantastic finale as the team of Rod Warnes, Chris Evans and Clive English overturned a twoshot deficit entering the 17th end to beat Yvonne Browne, Bert McLean and Yvonne Bridon. On Sunday the Ladies Rinks came down to the very last shot of the match when skip Carol Meare took out the shot-bowl to secure a narrow victory for her, Olive Lutz, Jenny Rich and Carol Davey, against Christine Mawson, Sheila Lucas, Mary Cockell and Maggie Lawley. Yet another fantastic match saw Dudley Davies play, possibly, the shot of the tournament, again on the last end, to ensure that he and his wife Carol beat homeplayers Matt Taylor and Velia Wood to earn a 400 first prize and a 500 bonus in the Mixed Aussie Pairs! If that was not
enough to satisfy the most eager spectator, the Ladies’ Singles went to 28 ends before Chris Evans finally won an incredible tussle with Gail Chick by 21 to 20. In the other disciplines, Alex Fisher beat John Coates in the Gents’ Singles and possibly became the oldest winner ever, at the age of 79, and the Gents’ Rinks saw a win for Dave Gardiner, Denis Reeves, John Pittaway and Clive English against Jonathan Barr, David Meare, Phil Woodhead and John North. Player of the Tournament went to Chris Evans.
Finally a special thanks to Chris Evans for organising this 18th Iberian Open in such a splendid way. The amount of time that she has devoted over the two weeks has been immense, whilst playing herself in all four disciplines! Also, our thanks to Bill Barrie for ably assisting and offering guidance. Javea Green Bowls Committee and its Members would like to thank all the competitors from other northern Costa Blanca clubs, BBC, Bonalba, El Cid and Finca Guila for their participation and support.
CHAMPIONS CHAMPIONS WE ARE THE WE ARE THE
Players from as far as Tenerife and Lauro Golf on the Costa del Sol travelled to the Southern Costa Blanca to participate in the 2015 Spanish National Championships.
Winners of the Singles events were Jan Dando and Pete Bonsor
In the Menís rinks both teams comfortably progressed to the final. Cliff Plaisted, Noel Davis, Fred Willshire and Chris Collier (San Miguel) finally losing out to William Holtham, John Muldoon, Bill Pain and Pete Bonsor (Quesada).
The Ladiesítriples final was played between Peta Rhodes, Jacqui Johnston and Lisa Bonsor (Quesada) and Debbie Colquhoun, Gill Atkinson and Jenny Thompson (Indalo). The Quesada ladies took control of this match from the beginning, finally winning by 7 shots.
In the Menís triples, last yearís champions John Muldoon, Bill Pain and Pete Bonsor (Quesada) progressed steadily to the final while Dennis Birkett, Brian Patton and Peter Whitehall (Country Bowls) stormed their way through, winning all of their matches by at least 10 shots. The final was a nip and tuck game played at the end of the day. It sounded as though every member of Country Bowls was cheering their team on. One end changed the course of
Matches were held at both the San Luis and Quesada Clubs.
Following on from the Pre Nationals Open Pairs event the National proper got underway ten days ago during which time there was some amazing bowling; some anticipated results and some that were totally unexpected.
The Ladies rinks was marred by 2 teams having to withdraw in the quarter finals due to ill health on the fateful Thursday when temperatures reached low 40s in the shade.
In the semis Peta Rhodes, Marianne Holtham, Jacqui Johnston and Lisa Bonsor (Quesada) defeated Sue Johnson, Jan Pocock, Lyn Greenland and Lin Miller (Greenlands) and then Norma Lamberton, Eve Blythe, Carol Broomfield and Diane Riley made it an all Quesada final by defeating Debbie Colquhoun, Gill Atkinson, Jan Dando and Jenny Thompson (Indalo). The final started off as a close affair but the experienced team, skipped by Lisa Bonsor, were the eventual winners by 9 shots.
the game when the Quesada trio were holding 5 and with his final bowl Peter Whitehall trickled off a wing bowl to reduce the score to 1. On the final end the shot changed almost with every bowl but it was the Country Bowls trio who took the title.
In the LadiesíPairs the semi-finals were both Quesada v Indalo.
In the first of these Peta Rhodes and Lisa Bonsor (Quesada) defeated fellow squad members Debbie Colquhoun and Jan Dando (Indalo).
The recent CBBAChampion of Champions finalists Mel Highland and Jacqui Johnston (Quesada) took the honours over Gill Atkinson and Jenny Thompson (Indalo). The final of this game was extremely tight, going down to the wire with the scores at 16 apiece going into the final end. Mel and Jacqui eventually took the silverware by just a single shot.
ABOVE: The proud winners displaying their medals and trophies BELOW: Jan Dando bowling her way to success in the Ladies Singles
In the Menís pairs there were some upsets. The favoured pairings of Colin Jackson and Mal Hughes (San Luis) went out in the first round, as did the father and son combination Graham and Robert Cathcart (Tenerife) while the winners of the pre-tournament pairs Jason Prokopowycz and Derek Sale progressed to the final. In the other side of the draw
2 Costa del Sol teams came through to the semi Terry Morgan and Jeff Pitt (Belplaya) eventually lost to Mac Roberts and Tom Rogers (Lauro Golf). However, in the final, Jason and Derek took the honours.
In the Ladiesísingles last yearís Champion withdrew during her first match due to illness. Her opponent Pauline Robinson (Tenerife) made it to the semi-final before being defeated by 2013 champion Jan Dando (Indalo). In the opposite end of the draw Pat McEwan (San Miguel) took some notable scalps on her way to the semi-final where she lost to Nina McKenzie (Mazarron). The experience of Jan took her through to win the LadiesíSingles for the 2nd time in 3 years.
