Club News
Bowls Big Weekend and Coaching
The last weekend in May will see the Bowls Big Weekend coming to Potten End Bowls Club, from 10am until 4pm each day. So whether you are new, or experienced bowlers come and join in the fun. This is a national event organised by our governing body Bowls England.
Although the Hempstead Road will probably still be shut, it did not put off those potential members who braved quite a chilly start for out first Open Day held on the first Sunday in May. Some of those potential members could be found along with other newer members having some coaching sessions this morning. We will hold a total of 4 in May and then again in June after the Bowls Big Weekend. Our ethos being we would only want you to commit once you are happy this could be your game and of course Potten End is the right club.
So come and join us on Saturday 27th or Sunday 28th. All you need is flat soled shoes (no heels), we will supply the bowls. Clothing is what you feel comfortable in.
Hopefully see you soon.
Full House
The forecast was warmth and sunshine the outcome was overcast and slightly chilled.
That said it did not stop the wearing of shorts and for the first time in a while 6 rinks of triples for our home match to Batchwood. Both clubs were also able to have 3 reserves.
The actual outcome was a great deal of joviality and a 5 rink win and overall score total to the home side. Following the game was a lovely meal and further banter all round. If you're undecided on playing bowls then this match would have provided you with a very positive answer as it was both a fantastic, social and sporting afternoon.
Off to a busy start
This week saw the ladies section start on its season of District and County games with a mixed bag.
The first game a County Fours format was away at Bushey and sadly the team, Annie, Janice, Lesley and Coral lost on the last end by two shots having led the game from the outset.
The next game a County Triples against Kings Langley at home saw Annie, Lesley and Coral win by one shot. At 17 ends the ladies were 4 up and holding five when the opposition skip on her last bowl won the end and bought it back to 3. The last end was lost by 2 shots but the match won by PEBC.
Great to see the teams after discussing the finite details and wishing each other luck for the rest of the season.
Why not give it a try!!
Our flyers have now been posted, our posters have been stuck up in shops and offices.
Finally under beautiful blue skies our dynamic duo of Rob and Doug unveiled the first of our banners for 2023. These are now situated on all the main roads entering Potten End.
Our initial date for new and existing bowlers who are thinking of starting or joining a new club is on Sunday 7th May 2023.
This will be followed up at the end of May on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th. All dates are from 10am - 4pm.
Come and join us. Is bowls for you? If after your initial visit you are interested we will invite you to further coaching dates before you need to make a final decision.
There is no pressure just come and enjoy.
No April Fools
Congratulations to the winners of our darts final, Coral and Steve.
The winners walked away with engraved trophies having hit the bullseye to win the final match.
A special thank you to all those who turned up to both play and watch.
Then of course a massive thank you yet again to Doug who not only sets it all up, but has run the Friday night winter darts league all season. This weekly event brings members together throughout the off season and is always good for a laugh with quizzes and fun dart games for all levels. If nothing else the chance to win the infamous 'screwdriver' in the raffle is not to be missed.
Whilst we look forward to the new winter season, let’s hope for a long hot summer first.
End of an Era
What a shining example.
A massive thank you to Paula, Doreen, Linda, Daphne Lowe and Jean Jones for their commitment to winter social events for the past 13+ years.
The ladies ended on a high note at the weekend and the club owes a huge debt of gratitude for ensuring out of season socials not only bought the club members together but also raised essential additional funds.
These events have included quizzes, race nights, coffee mornings, music nights to name but a few.
Ladies you have gone above and beyond.
We look forward to seeing you at the club, thankyou for the endless laughs and smiles.
If you have an idea for next winters socials 2023/24 please speak to Annie or any of the management team.
Off to a Flyer!!
We now look forward to our Open days for 2023 and greeting all new and potential bowlers to our wonderful green and social sport.
In 2022 our open days attracted 76 people of which 46 joined. Our new bowlers being aged between 14 to 70 and covered all decades inbetween.
Our aim for 2023 is to replicate the previous year inviting everyone to try out the game without any commitment. If you like the game, the atmosphere and feel comfortable then there is no immediate requirement to join. We will then invite you to further free training sessions before taking the next step of membership.
Many thanks to Rob Rodway who organised a team of 6 to start the distribution of our flyers. Dougie, Coral, Malcolm and two new bowlers from 2023 namely John and Richard started door to door deliveries in Potten End, Berkhamsted and Fields End.
Look out for our Posters, Banners and we hope to see you on our Open Days.
It’s always the quiet ones!!
Our very own John Carter joined the club in 2022 and has from the outset been keen to assist or get involved whenever and wherever he can. Our roving reporter caught up with John and found he has been extremely busy helping others for many years.
In 2001 John got involved with care work in Bangladesh after a friend had worked there for 6 months, as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist. Their new Occupational Therapy Unit had no equipment and the only therapy the children received was the stretching of their contracted limbs. Although John’s friend was able to make chairs from recycled materials the therapy toys required were a little more complex. John however, with his background in engineering was immediately able to make the items required, and on his next 10 annual visits train others to do so as well. The same toys for children have now been expanded for use with adults with spinal injuries and stroke patients. There is also now a production unit making and selling the equipment to other centres and outpatient units. The production team consists of 4 full time employees of which two are disabled.
When asked about his involvement John said, ‘What I get from it is the sheer pleasure of knowing I have made a difference to a great number of the poorest people in, not only Bangladesh, but also Malawi, Tanzania and Sri Lanka.’
Yet again, it goes to show, not all superheroes wear capes!!