It's not the same as having the sun shining and the soft breeze whispering in your ear but...
Here we are, indoors again, at Dunstable. The speed of indoor rinks is such that you need very little push to get a wood from one end to the other. Weight and line are unforgiving. Too heavy and you'll surely end in the ditch. Too off line and you risk going out of rink or simply missing the main head.
It's a different game for certain. We play Mondays at 10. If you are a non member or haven't paid in advance, you can still join a session for under a fiver. Why not give it a try? It's a lot better than trawling around the shops in the pouring rain and not expensive.
Friday, 25 October 2013
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
Seasons End
So here we are, standing rather folornly on the green, the first signs of Autumn all about. The wind has started to gnaw at us, the leaves are beginning to turn and there's more rain about. It's been a glorious Summer. I had hoped it would go on and on but it seems the last flush may be here with Autumn close upon its heels.
But don't despair, bowlers. There's always playing indoors. It may not be the same as standing on the green, the countryside about you and the sun shining down but it's still bowling.
We had an interesting season. The club certainly made progress and we did recruit some new playing members. Next season, we'll start early with some coaching from county and move onwards. Another half a dozen playing members and we'll see some real competition for team places which will be healthy.
I'm looking forward to the new season already :)
But don't despair, bowlers. There's always playing indoors. It may not be the same as standing on the green, the countryside about you and the sun shining down but it's still bowling.
We had an interesting season. The club certainly made progress and we did recruit some new playing members. Next season, we'll start early with some coaching from county and move onwards. Another half a dozen playing members and we'll see some real competition for team places which will be healthy.
I'm looking forward to the new season already :)
Monday, 22 July 2013
High Noon at Cheddington - The Open Mens Fours.
And so to Sunday and a new day anticipating some good bowling.
Little Gaddesden were represented at the annual tournament at Cheddington by Frank Johnson (skip), Mark Woods, Reg Venn and myself. We arrived shortly before 10 in time for a bacon roll before getting down to business.
Out on the rinks, 24 teams divided into two groups would compete for this year's title. Ranged against us were county and national level bowlers. It was a good experience and we all enjoyed our day even if we didn't enjoy the results as much. Good to see Wing and Aston Clinton over there, too although, John from Wing was reporting as rough a day as we were being given.
Undoubtably, it sharpened up our bowling. We came back to the club and today (Monday) all won our games playing better bowls than maybe last time out.... Sorry Reg, I wish I could have played that well yesterday, too ;)
Well done Cheddington! That was an excellently organised day and seemed to go like clockwork. Such sterling work from the ladies making teas and selling an assortment of food through the day, bar staff, marshalls and everyone else supporting the event. Without the team behind these days, it wouldn't be the same. Congratulations to everyone at Cheddington Bowls Club.
We look forward to joining you again, next year. Perhaps you could be kind and not set us against an U-25 national player too :)) The used fivers will be in the post ;)
Little Gaddesden were represented at the annual tournament at Cheddington by Frank Johnson (skip), Mark Woods, Reg Venn and myself. We arrived shortly before 10 in time for a bacon roll before getting down to business.
Out on the rinks, 24 teams divided into two groups would compete for this year's title. Ranged against us were county and national level bowlers. It was a good experience and we all enjoyed our day even if we didn't enjoy the results as much. Good to see Wing and Aston Clinton over there, too although, John from Wing was reporting as rough a day as we were being given.
Undoubtably, it sharpened up our bowling. We came back to the club and today (Monday) all won our games playing better bowls than maybe last time out.... Sorry Reg, I wish I could have played that well yesterday, too ;)
Well done Cheddington! That was an excellently organised day and seemed to go like clockwork. Such sterling work from the ladies making teas and selling an assortment of food through the day, bar staff, marshalls and everyone else supporting the event. Without the team behind these days, it wouldn't be the same. Congratulations to everyone at Cheddington Bowls Club.
