CALIFORNIA BOWLS CLUB
SPONSORED BY CAMEL SAND & GRAVEL
SPONSORED BY CAMEL SAND & GRAVEL
2019 NEWSLETTERS
Newsletter 19/06 (3rd December 2019)
A newsletter to round off the year, as is the norm at this time of the year it’s a round of meetings some Cali, some Area, some League & some County all of which someone usually Secretary John tries to attend on behalf of the club. It can be a bit thankless and often boring, but it’s just part of what needs to be done. All clubs should send someone after all even the smallest clubs have 15 plus members they should be able to find someone to go. Regretfully this year saw a pretty poor turnout at our own club AGM which is very disappointing, your committee work very hard to make everything run smoothly, excuses’ yes I’ve heard a few, but quite frankly very few are what you might say valid. At our AGM some major decisions were ratified, due to a lower overall membership it was decided to drop both the Samford Afternoon & the Friday BE Mixed Fours League teams. With this in mind there will be members who regularly played in these teams who will have to be catered for elsewhere, we must not fail them. Another item of interest from the AGM it was agreed that any non social club members who wished join the bowls section would have their first year’s bowls membership fee waived, thus reducing the cost of joining to about £65 for the year (CSC joining fee & yearly subscription, and a bowls club shirt). As has been the norm committee position nominations were in short supplies, eventually only the position of ‘B’ team captain needed to be filled, with little persuasion Colin Wiseman agreed to take on the responsibility, alas a few days later Colin found due to other commitments he was unable to take up the roll. Lastly on the subject of the AGM the Chairman was concerned about the lack of County Competition entries from what is supposed to be a competitive club and suggested an alternative method of entering the competitions would be looked at.
Turning now to the green, pavilion & surrounds, it’s been agreed to continue with the “grass” and shredded tyre down both sides of the green to compliment the two end ditches which were renovated last year, too buy some new pushers and mats. The green as per usual at this time of the year looks a bit tired but nothing untoward, considering the amount of rain that has fell recently the grass could look a lot worse. Something new for us we borrowed a deep spikier, although a bit of a beast to use, the main man Michael thought it had “done a good job”, special thanks to those who came up to lend a hand on that day and when the scarifying work was carried out.
The last event on the club calendar is the annual dinner, the word different comes to mind, yes we had the usual meal, draw and entertainment by Chelsea Francis, but our bowling guest John Rednall managed to get one over on our toast master Ian Page, the boot is usually on the other foot. Not only did John propose a toast to the club he incorporated several musical instruments into his speech; let’s just say Ian’s musical ability’s were no match for John. The theme of instruments also cropped up later with afor mentioned Ian in full song backed by various guests and members with toy instruments (see pictures). Continued below ..........
A newsletter to round off the year, as is the norm at this time of the year it’s a round of meetings some Cali, some Area, some League & some County all of which someone usually Secretary John tries to attend on behalf of the club. It can be a bit thankless and often boring, but it’s just part of what needs to be done. All clubs should send someone after all even the smallest clubs have 15 plus members they should be able to find someone to go. Regretfully this year saw a pretty poor turnout at our own club AGM which is very disappointing, your committee work very hard to make everything run smoothly, excuses’ yes I’ve heard a few, but quite frankly very few are what you might say valid. At our AGM some major decisions were ratified, due to a lower overall membership it was decided to drop both the Samford Afternoon & the Friday BE Mixed Fours League teams. With this in mind there will be members who regularly played in these teams who will have to be catered for elsewhere, we must not fail them. Another item of interest from the AGM it was agreed that any non social club members who wished join the bowls section would have their first year’s bowls membership fee waived, thus reducing the cost of joining to about £65 for the year (CSC joining fee & yearly subscription, and a bowls club shirt). As has been the norm committee position nominations were in short supplies, eventually only the position of ‘B’ team captain needed to be filled, with little persuasion Colin Wiseman agreed to take on the responsibility, alas a few days later Colin found due to other commitments he was unable to take up the roll. Lastly on the subject of the AGM the Chairman was concerned about the lack of County Competition entries from what is supposed to be a competitive club and suggested an alternative method of entering the competitions would be looked at.
Turning now to the green, pavilion & surrounds, it’s been agreed to continue with the “grass” and shredded tyre down both sides of the green to compliment the two end ditches which were renovated last year, too buy some new pushers and mats. The green as per usual at this time of the year looks a bit tired but nothing untoward, considering the amount of rain that has fell recently the grass could look a lot worse. Something new for us we borrowed a deep spikier, although a bit of a beast to use, the main man Michael thought it had “done a good job”, special thanks to those who came up to lend a hand on that day and when the scarifying work was carried out.
The last event on the club calendar is the annual dinner, the word different comes to mind, yes we had the usual meal, draw and entertainment by Chelsea Francis, but our bowling guest John Rednall managed to get one over on our toast master Ian Page, the boot is usually on the other foot. Not only did John propose a toast to the club he incorporated several musical instruments into his speech; let’s just say Ian’s musical ability’s were no match for John. The theme of instruments also cropped up later with afor mentioned Ian in full song backed by various guests and members with toy instruments (see pictures). Continued below ..........
Another change for this year was the competition prizes after many many years presenting just glasses for all winners & runners up a change was agreed. The Champion of Champions singles events winners retained engraved glasses, but all other winners had coffee mugs with the club badge and all the runners up slate coasters again with the club badge, comments on the new arrangements were positive. Virtually all the winners & runners up were in attendance to collect their prizes and thanks to generous sponsorship by a whole host of people all prize winners also had a gift from the event sponsors. This year saw Gary Green win the “Victor Ludorum”, an extremely shocked Dennis Addison won “Member of the Year” and a very deserving winner of the “Player of the Year” was Andy Catchpole. Finally on the subject of the dinner, long time club sponsor Rob Brow from Camel Sand and Gravel was made a honorary life member of the bowls club, he along with his assistant Carol were presented with engraved glasses.
At the time of writing the last newsletter I wrote about one of our members health issues in Stuart Walsh, I’m pleased to report Stuart health is improving slowly and although still in hospital has been moved away from the critical wards to a more general ward environment.
Finally just leaves me to wish you a Merry Christmas, a healthy, prosperous and Happy New Year
Come on the Cali
Chris
At the time of writing the last newsletter I wrote about one of our members health issues in Stuart Walsh, I’m pleased to report Stuart health is improving slowly and although still in hospital has been moved away from the critical wards to a more general ward environment.
Finally just leaves me to wish you a Merry Christmas, a healthy, prosperous and Happy New Year
Come on the Cali
Chris
Newsletter 2019/06 (7th October 2019)
When I typed up the last newsletter in late August we already had a couple of league division wins to our name for this year and with 3 semi finals & 2 finals to play we looked to be heading for a very successful season. Alas losses in both the Samford KO Cup & Stan Wright finals set a trend for the remaining 3 semi finals, namely the Men’s BE Triples league Play Off, Norton Cup & BE Millennium, the last 2 of which were lost at the final 4 stage, the league playoff proving the exception where we met Boxford who were almost certainly the weakest of the 4 qualifiers in the semi progressed to final and got thumped by Beccles Town ‘A’. So all in all a very depressing and disappointing end to the season, yes there were some mitigating circumstances namely unavailability of some players for some of the events. It’s should be a warning to all, to be able for us to compete at the very highest level you need your best team available and play them.
