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At the beginning of our opening gala, many of us found out just how out of practice we were after the six months away. Across the green, you could hear lots of muttering and laughter as bowls stopped short or went sailing past the jack into the ditch. However, after a few ends, the bowls were getting closer to the jack, and we settled down to enjoy the afternoon play and catching up with members over the wonderful post-game buffet.
Our first friendly game versus Malmesbury on their artificial surface was another pleasure. Like indoor bowls, the almost level green offers a different bowling experience and takes a bit of getting used to. We were happy to be out there and did our best against the home team who can play outside year-round.
Looking forward to the summer, we have such a variety of activities happening.
Our juniors continue their Sunday morning coaching, which leads up to the competition for the Junior Shield usually played for in August. If you know someone aged 9-18 who’d like to learn a new sport, why not bring them by at 10am to see what it’s all about.
Quite a few of our more competitive players have entered county and national competitions, and they will be playing in their early rounds. While some enter just for the fun of playing at different greens, others enter to challenge themselves against players from around the county. Plus, many of our members will be entering our in-house club competitions that we play throughout the summer.
We will be celebrating the King’s coronation with a special fun club event – you’ll see us putting out the bunting soon.
Our men start playing in the South Cotswold league on Tuesday nights from the 9th of May and the Gloucestershire Sunday league on the 14th. The ladies begin their Corinium and Stroud Valley Triples leagues in June.
Of the 9 friendly fixtures in May, we will play 5 at Tetbury. If you’re interested in stopping by to watch and learn more about lawn bowls, you’ll find the home schedule and our full fixtures list on www.tetburybowlsclub.co.uk/homefriendlies.
Here are 2 events for your diary. On the 28th of May, why not participate in the Bowls Big Weekend, the national event organised by Bowls England? Between noon and 4pm, pop into the club for this free event and give lawn bowls a try.
And on the 3rd of June, we’re inviting teams to enter our Corporate Day event. This fun day of bowls is open to Tetbury’s clubs, pubs, organisations, businesses or groups of friends and family. Teams entered will play each other on a league basis with a break for a cream tea. The winning team will receive a hamper of goodies. Contact us on 07414 274375 or tetburybowls@gmail.com for more information.
Susanne Knaus
Tetbury Bowls Club