We look forward to joining you again, next year. Perhaps you could be kind and not set us against an U-25 national player too :)) The used fivers will be in the post ;)
High Summer on the Green
Sorry for the long delay between posts.... just been so busy taking advantage of the glorious weather to go out and bowl.
And what a Summer it's turning out to be. Last week we met up again with our friends from Wing Bowling Club for the return match in our annual two match series and, once again, after some good bowling by everyone, Wing took the day. Well you bowled! :)
President Roy (Gibbons) very generously has decided to put up a trophy in honour of the matches so that we keep score over two legs and the winners are awarded guardianship over the "Bread Pudding Cup" for the next twelve months. The bad news, as Roy said himself, is that with his orders from the doctor, the bread pudding we all enjoyed on Saturday will be the last he is allowed to cook for everyone (and himself). Thanks to Roy for that little tradition which we have all looked forward to so much each year. Delicious! The cup will keep alive the memory and friendly tradition around our meetings.
And what a Summer it's turning out to be. Last week we met up again with our friends from Wing Bowling Club for the return match in our annual two match series and, once again, after some good bowling by everyone, Wing took the day. Well you bowled! :)
President Roy (Gibbons) very generously has decided to put up a trophy in honour of the matches so that we keep score over two legs and the winners are awarded guardianship over the "Bread Pudding Cup" for the next twelve months. The bad news, as Roy said himself, is that with his orders from the doctor, the bread pudding we all enjoyed on Saturday will be the last he is allowed to cook for everyone (and himself). Thanks to Roy for that little tradition which we have all looked forward to so much each year. Delicious! The cup will keep alive the memory and friendly tradition around our meetings.
Friday, 14 June 2013
Out with the Owls
So, the rain pattered down, gradually causing more spray to come up with each end as the heavier woods ran their course and everyone cursed the British weather.
We were playing a West Herts divisional match over at Watford's Woodside Stadium complex. The bowling green lies in a sheltered hollow with its clubhouse and facilities neatly arranged along one side. It is a nice spot to play bowls, particularly if there was some sunshine. Like most clubs, it is under-invested.
I have to depart from the specifics of the evening for a moment to reflect...despite the apparent over fifties sport and leisure initiative such as fab over fifty, it is noticeable how neglected bowling clubs are. If there is a sport that elder folks and those with illnesses or injuries can still continue to enjoy, it is bowls. But Woodside is a typical example. Millions have been poured into a playground for the young, into a building for the athletics team for swimming, football, cricket but not..bowls. Most of our clubs are dwindling and all that we get from councils are what we can't do not what they can do to help these community clubs.
So, back to the rain and darkening evening at Woodside. We didn't bowl so well. The home side didn't always bowl so well, either but they did better than we did in the conditions so we headed home after a ploughmans and a drink, once more the beaten side.
Little Gaddesden need players and we need to start winning. In a few weeks we have games Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. It'll probably be the same core of players in all four. No wonder folks are tired and not always enjoying the game as much as we should.
We carry on in hope towards Saturday and an away game at Wing. We always get a friendly welcome, there. We look forward to that.
We were playing a West Herts divisional match over at Watford's Woodside Stadium complex. The bowling green lies in a sheltered hollow with its clubhouse and facilities neatly arranged along one side. It is a nice spot to play bowls, particularly if there was some sunshine. Like most clubs, it is under-invested.
I have to depart from the specifics of the evening for a moment to reflect...despite the apparent over fifties sport and leisure initiative such as fab over fifty, it is noticeable how neglected bowling clubs are. If there is a sport that elder folks and those with illnesses or injuries can still continue to enjoy, it is bowls. But Woodside is a typical example. Millions have been poured into a playground for the young, into a building for the athletics team for swimming, football, cricket but not..bowls. Most of our clubs are dwindling and all that we get from councils are what we can't do not what they can do to help these community clubs.
So, back to the rain and darkening evening at Woodside. We didn't bowl so well. The home side didn't always bowl so well, either but they did better than we did in the conditions so we headed home after a ploughmans and a drink, once more the beaten side.