Our club competitions were completed, for once the weather held up very well from mid August to Mid September that is until the Monday of the floodlit drive when it rained and has not stopped since. There appears to have been a few issues with the club competition finals weekend, which is a pity as the main reason for spreading out over 2 days is so hopefully all the finalists could participate. As always it’s a bit of a rush to get everything played, but thankfully we have always got through. We must remember they are internal events played between club mates, it’s not like a county comp so a measure of compassion is required in running them. I realise it’s a difficult balance to strike but for the sake of club unity it’s a careful balance that must be struck. Finally on the subject of the end of season the floodlit drive was a disappointment only a small number of members took part and had “Fish & Chips” after, I appreciate it was a crap evening weather wise, but members had not committee to play even before the bad weather, is it the format, the food or what suggestions please!.
As I said a little earlier the weather was unusually dry for the last month of the season, so the green suffered a little, generally though after the problems of 2018 it bowled well and looked pretty good too. Our thanks must go to all who are involved in its upkeep, a big thank you from all members and especially to Mick for all his hours upon hours of work.
So that’s the bowling finished with, but as usual lots of meetings for the various leagues & organizations to attend and much paperwork to fill in for 2020. A few events as well, another quiz was held just last evening about 65 people attended and once again some money was raised for the bowls section, my thanks to all who helped with “the quiz”, draw & refreshments. Next up we have a club AGM on the 21st November when with falling membership numbers we may well have some difficult decisions about what teams to run in 2020. This followed by our annual prize giving & dinner on the following Thursday, when we hope to see many of you and with a good spread of club competition finalists I expect tickets will go fast, Secretary John has placed the list for tickets in the bar and is on first come first served basis and there is a set maximum number for tickets.
Lastly whilst away on holiday I was shocked and sadden to hear one of our number Stuart Walsh had been hospitalised in Addenbooks with a very serious health issue, Stuart has undergone surgery and we can only all hope it has been a success, as of yesterday Stuart condition given the operation he underwent is satisfactory but his recovery is slow and he may require further surgery. All our thoughts go out to Stuart, wife Kathy and their family, it must be a very difficult and worrying time for all concerned.
That’s all for now, look forward to seeing you and the AGM & Dinner
Come on the Cali
When I typed up the last newsletter in late August we already had a couple of league division wins to our name for this year and with 3 semi finals & 2 finals to play we looked to be heading for a very successful season. Alas losses in both the Samford KO Cup & Stan Wright finals set a trend for the remaining 3 semi finals, namely the Men’s BE Triples league Play Off, Norton Cup & BE Millennium, the last 2 of which were lost at the final 4 stage, the league playoff proving the exception where we met Boxford who were almost certainly the weakest of the 4 qualifiers in the semi progressed to final and got thumped by Beccles Town ‘A’. So all in all a very depressing and disappointing end to the season, yes there were some mitigating circumstances namely unavailability of some players for some of the events. It’s should be a warning to all, to be able for us to compete at the very highest level you need your best team available and play them.
Our club competitions were completed, for once the weather held up very well from mid August to Mid September that is until the Monday of the floodlit drive when it rained and has not stopped since. There appears to have been a few issues with the club competition finals weekend, which is a pity as the main reason for spreading out over 2 days is so hopefully all the finalists could participate. As always it’s a bit of a rush to get everything played, but thankfully we have always got through. We must remember they are internal events played between club mates, it’s not like a county comp so a measure of compassion is required in running them. I realise it’s a difficult balance to strike but for the sake of club unity it’s a careful balance that must be struck. Finally on the subject of the end of season the floodlit drive was a disappointment only a small number of members took part and had “Fish & Chips” after, I appreciate it was a crap evening weather wise, but members had not committee to play even before the bad weather, is it the format, the food or what suggestions please!.
As I said a little earlier the weather was unusually dry for the last month of the season, so the green suffered a little, generally though after the problems of 2018 it bowled well and looked pretty good too. Our thanks must go to all who are involved in its upkeep, a big thank you from all members and especially to Mick for all his hours upon hours of work.
So that’s the bowling finished with, but as usual lots of meetings for the various leagues & organizations to attend and much paperwork to fill in for 2020. A few events as well, another quiz was held just last evening about 65 people attended and once again some money was raised for the bowls section, my thanks to all who helped with “the quiz”, draw & refreshments. Next up we have a club AGM on the 21st November when with falling membership numbers we may well have some difficult decisions about what teams to run in 2020. This followed by our annual prize giving & dinner on the following Thursday, when we hope to see many of you and with a good spread of club competition finalists I expect tickets will go fast, Secretary John has placed the list for tickets in the bar and is on first come first served basis and there is a set maximum number for tickets.
Lastly whilst away on holiday I was shocked and sadden to hear one of our number Stuart Walsh had been hospitalised in Addenbooks with a very serious health issue, Stuart has undergone surgery and we can only all hope it has been a success, as of yesterday Stuart condition given the operation he underwent is satisfactory but his recovery is slow and he may require further surgery. All our thoughts go out to Stuart, wife Kathy and their family, it must be a very difficult and worrying time for all concerned.
That’s all for now, look forward to seeing you and the AGM & Dinner
Come on the Cali
Newsletter 2019/05 (20th August 2019)
They say if you are still playing for the club in September you must be doing well!, well Cali are so that must mean we have had a decent season so far, with the league play done and dusted all of our teams bar the Mixed Fours have either won a division or been in the hunt for a win or promotion right up to the last couple of games. In the end both Maria’s Triples and Keith’s 2 Bowl ‘B’; team won their divisions, with Maria’s team being League Champions. Both Afternoon & Evening Samford teams had good runs but ultimately just missing out on promotion. Biggest disappointment, the 2 Bowl ‘A’ with at least 3 teams in the hunt for the league title, unexpected losses for all and sundry made this a very unpredictable affair. People can argue till the cows come home as to why we missed out by ½ a point, but in all essence we had only ourselves to blame and to make matter worse we lost out to Norbridge!, the one that got away. We again lost out to Norbridge in the BE Men’s Triples, but claimed runners up spot after a good run of late season form and will go to the league finals day at Eye, the other teams who qualified are Beccles Town, Boxford & the afor mentioned Norbridge. Looking at the cup events since the last newsletter, our participation in the Samford Millennium has been and gone, but better news of the K.O. Cup Dennis team have reached the final after one away & a couple of home wins, the latter was a semi final, how the green absorbed all of rain that fell during the preceding week and a load more on the day and during the game it’s self I’ll never know, come the next day it looked as good as new and remains a credit to those who look after it. Sensibly for the Semi final against Holbrook the Captains agreed on 16 ends, but had it have been a dry dull evening the game would have been light limited anyway due to the complete stupidity of the league AGM last year who were lead like sheep by the idiot reps of Ipswich & District, that our floodlights could not be used. Dennis’s team now meet either Felixstowe & Walton or Margaret Catchpole to be played at Brantham on the 7th September @ 2.30pm. Maria’s team in the Stan Wright have to play Marlborough in the Semi, we must hope the weather does not intervene again the original date was washed out a fate several late season games have had. It all goes to show if an opportunity to play any postponed game come along then it needs to be taken, even if it’s a different evening, don’t just stack them up at the end of the season as many clubs do!. Looking now at the BE cups we have progressed through 1 more round of the Norton beating Cornard who had sent a very strong rink to Cali and squeezing through another round of the Millennium v Felixstowe under the lights an experience many of their player said they enjoyed and was the only reason the game was finished after a late start to allow the green to drain. Perhaps someday Fed will wake up to the idea of lights and all they do is to allow you to do is see in the dark, no advantage to us, but just to remove the lottery of playing in the dark. All of these cup semis and or finals are still to come hence my original comment about playing in September.