Last yearís Menís Singles runner up Mal Hughes (San Luis) went out to Brian Robertson (Mazarron) who was defeated in
the next match by Terry Morgan from Bel Playa (Costa del Sol). Terry progressed all the way to the semi-final where he fell to Jason Prokopowycz (Quesada). In the other half of the draw reigning champion Pete Bonsor played steadily throughout to the final. In the final Pete played exhibition standard bowls to win the title for the second year. This year in place of the Player of the Tournament there was a Personality of the Tournament prize. Kevin Reardon of The Leader newspaper presented the award to Mac Roberts (Lauro) who with his doddering, cantankerous style won the hearts of many of the players, officials & spectators. In closing the competition the National Director paid tribute the organisers, the players and the spectators for what had been a truly wonderful National Tournament.
Malcolm Roberts from Lauro BC won the Personality of the Tournament prize, nothing to do with his rather unique style although it certainly got him noticed.
J J ASMINE RET ASMINE RET AIN AIN CHAMPIONS LEA CHAMPIONS LEA GUE GUE
First, congratulations to the winners of the Northern League, El Cid, and to the Southern winners: Blue Division Greenlands Jasmine, Red Division Vistabella Vikings and Green Division Vistabella Saxons, all of whom were presented with their winners' trophies at the North v South play-off at Monte Mar. Many thanks to June Jones for organising the Leagues, in her usual efficient manner, during the last three months. And what an exciting play off! - no points for overall shots, just points per discipline
making a total of 10 points available. The setting was great; sunny and hot but, thankfully, a good breeze to take the edge off. In the final,the ladies' singles went toSandra Heath (Greenlands)playing Ros Dingle (El Cid) 21 -12 and the men's to Mike Edwards (Gn) playing Derek Eldon (El Cid) 21 -14with all players showing their excellent drawing skills.The Pair of Sue Johnson & Steve Hibberd (Gn) played well against Ian Brown & Derek Randall (El Cid) losing 8-19, but what a nail-biter in the triples
where, after 17 ends, the score was 17-17, although earlier,after 9 ends, El Cid were 5 - 11 down and fought back valiantly to equalise. Last end and the ladies from El Cid - Lynne Eldon, Hazel Brown & Yvonne Briden picked up the 1 shot needed to beat Brian Tomlin, Avril Toozer & Mel Brown.The rinks was an equally-impressive match. Not to be outdone, it was 14-14 after 16 ends ... El Cid having been 5-12 down after 11 ends.
Greenlands players Sheila Stead, Jan Westall, Florence Edwards and
Steve Cantley just pulled away over the last 2 ends winning 17-14 against Paul Trunchion,Anita Randall, AdrianLambert and Jack Wardrop. Excellent bowling from everyone, played inthe true spirit of the game! SoGreenlands Jasmine won for the second year running, 6-4 and shots 84-77. Well done!
A big thank you to the supporters who applauded all the good bowls (of which there were plenty) which added a great atmosphere to the event, and to Monte Mar for the use of their green and the excellent meal afterwards.
Casa Ventura Leisure Centre Casa Ventura Leisure Centre
Home to San Luís Bowls Club Home to San Luís Bowls Club
Located in the quiet urbanisation of San Luís, not far from the Habaneras Commercial Centre and Torrevieja, Casa Ventura serves both the local expat community and Summer visitors. Facilities include a large leisure pool set in woodland, indoor and outdoor bars and a restaurant with a menu that includes Sunday Lunch. There is a large Function Room and a new Activity Room, with mirror wall, which serves the Keep Fit, Line Dancing, Yoga, Zumba and other classes held weekly. The Wednesday Auctions are very popular and there is also a Crazy Golf Course to keep the children amused.
SAN LUÍS BOWLS CLUB's superb green is part of the complex and there is a good viewing area for spectators who can watch some of Spain's finest bowlers in action. The club is unique in having a President who is also the owner of the premises and an experienced bowler himself. It is a friendly club and new members are always welcome. Those who would like to try lawn bowls for the first time can turn up on a Thursday morning and be kittedout, given some basic tuition and have fun, all for a modest five euro.
The marvellous pool
The new activity room
The Crazy Golf course
Owner Vic Slater is a leading figure in the successful bowls club
The function room also serves as a theatre
What goes into the making of a good Skip
Good skips are not born and experience is one of the first attributes needed for success. Experience of playing in every position is essential and watching and learning from the skips you play for is part of that experience.
An aspiring skip must have the technical ability to play every shot with confidence, be that draw, trail, 'chap and lie' or drive. Before he takes his players on the green, he should also know the abilities of each of them.
To build a head, see dangers, counter opponentsístrategies and see scoring opportunities, a skip must be a master tactician. He must be vigilant and note every bowl played by both teams to identify any opposition weaknesses.
Askip must be a good communicator and able to give clear verbal and signed instructions in an able manner.
To be inspiring, a skip should be personable and listen, encourage and sympathise with his players in a friendly way, consulting them when appropriate, but he should also give firm and clear instructions, making brave decisions when he has to. To deal with that inevitable wobbly wood or wrong bias, he also needs a sense of humour.
Imoved to Nebraska to be with Deborah and love it out here. There is no lawn bowling near here; it all takes place in the South East, about 2,000 miles away. I play a lot of golf nowadays and work on a golf-course. I also coach High School soccer and our team is doing well.
My mother, Liz,is back in the UK near her family but comes out here for long holiday and loves touring the Mid West.
I am very happy out here and am fortunate to have married the woman I have needed all my life. I have made many
good friends since I came here. I enjoy watching American football and baseball but still love soccer and
went to see Steve Gerrard and the LAGalaxy play at Denver in August.
We are hoping that all of the clubs will join in this bit of fun and help us to raise a bob or two for a good cause. If anyone at your club, other than a very new learner, bowls a wrong-bias, they should be encouraged to send us five euro, via your club's BowlsEspana distributor. When we receive the money, we will make out a special certificate, like the sample above, which will
be returned to the club and displayed somewhere. This will show that the culprit has suffered !
We are not sure which charity we should support and I should like you to send me an email with your suggestion and we will choose the most popular. I look forward to hearing from you.
The sport is always indebted to our generous sponsors
138 competitors, from 12 different clubs, descended on the picturesque Miraflores Bowls Club, between Malaga and Marbella, to play in the F.A.B. Andalucian Bowling Championships. The Almeria area was represented by 3 clubs; Cabrera, Indalo and Almeria Bowling Clubs and the Malaga area was represent by 9 different clubs.