Little Gaddesden need players and we need to start winning. In a few weeks we have games Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. It'll probably be the same core of players in all four. No wonder folks are tired and not always enjoying the game as much as we should.
We carry on in hope towards Saturday and an away game at Wing. We always get a friendly welcome, there. We look forward to that.
Saturday, 25 May 2013
Medley Gala Day
At last, a sunny and pleasant day to play bowls. What better pasttime than to play a tactical sport out in a lovely setting in such weather. Only cricket compares, for me.
So today, we once again divided players into two teams, Stags and Blades. (As I have said before, if you want to know why I use the names I do, check our coat of arms.). We played two series of games with some players on triples and others in pairs playing opposing team members with the overall score being used to decide the result. In the end, Blades won 35-18.
In a team game where you perform different functions depending on the position, it's hard to pick out any individuals but Blades certainly owed much to Marion Dodge whose accuracy put the opposition under pressure in both her pairs and triples match. So, well done Blades.
It was certainly a far cry from going down to Redbourn on Thursday in freezing conditions with hail and rain on an artificial surface which we struggled with. One of our teams did bring home a win, the same side who have so far kept a 100% record for the season, Frank, Reg and Chrissie. Long may they keep winning!
The Vets have now won one and lost one after giving up a big lead against Pavilion last Tuesday to lose by 3 shots. It was all going so well before tea. As they delight in saying in football parlance , "it was a game of two halves". Sadly, we our team were on the receiving end in the second half.
Monday mornings remain open for anyone to join us and try the game. Next roll-up will be Bank Holiday Monday :)
So today, we once again divided players into two teams, Stags and Blades. (As I have said before, if you want to know why I use the names I do, check our coat of arms.). We played two series of games with some players on triples and others in pairs playing opposing team members with the overall score being used to decide the result. In the end, Blades won 35-18.
In a team game where you perform different functions depending on the position, it's hard to pick out any individuals but Blades certainly owed much to Marion Dodge whose accuracy put the opposition under pressure in both her pairs and triples match. So, well done Blades.
It was certainly a far cry from going down to Redbourn on Thursday in freezing conditions with hail and rain on an artificial surface which we struggled with. One of our teams did bring home a win, the same side who have so far kept a 100% record for the season, Frank, Reg and Chrissie. Long may they keep winning!
The Vets have now won one and lost one after giving up a big lead against Pavilion last Tuesday to lose by 3 shots. It was all going so well before tea. As they delight in saying in football parlance , "it was a game of two halves". Sadly, we our team were on the receiving end in the second half.
Monday mornings remain open for anyone to join us and try the game. Next roll-up will be Bank Holiday Monday :)
Sunday, 12 May 2013
Game on!
Good news from the Vets (Veterans) League where Little Gaddesden posted a comprehensive victory over Croxley Green Blue in their first match of the season. Well done chaps! With vets captain, Don Taylor off ill, Julian Marshall has stepped into the breach to lead them away.
Then it was President's vs Captain's teams in the Horton Cup. Peggie Horton was on hand to present the beautiful hand carved trophy made and donated by her late husband (as well as to kindly make tea and cake for the players!) The Captain's teams won 33-27 (go us!) on a windy and rather bleak day. Thanks Peggie. After that icy wind, everyone was ready for hot drinks!
Next Week (18th May) we have an open day so hope to see some new potential members!
Then it was President's vs Captain's teams in the Horton Cup. Peggie Horton was on hand to present the beautiful hand carved trophy made and donated by her late husband (as well as to kindly make tea and cake for the players!) The Captain's teams won 33-27 (go us!) on a windy and rather bleak day. Thanks Peggie. After that icy wind, everyone was ready for hot drinks!
Next Week (18th May) we have an open day so hope to see some new potential members!