Alas we have no representation in any national finals again this year, we certainly have the players to get there it’s just that bit of luck at the right time or playing well when it’s needed maybe the missing ingredient. Talking representation both Hannah & Maria Brooks did play for Area ‘C’ ladies in the Ellen Mathews final regret to say they were not in the winning team
With all the games that have been played there has been some pressure on getting club comps played, well there are plenty of spare rinks now!, so entrants need to get a wriggle on from here on, especially as it’s a time of year when members do go on their hols.
Charity day despite a bit of a hiccup at the start with the draw, and an unknown bowler to us masquerading as a non bowler all went well. Thanks to all who helped, played, sponsored, bought draw prizes & tickets, donated cakes, played bingo and the Bar-B-Q a massive £918 was raised, well done to everybody, the proceeds will be split 50:50 between the Chrissian Residential Home & St. Elizabeth’s Hospices. Winners of the event were Kevin Cullum & Steve Williamson. The only real problem is the yearly struggle to get enough bowlers; it’s been a problem almost every year from an organiser’s point of view sours the event.
As the season winds down attention turns to next year, the usual rumours of players coming & going start to circulate, to my way of thinking you only want players who want to play for Cali, so if you wish to leave then OK we don’t want to lose you, but like the old saying goes “the grass is always greener on the other side” As for possible new recruits again I don’t believe in poaching other clubs players there is far too much of that goes on, but should anyone make noises about leaving another club, then we are in a position to accommodate them. California is competitive club, with a host of achievements both recent and historical to our name, but we have players of all standards and apart from a very rare case all that play for us improve. We have a quality green and the club itself has much to offer, yes we have the odd issue, but then which bowls club does not? I recon if you ask people who have joined in the past few years most will say we are well run and have a good club spirit.
To finish a couple of parish notices, our race night on the 29th September has migrated and morphed into another popular quiz on Sunday 6th October. Also John has sent a reminder about next seasons entries etc. yes I know it early,
? but many of these things have to be in to the various county bodies not long after this playing season finishes, so you have been warned, remember John has holidays as well !
That’s all for now, let’s hope for a strong end to the season, good bowling,
Come on the Cali
Chris
They say if you are still playing for the club in September you must be doing well!, well Cali are so that must mean we have had a decent season so far, with the league play done and dusted all of our teams bar the Mixed Fours have either won a division or been in the hunt for a win or promotion right up to the last couple of games. In the end both Maria’s Triples and Keith’s 2 Bowl ‘B’; team won their divisions, with Maria’s team being League Champions. Both Afternoon & Evening Samford teams had good runs but ultimately just missing out on promotion. Biggest disappointment, the 2 Bowl ‘A’ with at least 3 teams in the hunt for the league title, unexpected losses for all and sundry made this a very unpredictable affair. People can argue till the cows come home as to why we missed out by ½ a point, but in all essence we had only ourselves to blame and to make matter worse we lost out to Norbridge!, the one that got away. We again lost out to Norbridge in the BE Men’s Triples, but claimed runners up spot after a good run of late season form and will go to the league finals day at Eye, the other teams who qualified are Beccles Town, Boxford & the afor mentioned Norbridge. Looking at the cup events since the last newsletter, our participation in the Samford Millennium has been and gone, but better news of the K.O. Cup Dennis team have reached the final after one away & a couple of home wins, the latter was a semi final, how the green absorbed all of rain that fell during the preceding week and a load more on the day and during the game it’s self I’ll never know, come the next day it looked as good as new and remains a credit to those who look after it. Sensibly for the Semi final against Holbrook the Captains agreed on 16 ends, but had it have been a dry dull evening the game would have been light limited anyway due to the complete stupidity of the league AGM last year who were lead like sheep by the idiot reps of Ipswich & District, that our floodlights could not be used. Dennis’s team now meet either Felixstowe & Walton or Margaret Catchpole to be played at Brantham on the 7th September @ 2.30pm. Maria’s team in the Stan Wright have to play Marlborough in the Semi, we must hope the weather does not intervene again the original date was washed out a fate several late season games have had. It all goes to show if an opportunity to play any postponed game come along then it needs to be taken, even if it’s a different evening, don’t just stack them up at the end of the season as many clubs do!. Looking now at the BE cups we have progressed through 1 more round of the Norton beating Cornard who had sent a very strong rink to Cali and squeezing through another round of the Millennium v Felixstowe under the lights an experience many of their player said they enjoyed and was the only reason the game was finished after a late start to allow the green to drain. Perhaps someday Fed will wake up to the idea of lights and all they do is to allow you to do is see in the dark, no advantage to us, but just to remove the lottery of playing in the dark. All of these cup semis and or finals are still to come hence my original comment about playing in September.
Alas we have no representation in any national finals again this year, we certainly have the players to get there it’s just that bit of luck at the right time or playing well when it’s needed maybe the missing ingredient. Talking representation both Hannah & Maria Brooks did play for Area ‘C’ ladies in the Ellen Mathews final regret to say they were not in the winning team
With all the games that have been played there has been some pressure on getting club comps played, well there are plenty of spare rinks now!, so entrants need to get a wriggle on from here on, especially as it’s a time of year when members do go on their hols.
Charity day despite a bit of a hiccup at the start with the draw, and an unknown bowler to us masquerading as a non bowler all went well. Thanks to all who helped, played, sponsored, bought draw prizes & tickets, donated cakes, played bingo and the Bar-B-Q a massive £918 was raised, well done to everybody, the proceeds will be split 50:50 between the Chrissian Residential Home & St. Elizabeth’s Hospices. Winners of the event were Kevin Cullum & Steve Williamson. The only real problem is the yearly struggle to get enough bowlers; it’s been a problem almost every year from an organiser’s point of view sours the event.
As the season winds down attention turns to next year, the usual rumours of players coming & going start to circulate, to my way of thinking you only want players who want to play for Cali, so if you wish to leave then OK we don’t want to lose you, but like the old saying goes “the grass is always greener on the other side” As for possible new recruits again I don’t believe in poaching other clubs players there is far too much of that goes on, but should anyone make noises about leaving another club, then we are in a position to accommodate them. California is competitive club, with a host of achievements both recent and historical to our name, but we have players of all standards and apart from a very rare case all that play for us improve. We have a quality green and the club itself has much to offer, yes we have the odd issue, but then which bowls club does not? I recon if you ask people who have joined in the past few years most will say we are well run and have a good club spirit.
To finish a couple of parish notices, our race night on the 29th September has migrated and morphed into another popular quiz on Sunday 6th October. Also John has sent a reminder about next seasons entries etc. yes I know it early,
? but many of these things have to be in to the various county bodies not long after this playing season finishes, so you have been warned, remember John has holidays as well !