The competition was run over 6 days and played in perfect weather conditions.
After some very long, and eagerlycontested matches, with plenty of spectator encouragement, the results were as follows:
The Ladies’ Singles Final was played between Maggie Holmes and Christine Ivin from the Indalo BC. After some very skilful bowling by both players, Maggie came out the eventual winner 21 to 15.
Maggie was also a finalist in the Ladies’ Pairs playing with Doreen Hall from Indalo BC against Simone Morgan and Pat Fisher from Superbowl. After a very hard-fought game, Maggie and Doreen won 18 to 17 on the last end which was an amazing achievement, considering Maggie only had a short break between the two finals. Maggie also won Ladies’ Player of the Championships, a great result for the Almeria area.
The Men’s Singles Final was played by Jeff Turner from Miraflores BC versus Marcus Smith from Belplaya BC. Marcus came out the winner with some amazingly-accurate bowling 21 to 11.
The Men’s Pairs Final was played between Dave Sewell and Barry Jones from Indalo BC and Chris Down and Mike Detheridge from
Winners of the Ladies’ and Gents’ Singles
Adozen clubs contest Andalucian Championships
Miraflores BC. Chris and Mike stormed ahead and won the match 22 to 9 with some fantastic shot-making which the opposition found very difficult to match.
The Rinks Final was contested between Jenny Thompson, Gill Atkinson, Bob Green and Debbie Colquhoun from Indalo BC against David Owen Scott, Julian Thomas, Jenny Parkin and Dorothy Pilmoor from Lauro Golf and Bowls Club. It was a very competitive and tense match but eventually David’s team came out on top, winning against Jenny’s team 19 to 14. Again the bowling was of a very high standard and the spectators were treated to some really wonderful match-play.
The competition, which was sponsored by Black Tower and Avalon Funeral Plans, was wonderfully organised by Susan Walker, assisted by Rosemary Hussey from Santa Maria Bowls Club and all the competitors really enjoyed some wonderful hospitality, as well as having
RESULTS SUMMARY
the opportunity to meet and play against other players in the Andalucian area.
At the presentation John Carr, FAB representative for Malaga province, thanked staff, headed by Craig & Sandra Lewis of Miraflores BC, for doing an outstanding job. He also expressed gratitude to the sponsors, participants, spectators, umpires and markers. Finally, John mentioned the work of Margaret Kain in recruiting a record entry, before handing the proceedings to Competition Secretary, Susan Walker, to award trophies and prizes to winners and finalists.
Report by Almeria Area Press Officer, Carolyn Micklefield and John Carr. Photos by Jennie and Garry Aldridge. Visit www.bowlinginspain.com, Events section for a fully illustrated report.
Discipline Winners Finalists
Mens’ SinglesMarcus SmithJeff Turner
Ladies’ SinglesMaggie HolmesChris Ivin
Mens’ PairsChris Down & Mike DetheridgeBarry Jones, David Sewell
Ladies’ PairsMaggie Holmes & Doreen HallPat Fisher & Simone Morgan
Vistabella Winners: Ann Marie Stevenson, Steve Pearson & Ian Kenyon
Emerald Isle Runners Up: Sandra Cavanagh, Yvonne Mallaburn & Frank Close
WRITTEN BY BOB DONNELLY
TRUE STORY TRUE STORY
I suppose the world should I suppose the world should know of the happenings in know of the happenings in Perth some years ago. I am Perth some years ago. I am assured by one of the people assured by one of the people involved that this is not an involved that this is not an urban myth! (I refrain from urban myth! (I refrain from mentioning names to avoid mentioning names to avoid giving of giving of fence.)
The story goes that Player The story goes that Player A A (the third) collapses on the (the third) collapses on the green just as Player B (the green just as Player B (the skip) is about to let go of his skip) is to let go of his bowl. bowl. The others call out to B The others call out to B to stop. B has a look and to stop. B has a look and responds with "It's OK, I can responds with "It's OK, I can draw around him!" draw around him!" The claim The claim is that is that A A heard this and this is heard this and this is the thing which gave him the the thing which gave the will to survive his heart will to survive his heart attack. attack.
PRESIDENT’S CUP GOES
TO VISTABELLA AFTER DRAMATIC EXTRA END
This prestigious three day tournament was held at Vistabella B.C. on 13-15
June, and played in a 2-wood triples format. Together with good weather and fine organisation, the bowling was of a high standard with some very close results. In the semi-finals was Tony French, Maggie Furness and Martin Foulcer of Vistabella against
Sandra Kavanagh, Yvonne Mallaburn and Frank Close of Emerald Isle, which went into the 18th end with one shot between the teams, with the E.I. trio winning the battle. The other semi was an all Vistabella game between Steve Pearson, Ann Marie Stevenson and Ian Kenyon against Beryl Regan, Andy Leggatt and Mike Regan, who struggled against a team who
FR FR O O M THE RINK M THE RINK ::
were on top form. The final of Ianís trio against Frankís was tooth-and-nail throughout the game, culminating in equal scores after 18 ends, so an extra end was played, which Vistabella managed to hold. An excellent competition played in a competitive but friendly and sportsmanlike manner, for which thanks must go to everybody taking part.
“Practise like you never won, Play like you never lost.”
The Friendly Bowlers’ Luncheon Club
Itall started about ten years ago when I arranged a lunch for a group of club members. I told friends how much I used to enjoy Sunday lunch
out with friends when I lived in the UK and, now that I no longer had to work midweek, I could enjoy a similar lunch any day of the week in Spain.
I was pressed to arrange another group lunch and people asked if they could bring friends. The second lunch, at Meson el Prado in San Miguel, attracted about a hundred people. I could see where this was leading and was not prepared to have to discriminate and turn people away because the restaurant could not cope with so many.
I solved the problem by saying that I would form a club that would meet for lunch every month at a different venue. Membership would cost ten euros a year. Only fifty turned up at the first meeting of The Friendly Bowlers’ Luncheon Club - problem solved! For seven happy years I organised monthly luncheons for between fifty and
one hundred people. We had our favourites and returned to Meson el Prado and Rebate every year. We even travelled together by train to Lorca on one occasion and set sail from Santa Pola together, to lunch on the Isle of Tabarca.
