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The new mural painted over the last few months on the walls of our storage sheds IS FINISHED! We are so grateful for the time and effort that Keith and Kate Apperley have spent creating such a striking montage of Tetbury’s well-known historical places. From St Mary’s Church to Cutwell bridge, the Chipping Steps to the market hall, just to name a few. Over the summer, club members and rec users have thoroughly enjoyed watching as more details were added and the scenes unfolded. There’s the cat in the window, the seagull, the wrought iron churchyard gates, the bannisters and gardens along the Steps, and the marquee and other elements dotted around in the fields that form the backdrop. So much to enjoy and appreciate when viewing from the clubhouse and recreation ground; a heartfelt thank you to Keith and Kate from all our members.
Our performance in the leagues this year was excellent. We are very proud of all our bowlers who played in the men’s and ladies leagues and contributed to such a great season of play. We are delighted to have come top of Division 2 of the men’s South Cotswold Bowls League, and well-deserved congratulations to the team. This is a fantastic result and is likely to mean a promotion to Division 1 next year. The Division 4 team came third in their league, which is another great outcome. For the ladies, Tetbury came second in the Stroud Valley Triples League. Well done to the team for this excellent achievement. And, after winning a nail-biting game against Victory Park to sneak ahead in points, the Ladies Corinium team were very happy with their final standing as they came fifth in the league.
Like most sports, the club’s achievements reflect not just the players (some who stepped in at the last minute to make sure we had a full team on the night), but also all the volunteers who support the teams, from the captains and the greenkeepers to those who prepare refreshments and who come to spectate. Our club chair, Keith Glassbrook, said “Everyone involved in the season, regardless of their role, should be extremely proud of the results we’ve achieved”.
During August, the Aviva Bowls England’s National Finals were held at Royal Leamington Spa. And, as usual, many of our members either made the trip up to watch or were glued to the matches that were live streamed. We were particularly excited when member Gareth Brown was selected to play in Disability Bowls England’s Outdoor North vs South Challenge. Well done, Gareth!
We’ve just a few weeks left before the end of our lawn bowls season, but there are some great matches scheduled. For example, we have Gloucestershire vs Hampshire ladies on the 5th of September and our ladies and men’s finals will be held on the 9th of September. Our closing gala on Sunday 24 September offers our players the last chance to get out on the green, but the winter months will see many of our members enjoying fun social events (usually held on a Friday evening).
If you know someone who is attending St Mary’s in years 5 or 6, we will be restarting our Monday after-school short mat programme in mid-September. During a 4/5 week session, students are taught the basics of bowls – setting up the mat, delivering the bowl, some of the rules, scoring and measuring – and playing short games. St Mary’s will notify parents with the details and, as spaces are limited, it’s a good idea to sign up quickly.
If you’d like more information about the club, visit www.tetburybowlsclub.co.uk or email us at tetburybowls@gmail.com.