That’s all for now, let’s hope for a strong end to the season, good bowling,
Come on the Cali
Chris
Newsletter 2019/04 (18th July 2019)
Past half way now in the season and indeed the league part is coming towards its conclusion, yes even with some rearranged games all teams have plenty to play for. In the best position is Keith’s 2 bowl ‘B’ team, they have a substantial lead at present, including one 7 – 0 win 124 shots to 40. Next best positioned are Maria’s 3 bowl team a couple of points behind Westerfield, who they recently beat away from home in a rearranged game, the rearrangement of which was not helped by a awkward Westerfield captain, luckily the league got involved and eventually a sensible conclusion re the dates was reached. Maria team are tucked in second spot with a game in hand, in a pretty good position I think! Both 2 bowl ‘A’ and BE Men’s Triples teams are defiantly in the hunt if either or both teams win out, in the case of Shane’s I&DFBL ‘A’ team they will probably win the league or in Steve’s BE teams case be runner up and qualify for the finals day. As for both of the Samford section teams they do have games in hand and although maybe not likely division winners could gain runners up honours. In terms of the league teams this leaves the BE Mixed, clashes on Friday with the various cups and getting 2 teams on a Friday night has been a nightmare. Regretfully the people who often are unavailable for Samford Cups / Mixed League are the very people who should be playing. Thankfully with a great deal of cooperation from our leading club members we have struggled by, but these are not the people who should be paying regularly. I realise we have always played some “top” players in these teams to help the less experienced players along which is a good thing, but the current level of commitment required for these events by our leading players is too much to ask and below what’s required by some other members, after all team competition entries are agreed by these very members at AGM. Looking at the individual county competitions judging by the amount of rink bookings we seemed to have had several of our members were involved in the final rounds leading to the “staged” parts of the events, but alas many of these were knocked out in these latter stages and failed to make those staged rounds. In the Ladies County competitions Maria Brooks won her area final of the 2 bowl singles against a very strong opponent in Andrea Dickinson, but then narrowly lost out in the county semi final after suffering a loss of form in the mid stage of the game to the vastly experienced Sherry Kemp of Thorndon. Hanna Brooks again lost out to a far more experienced opponent in the Under 25’s, again her performance was very creditable. For their efforts both Hanna & Maria have been asked to play in the Area team competition for ladies the Ellen Matthews, as has Leon Thompson in the men’s equivalent the Marie Denny. Other California ladies also again came close to getting through in Singles, Pairs & Triples, but did not make the Area finals day. As for the men’s events Adam & Ian Page lost the area semi final of the Pairs as did Adam in the U25’s singles. Those who did progressed to next weekends county semi finalists are Stuart Walsh in the Secretaries Singles and Ian Page in the 2 Bowl Singles comfortably beating Joe Sims (Norbridge) in the delayed area final, regretfully Adam also lost out with his Bramford partner in the under 25’s open pairs against what was on paper a much stronger pair.
Looking now at the BE events, Shane Wildon had more than his fair share of last end losses in the latter stages of the CofC, Fours & Pairs, the Pairs with Steve Allum being the worst in a quarter final on a evening when time was lost due to heavy rain and on a extra end starting a 9.50pm not a good scenario. Better news in the mixed pairs Maria Brooks & Gary Green reached the quarter final only to lose out to a Bramford pair including Jason Smith. Our other entrants all sadly fell by the way side before the quarter finals except Kevin Halls Senior Fours who went out in the semi final.
In the cup events we have had mixed results in since the last newsletter, very surprisingly our Junior cup side suffered a defeat at home in the Area semi final to Westerfield albeit by only 2 shots, even more disappointment in the Bert Edwards Fours quarter finals losing out to Lowestoft Railway at Bungay, so any chance of a Threepeat in this event were dashed. The loss its self was maybe not have been that surprising it was the manor of the defeat that was most disappointing, once again key players were not available, those who came in did a decent enough job, but many of the regulars were far from on form. A combination of them playing long jacks and shed loads of Cali short bowls was an occupational hazard for our skips and they often fell into the same trap. So an event Cali had owned in recent times with 4 finals in the last 4 years ended in a big defeat on all rinks which was most disappointing, Bungay green its self was not special, but I’ve seen and played on much worse, but the lack of basic hospitality (no one present from the host club) upset several of our players and some of those players from the other 3 competing semi final clubs. In the last 8 of the Quinton bowl we lost by 11 to a very strong Ipswich BC side, so a win in the Millennium Trophy was most welcome and hard fought, splitting the singles and losing the Triples it all rested on the last ends, indeed the last bowls of both the Pairs & Fours squeaking through in both, we now face Felixstowe in the last 8, thankfully at Cali and not away on the “plastic”.
The green remain in excellent condition, so far this year we have had some regular rain along with some warm days which for greenkeepers is a godsend, Mick, Dave and all the other helpers have been doing their bit, for which we must all be grateful. Mick’s been working on some possible new rinks marks for next season, could be interesting?
A common theme for the season has been our struggles to field teams, something we have not experienced much of over my years at Cali, I must add at this point we have had more than our fair share of injuries this season, from bad backs, to torn thigh muscles and everything in between the list be long, hopefully all those effected will soon recover. With the player shortage in mind come the end of the season, first the committee then the AGM may need to make some tough decisions about team entries for next year unless new members are recruited.
As usual we are fast heading towards our annual Charity Pairs Day on 11th August, Ian would appreciate plenty of names of bowlers the earlier the better please, help on the day and some draw prizes would not go amiss either.
The only other thing I should mention is the Club Competitions, we are now entering that first round period when nobody really wants to play just yet, but if you don’t things just get clogged up, people go on holiday and before you know it you are running out of time, so come on get the ball rolling!
That’s all for now, let’s hope for a strong end to the season, good bowling,
Come on the Cali
Chris
Past half way now in the season and indeed the league part is coming towards its conclusion, yes even with some rearranged games all teams have plenty to play for. In the best position is Keith’s 2 bowl ‘B’ team, they have a substantial lead at present, including one 7 – 0 win 124 shots to 40. Next best positioned are Maria’s 3 bowl team a couple of points behind Westerfield, who they recently beat away from home in a rearranged game, the rearrangement of which was not helped by a awkward Westerfield captain, luckily the league got involved and eventually a sensible conclusion re the dates was reached. Maria team are tucked in second spot with a game in hand, in a pretty good position I think! Both 2 bowl ‘A’ and BE Men’s Triples teams are defiantly in the hunt if either or both teams win out, in the case of Shane’s I&DFBL ‘A’ team they will probably win the league or in Steve’s BE teams case be runner up and qualify for the finals day. As for both of the Samford section teams they do have games in hand and although maybe not likely division winners could gain runners up honours. In terms of the league teams this leaves the BE Mixed, clashes on Friday with the various cups and getting 2 teams on a Friday night has been a nightmare. Regretfully the people who often are unavailable for Samford Cups / Mixed League are the very people who should be playing. Thankfully with a great deal of cooperation from our leading club members we have struggled by, but these are not the people who should be paying regularly. I realise we have always played some “top” players in these teams to help the less experienced players along which is a good thing, but the current level of commitment required for these events by our leading players is too much to ask and below what’s required by some other members, after all team competition entries are agreed by these very members at AGM. Looking at the individual county competitions judging by the amount of rink bookings we seemed to have had several of our members were involved in the final rounds leading to the “staged” parts of the events, but alas many of these were knocked out in these latter stages and failed to make those staged rounds. In the Ladies County competitions Maria Brooks won her area final of the 2 bowl singles against a very strong opponent in Andrea Dickinson, but then narrowly lost out in the county semi final after suffering a loss of form in the mid stage of the game to the vastly experienced Sherry Kemp of Thorndon. Hanna Brooks again lost out to a far more experienced opponent in the Under 25’s, again her performance was very creditable. For their efforts both Hanna & Maria have been asked to play in the Area team competition for ladies the Ellen Matthews, as has Leon Thompson in the men’s equivalent the Marie Denny. Other California ladies also again came close to getting through in Singles, Pairs & Triples, but did not make the Area finals day. As for the men’s events Adam & Ian Page lost the area semi final of the Pairs as did Adam in the U25’s singles. Those who did progressed to next weekends county semi finalists are Stuart Walsh in the Secretaries Singles and Ian Page in the 2 Bowl Singles comfortably beating Joe Sims (Norbridge) in the delayed area final, regretfully Adam also lost out with his Bramford partner in the under 25’s open pairs against what was on paper a much stronger pair.