John Featherstone and his family were keen supporters and he helped me on a number of occasions, so I was pleased to hand over to John a couple of years ago. He has carried on introducing new venues for the friendly crowd.
If you are a bowler and would like to join them, then phone John today. Of course you can bring friends. His number is 966720181/696160294
Winning Ways
Ihave been asked to write a coaching column, so I thought the first offering should be an introduction to me and my aims for advancement of the bowlers in Spain.
I am Ruth, the Director of Spanish National Bowls Coaching Scheme, SNBCS, dedicated to training bowlers to become coaches, with the aim of having a competent coach in each of the clubs here in Spain.
I am a high-performance coach, trained in sports psychology, nutrition and sports therapies.
Wherethe mindgoes sodoesthe body
In each issue I will produce a bowling skill for you to test yourself; an article to make you think.
So letís start with the basics.
The draw shot is the basic shot of the game, and when broken down into its parts, it is very relevant to the total game.
Can you consistently draw to the object you are bowling to, be it jack or bowl, end up on the side of the green you started from, stopping within a mat-length of the object, (thatís 24î in old money 62cm metric). And if you can, do you know how you achieved this? Can you adjust to different lengths with the same results and, if not, do you know why not?
This is where the coach plays their part.
They can see you in ways that you cannot. They understand how the muscles control the actions of the delivery and can provide the subtle suggestion as to how a slight modification of the delivery will advance your skills.
WW Skill Draw to an object
How to test and score
FIRST SKILL
Set mat on 2m length
Jack at 23mt
SECOND SKILL
Set mat on 2m length
Jack on T
SCORING
2 points if bowl ends within 24î on side bowled. 1 if within 24î but crosses centre line
Spend 10min on each object keep a record of your success and failures. Once you have a pattern you can see what to work on and approach a coach for assistance.
New Coaches for Costa Blanca
Ruth Compton, Director of The National Bowls Coaching Scheme, conducted a three-day training session at Bonalba Bowls Club, instructing bowlers from four different clubs applying for Bronze Coaching Certificates. She was ably-assisted by Bronze Coaches, Keith and June Jones, as part of their experience to qualify for the Silver Coach awards.
Nine students took the course. Eight passed on the day with one taking the final step later in the year.
John Pittaway of Javea Green (refresher course and grade to Bronze Coach), John Hendrick, Trefor Evens,and Bob Trantor of Benitachell, Dennis Birkett and Carole Donnellan of Country Bowls, and Sue Elvin, Doug Brown and Peter Harris of Bonalba all received their certificates.
Ruth congratulated them all for working so hard in very trying weather conditions. 'Bowlers in Spain will certainly benefit from their enthusiasm and knowledge of coaching.' she said.
Afurther course is planned later in the year in South Alicante.
By Ruth Compton
Bonalba President Doug Brown receiving his Coaching Award from National Director of the National Bowls Coaching Scheme, Ruth Compton
NEWCOMERS TAKE VALENCIA’S BLUE-RIBBON TITLES
Without any major sponsors, I think it would be fair to say that there were some doubts going into the Valencian Community Bowls Championship. It ended last week with the semi finals and finals at San Miguel Bowls Club, but all credit to the organising committee chaired by FEB Delegate Bob Donnelly, we have just seen one of the best-run bowls tournaments held on the Costa Blanca in recent years.
The competition was held over a two-week period at the Emerald Isle, La Siesta and San Miguel Bowls Clubs and, at every stage, we saw excellent performances. Ranked players tumbled to complete outsiders, with the result that the two premier finals, the Menís and the LadiesíSingles events, threw up the names of four bowlers who, going into Round One, would not have attracted too much attention, and, certainly, little surprise had they gone out at that early stage.
Bowling on home turf, Drew Gerrard dislodged singlesífavourite Pete Bonsor, a current Spanish International, in a dramatic semifinal which he won by a single shot, 21-20, on the very last end. Ian Kenyon of Vistabella, meanwhile, overturned one of the countryís most consistent bowlers, Keith Jones, in an equally exciting match.
The pair then went on to thrill the crowd on Saturday afternoon in a final in which neither player held more than a 2 shot advantage, and
that Drew eventually edged, after 26 ends, when he finally pulled away to win by 21-17.
The LadiesíFinal was an all-Monte Mar affair between good friends Sue Kemp and Pauline Woodfine. Unfortunately, Pauline was unable to claw her way back into the game after Sue had established an early lead, which she built on throughout the match. Final score 21-4.
Sabrina Marks and June Jones of San Luis were always on top in their Ladies Pairs final against Lyn Miller and Chris Parsons, despite the latter twosome having a home advantage.
The San Miguel players did achieve the loudest cheer of the week when they won their first point, trailing ,at that stage, 20-0 on the eighth end. Sabrina and June ran out comfortable winners , 29-4.
The Menís Pairs was held on the previous day bringing together Ian Kenyon and Tony
French from Vistabella and Pete Bonsor and Bill Pain of Quesada.
Going into the final end Bonsor and Pain held a 3-shot advantage but the VB pair picked up 4 to take the title 19-18.
Winners of the Men’s and Ladies Singles, Men’s and Ladies Pairs and the Mixed Rinks
The Opening Ceremony
The organising committee
Sue
Mixed Rinks Finalists in deep thought
In the Mixed Pairs we had husband and wife pairing of Lynne and Eric Bishop of VIstabella in another final; this time against Ann Allen and Stuart Denholm of San Miguel. The advantage changed a couple of times with San Miguel 17-15 after 14 ends, but with 3 and 4 to Vistabella on the next two ends, they took the lead at a crucial stage. San Miguel picked up 3 on the 17th end, but on the last end Lynne drew an early shot, and despite San Miguelís best efforts it remained there, giving a 23-20 win to Vistabella.
