Ladies Captain Anne-Marie Wilkinson reports:-

At the beginning of September, Isle of Wedmore Bowls Club held a skips training course (postponed from April due to COVID-19) so when the ladies played their return friendly against Mark Moor Bowling Club, three of those who graduated from the course had the opportunity to skip a rink.  On a sunny afternoon three rinks of triples were played. Mark Moor won two rinks by the narrowest possible margin of one shot and Wedmore won one rink but luckily by five shots.  If the scoring was by the usual League rules Wedmore would have won overall by two points, but as it was a friendly, the match was declared an “honourable draw”!

The draw for the free memberships took place following our successful Bowls Bonanza competition and promotion. President Dennis was on hand to officiate and pull the names out of the hat (well cup actually). The lucky winners will be invited to a series of receptions (under Covid 19 rules) to welcome them, and the unlucky people who did not win will also be invited to come for free taster sessions, to see if they want to join. This club is fighting back after the pandemic which has caused so much hardship and disruption to everyday life for so many people. Preparations are well in hand to resume indoor bowling from October and keep us all fit during the winter months.

Well yesterday was a real success with 7 rinks of Australian Pairs (played under current pandemic guidelines) allowing a good number of new bowling members taking part. Australian Pairs is a great format that gives everyone experience of all the four-playing positions ie Lead – two – three – Skip. We were very lucky to have almost perfect weather for the event which whilst played in a “fairly” competitive way it was essentially a friendly social event. There of course had to be a winning team and it was Yesterdays “Birthday Boy” Steve Young partnered by Paul Alden who is one of our newest members. Congratulations to all who took part and made it a special occasion. Seeing the green full was a beautiful site and hopefully a good portent for the future.  

The green will close for the winter on Sunday 20^th September and then it will be the start of the Indoor season and a whole new set of challenges. So much work has been put in place by the indoor committee to make it possible for us to bowl and we owe them a great deal of thanks. 

The pictures give a flavour of the Australian Pairs event. New members always welcome.

A sad day as we learn of the passing of David Bryant CBE. Many of us have had the pleasure of meeting this great Bowler who was a perfect ambassador for the sport of Bowls. I am sure members of our club wish to pass on our condolences to David’s family and all the members of Clevedon Bowls Club where he played for so many years.

Despite all inter club bowling leagues being suspended for the season due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Isle of Wedmore bowlers have enjoyed lots of bowling since play resumed at the beginning of June – socially distanced of course! A Sunday morning triples rollup is proving very popular as are the competitions which will culminate in finals matches on Sunday 13^th September.

The Ladies played a friendly match against Mark Moor Bowling Club on Thursday 20^th August at Isle of Wedmore Bowls Club. It was a chance to meet old friends and find out how they have been getting on over the past few months. The weather held fine, and a pleasant afternoon was had by all with only a few raindrops as the game finished. Wedmore won, but Mark Moor hope for revenge when the return game takes place at Mark Moor in early September before the end of the outdoor season and play moves to the indoor rinks.

The club wihses to thank both Vally life and Local reach for their support in promoting this exciting initiative. New members are alway welcome and now is a great time to see if it suits you, so please contact us for a free taster sessions and coaching as well as entering this free competition.

We supported playing Fields group at the Car Boot sale (by having a stall ) and helping raise funds to complete the New Pavilion. It was the clubs first step to launch our Bowls Bonanza which will be publicised over the coming weeks. There will be 20 free memberships up for grabs in our Bowls Bonanza.

Happy 90th Birtday wishes to our President Dennis. A model of statemenship a true supporter of our bowling and our club for so many years. It would also be nice to wish belated 90th Birthday (last Saturday) wishes to his wife Mary who we all love. A smashing couple.

From Monday 22nd June (providing that the government rules do not change) the Club will open up limited Toilet facilities for the convenience of members. This represents a significant change and will enable many more people to feel confident to come and play bowls.

The rules on Rink booking have been sent to all members, and will stay in place until we are advised they can be relaxed.

That does not mean that we cannot invite new people to come and try the wonderful game of bowls. If you are interested, please contact us to arrange a safe and free initial trial with expert help.