Looking now at the BE events, Shane Wildon had more than his fair share of last end losses in the latter stages of the CofC, Fours & Pairs, the Pairs with Steve Allum being the worst in a quarter final on a evening when time was lost due to heavy rain and on a extra end starting a 9.50pm not a good scenario. Better news in the mixed pairs Maria Brooks & Gary Green reached the quarter final only to lose out to a Bramford pair including Jason Smith. Our other entrants all sadly fell by the way side before the quarter finals except Kevin Halls Senior Fours who went out in the semi final.
In the cup events we have had mixed results in since the last newsletter, very surprisingly our Junior cup side suffered a defeat at home in the Area semi final to Westerfield albeit by only 2 shots, even more disappointment in the Bert Edwards Fours quarter finals losing out to Lowestoft Railway at Bungay, so any chance of a Threepeat in this event were dashed. The loss its self was maybe not have been that surprising it was the manor of the defeat that was most disappointing, once again key players were not available, those who came in did a decent enough job, but many of the regulars were far from on form. A combination of them playing long jacks and shed loads of Cali short bowls was an occupational hazard for our skips and they often fell into the same trap. So an event Cali had owned in recent times with 4 finals in the last 4 years ended in a big defeat on all rinks which was most disappointing, Bungay green its self was not special, but I’ve seen and played on much worse, but the lack of basic hospitality (no one present from the host club) upset several of our players and some of those players from the other 3 competing semi final clubs. In the last 8 of the Quinton bowl we lost by 11 to a very strong Ipswich BC side, so a win in the Millennium Trophy was most welcome and hard fought, splitting the singles and losing the Triples it all rested on the last ends, indeed the last bowls of both the Pairs & Fours squeaking through in both, we now face Felixstowe in the last 8, thankfully at Cali and not away on the “plastic”.
The green remain in excellent condition, so far this year we have had some regular rain along with some warm days which for greenkeepers is a godsend, Mick, Dave and all the other helpers have been doing their bit, for which we must all be grateful. Mick’s been working on some possible new rinks marks for next season, could be interesting?
A common theme for the season has been our struggles to field teams, something we have not experienced much of over my years at Cali, I must add at this point we have had more than our fair share of injuries this season, from bad backs, to torn thigh muscles and everything in between the list be long, hopefully all those effected will soon recover. With the player shortage in mind come the end of the season, first the committee then the AGM may need to make some tough decisions about team entries for next year unless new members are recruited.
As usual we are fast heading towards our annual Charity Pairs Day on 11th August, Ian would appreciate plenty of names of bowlers the earlier the better please, help on the day and some draw prizes would not go amiss either.
The only other thing I should mention is the Club Competitions, we are now entering that first round period when nobody really wants to play just yet, but if you don’t things just get clogged up, people go on holiday and before you know it you are running out of time, so come on get the ball rolling!
That’s all for now, let’s hope for a strong end to the season, good bowling,
Come on the Cali
Chris
Newsletter 2019/03 (10th June 2019)
After last year’s drought and heat this season has been a bit of a change, yes the seasons early weeks were dry and occasionally very warm, but more recently we have had a decent amount of rain which has helped the green. Touch wood with Mick’s excellent work our green has more or less recovered from the ravages of last year and been excellent to play on. It has been a good pace on a daily basis and on the day of our Millennium win over Sudbury was positively like greased lightning, enough to say even a player of Andy Catchpole’s ability said he was having difficulty holding bowls back! and that was after playing 30 ends in an incredible 20 – 21 singles game.
Generally our results from all teams have been good with the odd rouge, how our BE Men’s team lost to Bramford 6 – 0 is a perfect example, overall the league has gone well. In the cups we lost by only a few shots away to defending champions IBC in the Senior Cup and to the same clubs second team in the National Double Fours, on that occasion we did not have a full team out, which was especially disappointing because i) We offered dates, ii) It is the most prestigious competition we enter & iii) It’s not cheap to enter. The Junior Cup team have had a couple of good away wins and now face Westerfield at home in the Area Semi Final, captain Keith has used some members of the ‘A’ squad who did not feature in the 1 Senior cup game we played, a decision some will question, but something he is perfectly entitled to do if the players go along with it. On the Stan Wright front Maria’s team got through round 1 and now meet Sproughton whilst Keith team lost to I&D. With the BE competitions all good at present, 2 wins away in the BEF Haughley & Debenham, now off to Bungay to play Lowestoft Railway in defence of the title, the afore mentioned Debenham gave us the second round of the Norton this after we disposed of Bramford in round 1. As said earlier we won 4 – 1 against Sudbury in the Millennium and only yesterday hammered Ipswich & District in the Quinton Bowl, the next round of which sees us up against equally impressive winners Ipswich BC at Roundwood.
Given we are only in the 2nd week in June it seems odd that many of the Ladies Fed competitions are at the Area Semi Finals stage already, some notable performances already in early rounds Hanna & Maria Brooks beat Ann Woolnough & Stella Utteridge in the Pairs, top result and Maria narrowly lost to one of the better local lady bowls Andrea Dickinson in the 4 bowl singles. Sadly Andrea repeated the feat by beating Debbie Allum by 2 in the Area Semi Final in the pouring rain, Debbie having held game on more than one occasion. I addition Debbie and Ann also went out of the ladies pairs at the same stage also down at Norbridge, but still have another chance of progression with Pam Noble in the Triples.
As for the Men’s County Comps Brian Green is still in the BE singles last 16 and now plays Kyle Leeks, Steve Allum & Shane Wildon are at a similar stage in the Pairs and this after a excellent away win on the “plastic” at Felixstowe last week, and they now face Richard Leeder and partner from Rookery. In the “Old Boys Fours” (Senior) Kevin Halls’s team beat a strong Felixstowe & Suffolk Four featuring Messer’s Hunting, Cooper, Webb & Holding a team who they lost to last season, since then the have played a quarter final and won and move on to play another F&S four skipped by the unpredictable Chris Dunnett in the Semi’s at Framlingham.
Some of our players have been playing representative games, Jim Craig played in the Marie Denny v Ellen Matthews game, Hanna Brooks went to a coaching day for Fed Under 25’s and was that impressive got picked for the County Under 25’s Reg Wright team and both Ian Page & Shane Wildon played in Suffolks recent Middleton Cup game at Huntingdonshire.
In my opinion the overriding issue effecting our club is a shortage of players with illness and injury we are struggling to fulfil all our commitments, recently we have had to cancel a couple of games through a shortage of players, something I have very rarely done whilst organising our fixtures over 25 plus years. Whilst I hope all our current members are on the lookout for potential new recruits whether they be beginners or established bowlers, I would add as before I do not condone poaching other clubs players, it’s just if people make the first move help them in the “right “ direction as much as possible.
Just a few further points raised from this early season, firstly I here several of our members complain when the green is set on 5 rinks “they don’t like it”, yes on 4 is bowls better, but the 5 rinks marks should be your “friends” homers if you like, let’s face it there are only 9 rink mark to learn, unlike some clubs with 3 sets of marks in 2 directions & 6 rinks, that 36 rinks to learn which is a whole new ball game. Secondly all our club competition draws are now available in the pavilion and on line on the web site. Thirdly at the recent Quinton game it was good to see Phil Bradley who was looking on and looking fit and well, let’s hope Phil gets the urge to play again. Lastly Secretary John got well and truly stitched up by the press, an apparent innocent question about ladies and the wearing of shorts in Federation bowls asked by a local journalist who had been stirred up by some disgruntled lady bowler. This then turned into a full blown National story with John being misquoted and his answers selectively edited, which features in “The Times”, “The Telegraph”, “The Independent” & “The Mail” along with local radio and even being asked to come on Good Morning Britain! Wow! all that unwanted celebrity status.