The Mixed Triples encounter between Keith Jones, Colin Lindgren and June Jones of San Luis against Eric Bishop, Maggie Furness and Lynne Bishop of Vistabella always promised to be one of the highest- quality encounters of the tournament, and so it proved to be, with some excellent trail- shots and pinpoint accuracy by both sides where 6 or 8 woods were within a foot of the jack, and it looked as if there was no possible way to draw another winner. However, it was the San Luis trio who managed to win the battle, despite being behind 7-5 after 6 ends . They picked up a 6 on the next end, from which they never looked back, as they continued to widen the gap, with Vistabella conceding after the 16th end, when they were losing 11-24. This result in no way reflected the closeness in quality between the two teams.
No looking back for the winners of the Ladies’ Pairs
Kemp and Drew Gerrard
Mixed Pairs Winners, Eric and Lynne Bishop
Ian Kenyon and Tony French,
Keith Jones and co went out in the
Colin Lindgren, June and Keith Jones
The Mixed Fours Competition saw Jacqui Johnston, Barry Armstrong, Colin and Mel Highland of Quesada facing current holder, Vistabellaís Eric and Lynne Bishop, Charlie Watkins and Ken Cuthbert and this proved to be another nail biting affair. The VB foursome held a narrow advantage through to the 15th end but a late surge from the eventual winners, the team from Quesada, edged them into the lead when it mattered most. Final score 12-9 after the 18 ends.
Presentations and the closing-ceremony took place in brilliant sunshine on Saturday afternoon, after yet another first-class event in which the Valencian Delegate thanked the owners, proprietors and marshals at the Emerald Isle, La Siesta and San Miguel Bowls Clubs for their outstanding support. He ended his closing dialogue by then picking out the organising committee of Fred Trigwell, June Jones and Pam Lockett for their sterling efforts in ensuring the continued success of bowls in the community and, in particular, this 2015 Competition.
TOURNAMENTRESULTS
Menís Singles Drew Gerrard beat Ian Kenyon 21-17
LadiesíSinglesSue Kemp beat Pauline Woodfine 21-4
LadiesíPairsSabrina Marks and June Jones beat Lyn Millerand Chris Parsons 29-4
Menís PairsIan Kenyon and TFrench beat Pete Bonsorand Derek Pain 19-18
Mixed PairsEric and Lynne Bishop beat Ann Allen and Stuart Denholm 23-20
Mixed TriplesKeith Jones, Colin Lindgren, June Jones beat Eric Bishop, Maggie Furness, Lynne Bishop 24-11
Mixed RinksJ Johnston, B Armstrong, C Highland, M Highland beat E Bishop, K Cuthbert, C Watkins, LBishop 12-9
Men’s Pairs Champions
Mixed Rinks Semi
The early stages of the Ladies’ Singles Final
Petanca League ends in SUMMER SUNSHINE
WBySusanWard
hat a fabulous, friendly and fiercely-fought summer it has been for The Summer Sunshine Petanca League.
It all ended with a great presentation afternoon, when the winners and runners-up of the two divisions were presented with their well-earned trophies and medals.
The presentation took place in The Centro Civico in Playa Flamenca, where
all but two teams were represented.
103 people attended and boy.. were they a noisy bunch at times ? A real party spirit - which was brilliant !
Geoff provided the music, which was in keeping with our age-group. He was clever in choosing tracks appropriate to the teams who were collecting their rewards. Well done and a big thank you Geoff.
'Maria, the fabulous flamenco dancer, entertained us with superb routines.
Simon Morton, from Sunshine Radio, together with the chairperson of the league, Jacqui Lopez, presented the trophies and medals to the following teams:-
DIVISION A 1stRocajuna 2ndLaguna Rosa
DIVISION B 1stDominoes McCoys 2ndGuardamar
Terrifically well done to you all !
All great leagues need sponsors, and our thanks
go to Dominoes Bar and Sunshine Radio who have generously sponsored us, without which most clubs and leagues would have struggled, so a Huge Thank You to them.
There was a very boozythemed raffle which raised 120 euros for funds and another 60 euros, which was donated to The Pink Ladies from the entry fees.
Thanks also go to the committee, bars and clubs who have hosted various meeting over the season. Attention now has turned to the Winter league, which runs from October through to March. If there are any teams interested in playing in this league, please contact Brenda via email on sunshine.radio.petanca@ gmail.com
Division B ChampionsDOMINOES MCCOYS
LAGUNA ROSA
A PETANCA CHAMPION IN THE MAKING
Twelve-year-old Ben Kernahan is making a name for himself in the Costa Blanca circle of petanca clubs. He has a fine collection of trophies, all won in competitions against seasoned grown-ups.
His parents, Colin and Sarahanne, left Scotland a few years ago to settle in Sunny Spain, bringing with them many years of experience in the licensed trade. Their thriving premises, The Domino Bar at Urbanisation Las Barcas, is a true Sports Bar with live sport on eleven screens. There are pool, darts and petanca teams, a golf society, walking club and chess and cribbage competitions.
Young Ben regularly plays in the petanca leagues, alongside his
parents, when free from his school studies, and has earned himself quite a reputation as an accurate 'bomber' on the piste.
Both Ben and his pretty, elder sister Jo, help in the bar and restaurant, which serves food all day at modest prices. It is especially busy at weekends, when Sunday Lunch is always fully booked.
The woodland petanca area, adjoining the bar, has just been further improved with a further covered spectator area, ready for the new season. Ben can't wait to get stuck in !
Domino Barenquiries and bookings Tel: 694 494 697
Colin celebrates a Colin celebrates a good win in style good win in style
The woodland piste
Ben and some of the club members
Itwas a pleasant afternoon on the allotments. The sun was shining and a gentle breeze turned the flower-beds into a rippling sea of colour. Since his wife died, this little patch of earth had been Harryís whole life. He spent practically all his time tending and nurturing what he regarded as his family.
When he had completed all the necessary jobs, he relaxed on his bench-seat and admired the fruits of his labour. He took in the smell emanating from the flowers, and allowed his mind to wander in any direction it wanted, whilst he enjoyed a cuppa brewed on the old primus in his pristine tool-shed.
old self. She never did, but he did sit there more than once, looking to the skies, as he thanked her for that life- changing kick when he needed it.