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
And... they're off
So the season got under way with a day of hail and rain but those who turned up had a good time with the drinks and huge spread of food (thank you Marika for the provisions!) Eventually, the sun did break through (well, from time to time, at least) and some croquet was played. Quiller Barrett, our man on the Association Croquet Board was there to coach and advise so thanks also to him for putting in his afternoon in that weather. Quiller will be offering further coaching sessions so if you'd like to learn the subtleties of Garden and Association croquet, you should come along. You won't find a better coach anywhere, especially at club level.
Monday was our first roll-up (and, hang on...was that sunshine breaking through?)
So to Saturday and Champions Debut Day as last year's champions lead teams in a small internal competition to really get the season going. It's a chance for everyone who wants to play matches to get back into the tactics and for the captains to see who is on form.
Hope to see you there!
Monday was our first roll-up (and, hang on...was that sunshine breaking through?)
So to Saturday and Champions Debut Day as last year's champions lead teams in a small internal competition to really get the season going. It's a chance for everyone who wants to play matches to get back into the tactics and for the captains to see who is on form.
Hope to see you there!
Sunday, 14 April 2013
New Website
Look!
A new website is up at http://www.lgbcc.co.uk
Just two weeks to go and th season opens with a club open day which will probably follow some working parties carrying out a last tidy up before the off.
The new commitee have lots of ideas and are looking forward to the new season with anticipation. We are going to need more playing members, particularly to meet commitments to the Herts League as well as the usual club matches. So, if you should want to try the game and think you'd like to play competitively for fun or just want to try out, come along and join us at Little Gaddesden (the map is accessible from our site or just search Google Maps) 27th April at 14:00 or 12th May or if you can make it in the week, on a Monday morning at 10am.
Look forward to seeing you
A new website is up at http://www.lgbcc.co.uk
Just two weeks to go and th season opens with a club open day which will probably follow some working parties carrying out a last tidy up before the off.
The new commitee have lots of ideas and are looking forward to the new season with anticipation. We are going to need more playing members, particularly to meet commitments to the Herts League as well as the usual club matches. So, if you should want to try the game and think you'd like to play competitively for fun or just want to try out, come along and join us at Little Gaddesden (the map is accessible from our site or just search Google Maps) 27th April at 14:00 or 12th May or if you can make it in the week, on a Monday morning at 10am.
Look forward to seeing you
Saturday, 23 March 2013
Welcome to the Bowling Green
This year, I intend to try and keep up with some commentary on the bowling events and matches. The green opens at the end of April although our first event (barring informal roll ups) isn't until May 4th when we start with Champions Day (or "Skip and Straw"). The format for that day is that last year's champions will skip the teams which will be triples. Sadly, we will not have the ladies' champion from last year as Greta and Bernie have moved to Wiggington and changed clubs in the process.
I expect we will persuade the ladies' runner up (and winner in 2011), Jean Ford to take the lead on one team instead.
Right now, we are all hoping that the weather brightens up and gets a lot warmer. Little Gaddesden's green is not permitted to have a high hedge (a council decision) so it can get a little bleak when the wind blows. On the other hand, when the sun shines, the all around view of the countryside is wonderful.
We hope that you may follow our progress, here and, if you are local, maybe consider coming along to play one Monday morning or Friday evening. We are always seeking new members, particularly younger ones. It's not just a game for the retired so come on people, why not give it a roll. You might be surprised how catching the combination of a tactical game outdoors in the summer sunshine with a friendly group of folk is.
I expect we will persuade the ladies' runner up (and winner in 2011), Jean Ford to take the lead on one team instead.
Right now, we are all hoping that the weather brightens up and gets a lot warmer. Little Gaddesden's green is not permitted to have a high hedge (a council decision) so it can get a little bleak when the wind blows. On the other hand, when the sun shines, the all around view of the countryside is wonderful.
We hope that you may follow our progress, here and, if you are local, maybe consider coming along to play one Monday morning or Friday evening. We are always seeking new members, particularly younger ones. It's not just a game for the retired so come on people, why not give it a roll. You might be surprised how catching the combination of a tactical game outdoors in the summer sunshine with a friendly group of folk is.
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