That’s all for now, good bowling, Come on the Cali!
All the best from Chris
After last year’s drought and heat this season has been a bit of a change, yes the seasons early weeks were dry and occasionally very warm, but more recently we have had a decent amount of rain which has helped the green. Touch wood with Mick’s excellent work our green has more or less recovered from the ravages of last year and been excellent to play on. It has been a good pace on a daily basis and on the day of our Millennium win over Sudbury was positively like greased lightning, enough to say even a player of Andy Catchpole’s ability said he was having difficulty holding bowls back! and that was after playing 30 ends in an incredible 20 – 21 singles game.
Generally our results from all teams have been good with the odd rouge, how our BE Men’s team lost to Bramford 6 – 0 is a perfect example, overall the league has gone well. In the cups we lost by only a few shots away to defending champions IBC in the Senior Cup and to the same clubs second team in the National Double Fours, on that occasion we did not have a full team out, which was especially disappointing because i) We offered dates, ii) It is the most prestigious competition we enter & iii) It’s not cheap to enter. The Junior Cup team have had a couple of good away wins and now face Westerfield at home in the Area Semi Final, captain Keith has used some members of the ‘A’ squad who did not feature in the 1 Senior cup game we played, a decision some will question, but something he is perfectly entitled to do if the players go along with it. On the Stan Wright front Maria’s team got through round 1 and now meet Sproughton whilst Keith team lost to I&D. With the BE competitions all good at present, 2 wins away in the BEF Haughley & Debenham, now off to Bungay to play Lowestoft Railway in defence of the title, the afore mentioned Debenham gave us the second round of the Norton this after we disposed of Bramford in round 1. As said earlier we won 4 – 1 against Sudbury in the Millennium and only yesterday hammered Ipswich & District in the Quinton Bowl, the next round of which sees us up against equally impressive winners Ipswich BC at Roundwood.
Given we are only in the 2nd week in June it seems odd that many of the Ladies Fed competitions are at the Area Semi Finals stage already, some notable performances already in early rounds Hanna & Maria Brooks beat Ann Woolnough & Stella Utteridge in the Pairs, top result and Maria narrowly lost to one of the better local lady bowls Andrea Dickinson in the 4 bowl singles. Sadly Andrea repeated the feat by beating Debbie Allum by 2 in the Area Semi Final in the pouring rain, Debbie having held game on more than one occasion. I addition Debbie and Ann also went out of the ladies pairs at the same stage also down at Norbridge, but still have another chance of progression with Pam Noble in the Triples.
As for the Men’s County Comps Brian Green is still in the BE singles last 16 and now plays Kyle Leeks, Steve Allum & Shane Wildon are at a similar stage in the Pairs and this after a excellent away win on the “plastic” at Felixstowe last week, and they now face Richard Leeder and partner from Rookery. In the “Old Boys Fours” (Senior) Kevin Halls’s team beat a strong Felixstowe & Suffolk Four featuring Messer’s Hunting, Cooper, Webb & Holding a team who they lost to last season, since then the have played a quarter final and won and move on to play another F&S four skipped by the unpredictable Chris Dunnett in the Semi’s at Framlingham.
Some of our players have been playing representative games, Jim Craig played in the Marie Denny v Ellen Matthews game, Hanna Brooks went to a coaching day for Fed Under 25’s and was that impressive got picked for the County Under 25’s Reg Wright team and both Ian Page & Shane Wildon played in Suffolks recent Middleton Cup game at Huntingdonshire.
In my opinion the overriding issue effecting our club is a shortage of players with illness and injury we are struggling to fulfil all our commitments, recently we have had to cancel a couple of games through a shortage of players, something I have very rarely done whilst organising our fixtures over 25 plus years. Whilst I hope all our current members are on the lookout for potential new recruits whether they be beginners or established bowlers, I would add as before I do not condone poaching other clubs players, it’s just if people make the first move help them in the “right “ direction as much as possible.
Just a few further points raised from this early season, firstly I here several of our members complain when the green is set on 5 rinks “they don’t like it”, yes on 4 is bowls better, but the 5 rinks marks should be your “friends” homers if you like, let’s face it there are only 9 rink mark to learn, unlike some clubs with 3 sets of marks in 2 directions & 6 rinks, that 36 rinks to learn which is a whole new ball game. Secondly all our club competition draws are now available in the pavilion and on line on the web site. Thirdly at the recent Quinton game it was good to see Phil Bradley who was looking on and looking fit and well, let’s hope Phil gets the urge to play again. Lastly Secretary John got well and truly stitched up by the press, an apparent innocent question about ladies and the wearing of shorts in Federation bowls asked by a local journalist who had been stirred up by some disgruntled lady bowler. This then turned into a full blown National story with John being misquoted and his answers selectively edited, which features in “The Times”, “The Telegraph”, “The Independent” & “The Mail” along with local radio and even being asked to come on Good Morning Britain! Wow! all that unwanted celebrity status.
That’s all for now, good bowling, Come on the Cali!
All the best from Chris
Newsletter 2019/02 (5th May 2019)
With the new season up and running it’s time for another newsletter, the weather on opening day was magnificent to say the least, I doubt you will get a better day to bowl all season!. 18 members did take the opportunity to play in the club Triples and several more collected their bits and bobs from John, I appreciate it was Easter Sunday and a few people were away, but still it worked out OK. Looking at our overall membership we have lost three more players from last season, sadly Phil Bradley decided he was unable to play and we can only hope at some point in time he may return as he will be sorely missed. In addition Sue Peck has not rejoined here again it’s another person gone and lastly Stan Paddington has got married and moved to Norfolk, we wish him well. On the plus side Andy Catchpole will be available again this year and David Salmon has had second thoughts on total retirement and may play the odd game or two. This highlights a new problem for us at Cali, over the 34 years of my involvement our overall playing numbers have remained stable between a high of 54 and a low of 48, as of now it’s down to 47 with an additional 3 of these being non playing life members so effectively 44, so even our numbers are dropping we are not immune to the problem!. As I mentioned on opening day we could do with a few more bowlers, we all visit other clubs, clubs close, members move around and become “available”, the last thing I wish to see is Cali start poaching other clubs members, something I don’t condone. But it is important to make people aware we need more bowlers and they would be welcome at Cali, so if you know anyone who is looking to move ask them to speak to John or myself.
Following on from opening day we had our usual A v B match, this time 28 played resulting in a win for the ‘A’ squad and again a few more arrived to avail themselves of some excellent refreshments afterwards. I must again thank in the main Secretary John and his family assisted by Joyce for the hot food provided. Over the evening we did hold a collection in aid of Rex Chittock’s (a very long standing social club member) appeal to raise money for the purchase of a Defibrillator for the club. Again there are those who will think the Social club themselves should purchase one, that may well be a very valid argument, but fortunately Rex is doing something about getting one and the least we could do is help his cause as any of us may need the equipment at any time in the future. With this in mind the results of your donations, the proceeds of the pub card on the night and a donation from the bowls club itself some £120 was added to Rex’s collection, thank you all, and Rex tells John he now has some £600 towards his goal of £1000.