By CMedley
of San Miguel Bowls Club
He drifted into thinking about his dear wife, Edna, lover, companion and friend for almost forty years, who had passed away nearly eighteen months ago. He recalled her zest for living and the full life they spent together. He remembered, vividly, their skiing trips and cruises. There never seemed to have been a dull moment.
As he mused more about their past, he came to the conclusion that, during the last few months, his life had become boring and sedentary. He had done nothing, been nowhere, met nobody and, although he loved his plants, he realized he was in a rut. Would Edna have led such a tepid, unexciting life if he had been the one to go? Would she have wanted him to live the life of a hermit? Definitely not !
In his reverie he could hear her voice, ëHarry, weíve had our life together, youíre only sixty three, you have plenty of years in front of you, donít just throw them away, donít let your life slowly decompose. I know youíll never stop loving me, but life goes on.í
He jerked back to reality, looking quickly this way and that as though he was expecting to see her there. Of course she wasnít, but he knew now what he had to do. Heíd been living in the past too long; it was time to start again. Time to listen to Ednaís advice and stop wasting the one chance at life we all get.
For the following few months he certainly didnít inhabit the same monotonous existence he had unwittingly imposed upon himself. He tried golf, and although he enjoyed the game, he found he only met a limited number of people. When he tried tennis, the club members seemed a little too snooty for his taste, so he moved on to keep-fit classes where he made a number of new acquaintances but didnít meet anyone with whom he could form a meaningful friendship.
Disappointed with his lack of success in meeting somebody, he was almost ready to give up and return to the allotment and his old life. However, he decided heíd give it one more chance. He joined the local bowls club and found he enjoyed the relaxed pace of the game, also because of the number of club members in his age- group; there were plenty of opportunities for socializing.
He kept the old allotment, but only in the hope that one day Edna would return to tell him how well he was doing and now more like his
‘It seemed a little odd that, although they were agreeing to a bowling liaison, not a word was said about how good they were. It was as if they knew that it didn’t really matter.’
As much as he enjoyed the game with the little chats afterwards, he quickly realized there was one unforeseen snag when it came to playing bowls. Many of the games were mixed sexes, which meant he had to find a regular lady partner, but unfortunately many of the players were married couples. The single ladies and gentlemen, mostly widows or widowers, were long-time members having established partnerships. Heíd been approached by one lady; however it soon became apparent why she was on her own. She appeared, to Harry, to be a little overpowering and liked to be in charge of everything, He wasnít happy, so the partnership didnít last long.
As he spent more and more time watching instead of playing, he became so frustrated at the situation, that he almost reached the conclusion heíd be better off trying something else.
During one of these periods of watching, as he sat alone enjoying a small beer and day -dreaming about being back on his allotment; he was interrupted by a ladyís voice.
ìAre you a member, or merely watching?î
He looked up, but could only see a silhouette of a lady, glass in hand, against the evening sun. He squinted in an attempt to register any facial features, as the voice continued, ìMay I sit down?î
ìOf course, be my guest.î he replied, gesturing to the nearest chair.
ìAnd in answer to your question, Iím both, although at the moment Iím more of a spectator than a player.î
He went on to describe his situation and as she sat down he got his first sight of the owner of the voice. The lady, of around sixty, was smartlydressed; however, it was her face he found extremely fascinating. She wore the merest hint of makeup, but what attracted him most, was the twinkle in her green-blue eyes and the smile permanently dancing around her lips, as if about to burst into laughter. She had a friendly, welcoming expression. He was hooked. The allotment disappeared from his mind.
He was transfixed by her face, but from somewhere in the distance, he heard a voice saying, ìMy experience is very similar to yours. I lost my husband about two years ago and, like you, in an attempt to start living again, Iíve recently become a member. However, I canít find a regular playing partner either; everybody seems to be spoken for.î
Harry, trying hard to concentrate on the conversation, rather than the ladyís face, said, hopefully, ìIf you donít mind me saying, and if you feel the same as I do, I think both our problems have been solved in one fell swoop.î then added, ì By the way, Iím Harry.î
He was delighted to see a smile spread across the ladyís face as she responded, ìI believe youíre right. Iím Angela, Angie to my friends.î
He extended his hand which she accepted warmly. It seemed a little odd that, although they were agreeing to a bowling liaison, not a word was said about how good they were. It was as if they knew that it didnít really matter.
Could it be that Harryís search was finally over? It appeared so, and realizing they both held a glass, they toasted the birth of a new partnership.
Their standard of bowling was nothing to boast about but it quickly became immaterial. To them, the main priority was to enjoy the time together. The weeks passed and their relationship extended well beyond the club. As their friendship flourished it became obvious they were more than just a bowling team. It began with the occasional meal, then progressed from there into being the start of an exciting new life together.
Harry, at Angieís insistence, did keep his allotment; and one day, as he sat on the old bench enjoying a cup of tea, he was sure he heard his Ednaís voice, ìNow youíre happy again, Harry, so am I.î
Peter’s famous father
By Carl Eagle
Peter was in my class at school and let it be known that he could borrow his father's drumkit. It wasn't long before we had put a band together and I was included, mainly because my mother was the only one who would allow us to practice in their house. I did have a Spanish guitar but I couldn't really play it.
And so 'The Seatons' were born and we did play for a few dances.... but were never invited back! One of our school pals made me an amplifier, using a microphone from a telephone and an old valve radio. It was rather poor and, during a break at one rehearsal, we clearly heard a broadcast from the BBC Home Service through the speaker.
Peter never mentioned that his father, Sid, played bowls, although I was often at the park playing tennis and had seen bowlers there. (When Fred Perry
and Dan Maskell had included Whitley Bay Park in their tour of the country, I had been chosen to be coached in public by Fred, so I may be the oldest tennis player still living who faced Fred Perry on court!)
How delighted I was to learn that Sid Drysdale had skipped the gold-medal-winning English team at the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Australia. His team included none other than bowling star, David Bryant.
Since retiring, Peter has kept in touch with all of his old school year-group and organises an annual GetTogether. Last year seventy, sprightly 82-year-olds had lunch together. Donald Armstrong (that's him with the clarinet) is travelling from Australia to be there for this year's gathering in September and suggests that The Seatons play a farewell concert. Some hope!
David Bryant, Tom Fleming & Tom Watson toast Sidney Drysdale after winning the Gold Medal
The SEATONS, with Peter on drums and ‘yours truly’ on Spanish guitar, were born in my front parlour.
F F rank Closes rank Closes in on 2nd title in on 2nd title
CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 2015
Following his great win in the Valencian Championships, Emerald Isle's Frank Close continued his winning ways by taking the Men's Singles title at his home club, beating Roy Mercer of Monte Mar 2116. In The LadiesíSingles, Mel Highland of Quesada beat Ann Marie Stevenson, representing Vistabella Club.
National Champions Keith and June Jones failed in their bid for the Mixed Pairs title this year, losing in an early round to a team from Country Bowls. The title went to John and Jill Albutt who overcame Carl and Ann Eagle in an extra-end decider.
This year Calpe's small club were represented and reached the semi-final of the Mixed Rinks. That final was played out by the team of Mel and Colin Highland, Peta Rhodes and President John Muldoon of Quesada who fell to Land D Eldon, PWardrop and YBridon from El Cid club in a close-fought final.
Mel Highland, who reached three finals, teamed up with newcomer to Quesada, Jaqui Johnston, in the LadiesíPairs but lost to D Lane and S Thompson of Finca Guila by one shot. In the Men's Pairs Keith Jones and Mal Hughes of San Luis club had a convincing victory over the Mazzaron Team of ABenton and M Chambers.
Keith's team also won the Mixed Triples, when he was joined by June and Colin Jackson. They beat El Cid's team of the Eldons playing with Yvonne Brydon, 3225.
President Jean Cooper presented the trophies and thanked the host club and the many spectators who enjoyed a feast of good bowling under a clear blue sky.
Singles Champions Frank Close of the Emerald Isle with Quesadaís Mel Highland.
This is an easy, quick meal to make when you get home after one of those crazy summer games, played during the evening, when any sensible person would be having their dinner.
Premier Twenty Veggie Bake
You will need an onion and sufficient fresh vegetables and potatoes to fill your oven dish,
2-4 eggs and suitable grated cheese for a topping.
I use a microwave to soften a sliced onion in a little oil, adding some herbs and seasoning. Cut up any fresh vegetables you may have into bite-sized pieces and add to the onions with a splash or two of stock (larger chunks of courgettes can be added but carrots should be flaked with a potato-peeler)
Microwave until it all starts to soften up, stir-
ring occasionally, then cut some peeled spuds into small cubes and boil or microwave them until they are fairly soft and put everything into your dish. Add plenty of eggs, season and mix well.
Top with the grated cheese and bake in a moderate oven for half-an-hour. Serve with brown sauce and black pepper and enjoy in front of the TVwith a glass or two; you will be either celebrating your win or drowning your sorrows !
A nice girl who joined Vistabella
Played bowls with a very shy fella
He admired her style
And her beautiful smile
But he hadn't the courage to tell her
An old man who bowled at Quesada
Drank a bottle of Pinacolada
He tripped over the jack
Fell flat on his back
And his skip said 'You'll have to try harder!'.
The future of lawn Bowls
What
do you get for Two Million Pounds?
Areport in Bowls International describes the work of England's Bowls Development Alliance during the last six years. With a pot of £2,120,000 to spend on stepping-up recruitment, it describes their efforts to attract people over 55 and the disabled. As a one-time member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, I can read between the lines and deduce that this huge sum of money was spent with modest effect. With a quarter-of-amillion bowlers in England, the recruitment of 200 disabled bowlers is hardly significant and the picture of a newly-recruited, poor young bowler without hands on the front cover of Bowls International is, in my opinion, misplaced.
Older Private Clubs are threatened
All over the UK, old, well-established clubs are dying. When I bowled in the North East, I played many games at Summerhill Bowling Club, quite near Newcastle city centre. It was established in 1893 and opened by none other than W.G. Grace, who was big in
W.G. Grace was a natural sportsman
bowls as well as cricket. (see antique photograph).
George and Pat Crozier, who played for Emerald Isle in recent years, were prominent members of Summerhill for many years. George, as a youth, joined his father and grandfather and won the prestigious Evening Chronicle Cup. The splendid trophy had been stolen and lost for years until a dredger brought an old car to the surface of the river Tyne and they found the trophy in the boot, in perfect condition. No plastic cups in those days !
If anyone is in touch with George and Pat, please contact me and we may feature them in a future 'Where Are They Now ?' column.
Sadly, Summerhill Bowls Club closed a few years ago and the local residents have formed a community group and make good use of the greens and the old clubhouse -- but not for bowling
Britain's oldest club, built beside The Falcon Inn in Gloucestershire in 1554 has seen its membership drop to 60 players, most of them octogenarians. Past members have included Tony Allcock. Members fear that without an influx of new members soon this wonderful, historic club may also have to close down.
A shattered dream
The most exciting Lawn Bowls venture ever undertaken must be the ìBowlers' Paradiseî built in the Cabrera Hills in Almeria, which ended in disaster.
The vision of entrepreneur Peter Grosscurth and architect Lucas Mazquene, the work began in 1982. Anew road up the mountain had to be built, then began the work on three bowling greens with housing for expat bowlers. The new village was called Cortijo Cabrera. David Bryant lent his name to the venture and the club became affiliated to the Federation in 1986.
The new Cabrera Lawn Bowling Club successfully hosted the Spanish National Championships in 1993 but, after the club had taken over the maintenance of the greens a little earlier, the surfaces began to deteriorate. My last memory of the club before it closed down was a visit I made when two greens were derelict and the club members themselves were busy planting Bermuda turf roots on the third green. On my next visit, Cabrera and the other two grass green clubs in the area were unplayable and I joined a few ìrefugeesî on the Sunday morning to bowl at Pueblo Indalo. This was a holiday complex, where the builder had laid a concrete base and stuck a thin green ìcarpetî onto it. It was not 'bowls- as- weknow- it, Jim' -- but better than nothing, I suppose. Happily, this bowling region has fully revived and only last year another new green was opened.