Work on the green continues with weather that has been against us in the main, with very little rain at a time when to do the needed scarifying work, fertilising etc. rain is a must. I think we are just about up to date at present and the recovery from last year’s drought is pretty good, this despite problems with both lawn mowers and an ongoing issue with the watering system, metaphorically it never rains, but it pours!. Once again we must be thankful to the 8 members agreed (press ganged!) into helping with the general upkeep of the area and these along with the usual suspects, of Mick & Sammo will I’m sure keep the green up to its normal high standard. Should anybody else like to get involved then please speak directly to Mick Page or myself we will find you something to do!.
Pre season we held our annual quiz, with about 15 teams involved a decent amount of money was raised for the bowls club. Again thanks to Ian and his team of helpers for all their efforts, the current feeling is we may run a second quiz evening in place of the race night later in the year as it seems to be more popular and we do raise more money, once again should any members have thoughts on the matter then speak to Ian or myself. Any members entering the pavilion will notice a new addition in the form of a sideboard curtsey of Barry Forsdike. A couple of important items have migrated into its draws, our first aid kit is top right draw and folder with spared team / results sheets is in the top left.
On the playing front the usual mixed bag for our league teams, a couple of disappointing results namely our home Samford Monday loss and the ‘A’ team away at Norbridge on Tuesday, this balanced with a trio of good results, ‘B’ team at home to Kesgrave on Tuesday and both Wednesday teams results this despite one being the loss at Bentley for the Triples, which is a very difficult place to go and 5 - 2 down is a decent result and followed by a rain off for the Friday Mixed. Our cup involvement start this coming Bank Holliday Monday with a home game in the National Double Fours v Ipswich BC ‘B’ team with a 2.30pm start, good luck.
Our new website has been up and running for a couple of months now and can be easily found by Google or direct at www.thecalibc.co.uk and is packed with up to date info, some of which is only available to members in 2 pass word protected areas, namely “members area” & “pay & purchase”. You need to contact me (website editor) by email to obtain the link required for access. I’m a bit disappointed after all the work that’s been put in on the new site at the number of members who have applied for the access link, so far its only as handful of our membership.
Just a few more points to note before I finish, firstly the BE Senior Fours has new areas and some long trips may be in order and it is now only 18 ends not 21, to help the “old boys” to get by, according to Bowls England they needed to reduce the ends as a duty of care!. Secondly we are still looking for business advertising boards to be displayed round the green for a small fee, so come on all you self employed people what about it or speak to the boss. Thirdly Andy Newland’s telephone number in our handbook has a bonus 0 in the middle after the first 4 so please remove this. Lastly one of our life members Brian Smye has not been all that well recently and if fact has had a spell in hospital, we trust they have been able to sort Brian out and he will again be up and about and able to visit us.
The next few months will see the season if full swing, let’s hope it’s up to our usual high standard, but that’s all for now all the best
Chris
With the new season up and running it’s time for another newsletter, the weather on opening day was magnificent to say the least, I doubt you will get a better day to bowl all season!. 18 members did take the opportunity to play in the club Triples and several more collected their bits and bobs from John, I appreciate it was Easter Sunday and a few people were away, but still it worked out OK. Looking at our overall membership we have lost three more players from last season, sadly Phil Bradley decided he was unable to play and we can only hope at some point in time he may return as he will be sorely missed. In addition Sue Peck has not rejoined here again it’s another person gone and lastly Stan Paddington has got married and moved to Norfolk, we wish him well. On the plus side Andy Catchpole will be available again this year and David Salmon has had second thoughts on total retirement and may play the odd game or two. This highlights a new problem for us at Cali, over the 34 years of my involvement our overall playing numbers have remained stable between a high of 54 and a low of 48, as of now it’s down to 47 with an additional 3 of these being non playing life members so effectively 44, so even our numbers are dropping we are not immune to the problem!. As I mentioned on opening day we could do with a few more bowlers, we all visit other clubs, clubs close, members move around and become “available”, the last thing I wish to see is Cali start poaching other clubs members, something I don’t condone. But it is important to make people aware we need more bowlers and they would be welcome at Cali, so if you know anyone who is looking to move ask them to speak to John or myself.
Following on from opening day we had our usual A v B match, this time 28 played resulting in a win for the ‘A’ squad and again a few more arrived to avail themselves of some excellent refreshments afterwards. I must again thank in the main Secretary John and his family assisted by Joyce for the hot food provided. Over the evening we did hold a collection in aid of Rex Chittock’s (a very long standing social club member) appeal to raise money for the purchase of a Defibrillator for the club. Again there are those who will think the Social club themselves should purchase one, that may well be a very valid argument, but fortunately Rex is doing something about getting one and the least we could do is help his cause as any of us may need the equipment at any time in the future. With this in mind the results of your donations, the proceeds of the pub card on the night and a donation from the bowls club itself some £120 was added to Rex’s collection, thank you all, and Rex tells John he now has some £600 towards his goal of £1000.
Work on the green continues with weather that has been against us in the main, with very little rain at a time when to do the needed scarifying work, fertilising etc. rain is a must. I think we are just about up to date at present and the recovery from last year’s drought is pretty good, this despite problems with both lawn mowers and an ongoing issue with the watering system, metaphorically it never rains, but it pours!. Once again we must be thankful to the 8 members agreed (press ganged!) into helping with the general upkeep of the area and these along with the usual suspects, of Mick & Sammo will I’m sure keep the green up to its normal high standard. Should anybody else like to get involved then please speak directly to Mick Page or myself we will find you something to do!.
Pre season we held our annual quiz, with about 15 teams involved a decent amount of money was raised for the bowls club. Again thanks to Ian and his team of helpers for all their efforts, the current feeling is we may run a second quiz evening in place of the race night later in the year as it seems to be more popular and we do raise more money, once again should any members have thoughts on the matter then speak to Ian or myself. Any members entering the pavilion will notice a new addition in the form of a sideboard curtsey of Barry Forsdike. A couple of important items have migrated into its draws, our first aid kit is top right draw and folder with spared team / results sheets is in the top left.
On the playing front the usual mixed bag for our league teams, a couple of disappointing results namely our home Samford Monday loss and the ‘A’ team away at Norbridge on Tuesday, this balanced with a trio of good results, ‘B’ team at home to Kesgrave on Tuesday and both Wednesday teams results this despite one being the loss at Bentley for the Triples, which is a very difficult place to go and 5 - 2 down is a decent result and followed by a rain off for the Friday Mixed. Our cup involvement start this coming Bank Holliday Monday with a home game in the National Double Fours v Ipswich BC ‘B’ team with a 2.30pm start, good luck.
Our new website has been up and running for a couple of months now and can be easily found by Google or direct at www.thecalibc.co.uk and is packed with up to date info, some of which is only available to members in 2 pass word protected areas, namely “members area” & “pay & purchase”. You need to contact me (website editor) by email to obtain the link required for access. I’m a bit disappointed after all the work that’s been put in on the new site at the number of members who have applied for the access link, so far its only as handful of our membership.
Just a few more points to note before I finish, firstly the BE Senior Fours has new areas and some long trips may be in order and it is now only 18 ends not 21, to help the “old boys” to get by, according to Bowls England they needed to reduce the ends as a duty of care!. Secondly we are still looking for business advertising boards to be displayed round the green for a small fee, so come on all you self employed people what about it or speak to the boss. Thirdly Andy Newland’s telephone number in our handbook has a bonus 0 in the middle after the first 4 so please remove this. Lastly one of our life members Brian Smye has not been all that well recently and if fact has had a spell in hospital, we trust they have been able to sort Brian out and he will again be up and about and able to visit us.