Spain's Bowling Future
In Spain we have special problems. Most of us are retired older people and clubs lose members at a steady rate. Some retire or return to the U.K. and others go to that big bowling green in the sky. In the last few years few have come out here to replace them. England spent more than £2,000,000 on recruitment; what have we
spent here ? Zero ! Most clubs out here have owners looking for profits from higher membership and it is in their interests to recruit new members. Whilst the bowls clubs are merely tenants, of course they want their landlords to profit and continue to run their business.
Afew years ago I became interested in New Age Bowls, a smaller, light, plastic bowl that could be used by players of any age, indoors or outdoors. Bowls England loved them and South Africa had just ordered 200 sets in their recruitment campaign. Aset cost £150 Euro.
Bob Donnelly, forever helpful, could see how the use of these bowls in school here, and in clubs, could lead to the recruitment of young Spanish bowlers. He was good enough to put the idea forward at a Federation meeting. I had agreed to handle a trial at a local school
but the meeting was apathetic and would not support us.
I am sure that a proper approach to the Spanish Education Authority could show them the advantages of having their senior EnglishLanguage pupils in conversation with British expats at bowling clubs. They all learn English but they seldom speak it. Most bowlers would welcome these young people and, who knows, they may well learn a little Spanish.
If any reader can introduce me to a Spanish teacher who could give me the information I need to put this idea to those in authority in Spanish education,I would appreciate it.
When Spanish teams meet U.K. teams they find that they are often old enough to be their grandparents. I can see a time when these young Spaniards, weaned here on New Age Bowls, can put new life into our National Squad.
The site of the three abandoned greens and deserted buildings at Cabrera
An inaugural week-long event was held in 2008 at Vilamoura, Portugal, and the format of the Festival was Fours (any combination), open to deaf bowlers from UK and Ireland. It provided ample opportunities for deaf players and guests to enjoy making new acquaintances in sign language at a bowling green and hotel bars. Ted Vidler was instrumental in initiating the pioneering project and a total of 80 bowlers (20 teams) plus 50 guests stayed at Hotel Ampalius. The project grew from strength-to-strength every year and the 8th Festival was held on mainland Spain for the first time. Portugal is still seen as the "home" venue with occasional outside venues in Tenerife (2012) and Spain (2015). It is not a typical club's bowls tour.
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It's true that lawn bowling is easy
For the old and the daft and the wheezy Bowling close to the jack
Gets a pat on the back
Go to it! Enjoy ! Easy-Peazy!
Aman who approached La Marina
Had invented a new type of cleaner
He showed them, without doubt It sucked all the dust out
He said 'Look at the carpet; it's greener !'
Awizard joined Benitachell
With some woods on which he'd cast a spell
They were TNT-loaded
And when they exploded
Where the jack went, nobody could tell
DEAF GREEN BOWLERS FESTIVAL
By Steve Hibberd
Deaf bowlers fly in from all corners of UK and Ireland. The majority of bowlers (an individual or a couple) play at their local clubs and enjoy the games. However, at tea breaks they have little social interaction, despite their best intentions. At the Festival, all are always happy in sign
language to brag, cackle, laugh and swap jokes all day and night for a week. This year's festival was held at Greenlands Bowls Club, where manager Hayley (with a little help from Pam!!) did the group proud. They were based at Poseidon Playas de Guardamar, an allinclusive hotel set on the beach front. The tour was arranged by Bowling Abroad holidays, and was supervised by tour manager Steve Hibberd.
Next year sees the group travel to Tenerife, then back to Portugal to celebrate their 10th anniversary, before returning to the Costa Blanca (based in Benidorm) in 2018.
In a very close final, Bonnie Dundee beat Sunseakers by 17 shots to 14, thus making amends for finishing runners up last year'.
LIST OF REGISTERED UMPIRES
The list was compiled in 2013 so it is quite probably somewhat out of date; still makes for interesting reading though.
Michael Adams
Robin Baxter
Robert Cockell
Mary Cockell
Cyntha Cutts
Reg Cutts
Iris Gardner (Hon)
Richard Gardner (Hon)
John Hendrick
Viv Humble
Maggie Lawley
Tony Lawley
Derek Mawson
Bert McLean
Harry Winfield
Alan Edwards
Alison Edwards
Maurice Cass
Barry Norris
Sue Norris
David Bluff
Brian Bradshaw
Jim Howden
Monica Stansmore
Geoff Farrington
Glenda OíDell
Lily Stewart
Jerry Bartley
Mary Cummings
Tony Cummings(Hon)
Charlie Speedie (Hon)
Sue Johnson
Brian Bolger
Harry Chick
Phil Harding
Anthony Hesheth-Field
Tony McKenna
Joan Moss
John Albutt
Peter Bailey
Jean Cooper
Brian Gardiner
Brian Harman
John Horobin
Peter Hutton
John Moss
Colin Armitage
Stan Routledge
Barrie Woodfine
Bill Young
Allen Bowen
Malcolm Broughton
Sue Cooper
June Jones
Keith Jones
Gina Streeter
Jackie Breslin
Nigel Baigent
Bob Donnelly
Len Rudge
Rosamund Stockell
Arthur Brown
Neil Borrows
Sandra Burrows
Fred Willshire
FUNNYLIMERICKS
ALimerick is a five-line, witty poem with a distinct rhythm. The first, second and fifth lines, the longer lines, must rhyme and be the same number of syllables. The third and fourth, shorter lines, must rhyme with each other and be the same number of syllables. The five-line poem also follows a syllable count. Lines one, two and five can be of 7to10 syllables and lines three and four of 5to7 syllables.
We invite you to send us witty poems, with a bowling theme. The winners will be published in our next issue. Only true Limericks, conforming to the above description, will be accepted.
Abowler who played at El Cid
Said, 'I'll give you a game for a quid' I said 'I've got more sense Let us say fifty pence Then I'll give you a game....and I did!