The next few months will see the season if full swing, let’s hope it’s up to our usual high standard, but that’s all for now all the best
Chris
Newsletter 2019/01 (18th February 2019)
Welcome to the first newsletter of 2019, since the end of last year not much has happened, work continues on the green and surrounds and we must thank both Mick & Sammo for all of their efforts on this front. They have replaced the bank end carpet coverings at both ends and the ditches will have new infill before the season starts, whilst the green itself is getting over last year’s weather related issues. I hope to again organise a rota for help with some of the work around the club, several members have “volunteered” in past years it would be helpful if anyone who is able to offer a couple of hours help normally on a Thursday about once per month to let me know before I have to start asking around.
One matter that did come out of the various league AGM’s the club attends was that the Ipswich & District Federation Bowls Leagues (2/3 Bowl & Samford) booted out a proposal, not made by us but seconded by us to allow the use of floodlights in their events. As usual the Ipswich & District lead the argument to defeat the proposal, pushed no doubt by the usual small minded suspects at I&D, I doubt the vast majority of their members even know about the proposal being discussed. NO it does not give us an unfair advantage; it just means you can see, a convenience when light conditions are poor that’s all. Other than for our club competitions in late August / September the floodlights have been used about a maximum of twice a year so YES Ipswich & District we have a massive advantage because we play under lights regularly, what CRAP!. Thankfully BE see things in an unbiased light and our lights are approved to be used in any of their events including Leagues, County & even National competitions.
One big project which has been worked on over the past month or so is a new web site for the club, the old site had become expensive to run and I thought I’d like to freshen things up a bit so hence the move to another web hosting company and a whole new way of working on the new site to be learnt by me. Those of you who look at the site will have realised the old site disappeared about month ago, our new site will be published today, but regretfully the domain name (web site address) has needed to be changed with “bc” added to the old address. The new address is www.thecalibc.co.uk and has some new features and some old familiar ones as well. The email with this news letter attached will also give some information about passwords for the site and asks that for the first couple of months you search for the new site on Google rather than simply setting up a link, this all helps the site to move up the search ladder the more times it is looked the better. PLEASE READ THE FULL EMAIL.
It’s very sad to report onTwo more past members demise, both Sylvia Simmons & Harry Roger passed away in January. Sylvia was a regular Samford and Wednesday Triples player for the club over a number of years only finishing when an ankle injury forced her to do so in 2006. As for Harry he was “Harry” a one off coming from Ixworth he had several brothers who bowled, but Harry himself took up the game relatively late in life after local football & cricket became too much. All the same he was competitive to his retirement from bowls in 2012, playing for all our federation teams along with our BEF team. Harry was responsible for our getting our first sponsorship from Camel Sand & Gravel in 2006 a link which is still in place today. Both will be missed by those who knew them and our condolences go out to their families and friends.
On a lighter note, one non bowls but related matter to mention is that California Social Club run a team in the local club Cribbage League, Cali’s team is in the main made up of bowlers or ex bowlers just out for a drink and a game of cards. Against all expectation we won the singles league, this for the first time anyone can remember (some of us have been playing 40+ years), indeed if we have ever won it before! Congratulations to them and if you are a social club member and are able to play and would like a game next season we could do with a couple of new players.
Along with the new website coming on stream shortly all members should receive the pre season letter (Season opens on 21st April) with lots of info in it along with a list of what fees members owe. Ian Page has asked me to mention we have had to move the date for the annual quiz from March 24th to SUNDAY APRIL 7th 2019 @ 7.30pm please come along and support the event it’s in aid of your bowls club after all, get a team organised put your team name down on the list and just turn up raring to go on the evening. Teams of 4 to 6 people small fee charged, refreshments provided and the questions vary in subject and ease / difficulty.
Considering I said there was not much to report I’ve filled a few lines, but that’s all for now all the best
Chris
Welcome to the first newsletter of 2019, since the end of last year not much has happened, work continues on the green and surrounds and we must thank both Mick & Sammo for all of their efforts on this front. They have replaced the bank end carpet coverings at both ends and the ditches will have new infill before the season starts, whilst the green itself is getting over last year’s weather related issues. I hope to again organise a rota for help with some of the work around the club, several members have “volunteered” in past years it would be helpful if anyone who is able to offer a couple of hours help normally on a Thursday about once per month to let me know before I have to start asking around.
One matter that did come out of the various league AGM’s the club attends was that the Ipswich & District Federation Bowls Leagues (2/3 Bowl & Samford) booted out a proposal, not made by us but seconded by us to allow the use of floodlights in their events. As usual the Ipswich & District lead the argument to defeat the proposal, pushed no doubt by the usual small minded suspects at I&D, I doubt the vast majority of their members even know about the proposal being discussed. NO it does not give us an unfair advantage; it just means you can see, a convenience when light conditions are poor that’s all. Other than for our club competitions in late August / September the floodlights have been used about a maximum of twice a year so YES Ipswich & District we have a massive advantage because we play under lights regularly, what CRAP!. Thankfully BE see things in an unbiased light and our lights are approved to be used in any of their events including Leagues, County & even National competitions.
One big project which has been worked on over the past month or so is a new web site for the club, the old site had become expensive to run and I thought I’d like to freshen things up a bit so hence the move to another web hosting company and a whole new way of working on the new site to be learnt by me. Those of you who look at the site will have realised the old site disappeared about month ago, our new site will be published today, but regretfully the domain name (web site address) has needed to be changed with “bc” added to the old address. The new address is www.thecalibc.co.uk and has some new features and some old familiar ones as well. The email with this news letter attached will also give some information about passwords for the site and asks that for the first couple of months you search for the new site on Google rather than simply setting up a link, this all helps the site to move up the search ladder the more times it is looked the better. PLEASE READ THE FULL EMAIL.
It’s very sad to report onTwo more past members demise, both Sylvia Simmons & Harry Roger passed away in January. Sylvia was a regular Samford and Wednesday Triples player for the club over a number of years only finishing when an ankle injury forced her to do so in 2006. As for Harry he was “Harry” a one off coming from Ixworth he had several brothers who bowled, but Harry himself took up the game relatively late in life after local football & cricket became too much. All the same he was competitive to his retirement from bowls in 2012, playing for all our federation teams along with our BEF team. Harry was responsible for our getting our first sponsorship from Camel Sand & Gravel in 2006 a link which is still in place today. Both will be missed by those who knew them and our condolences go out to their families and friends.
On a lighter note, one non bowls but related matter to mention is that California Social Club run a team in the local club Cribbage League, Cali’s team is in the main made up of bowlers or ex bowlers just out for a drink and a game of cards. Against all expectation we won the singles league, this for the first time anyone can remember (some of us have been playing 40+ years), indeed if we have ever won it before! Congratulations to them and if you are a social club member and are able to play and would like a game next season we could do with a couple of new players.
Along with the new website coming on stream shortly all members should receive the pre season letter (Season opens on 21st April) with lots of info in it along with a list of what fees members owe. Ian Page has asked me to mention we have had to move the date for the annual quiz from March 24th to SUNDAY APRIL 7th 2019 @ 7.30pm please come along and support the event it’s in aid of your bowls club after all, get a team organised put your team name down on the list and just turn up raring to go on the evening. Teams of 4 to 6 people small fee charged, refreshments provided and the questions vary in subject and ease / difficulty.
Considering I said there was not much to report I’ve filled a few lines, but that’s all for now all the best
Chris