What an absolutely amazing year it’s been for this year’s Floodlight Charity Bowls League.

As usual, coming near the end of the season, when most of the serious League and County games are over, it’s a welcome relief for the lads to take to the green for this, one of the most popular League games of the season.

I don’t know what it is, but the atmosphere for these games both on and off the green is always incredible, with so much humour and camaraderie and a great deal of banter. It definitely has the ‘feelgood factor’.

This year, the League has been raising money for a local lad, Henry, who has cerebral palsy spastic diplegia, which most noticeably affects his lower limbs, making him unable to stand or walk unaided. But with regular physiotherapy, an indomitable spirit and an infectious smile, Henry has battled to do these things which we all take for granted.

However, it is an ongoing fight as Henry gets older, and with not all the costs of treatment and equipment being met by the NHS, so it is a constant round of fundraising for Henry’s family and friends. Hopefully our contribution will be of help.

On Friday, The Mike Bowell, Paulton Builders Trophy took centre stage at Norwest, when the home team met Frome SP in the Final. And what a cracker of a game it was, with Frome SP taking the honours and the silverware by just eleven shots. It was a great evening, and thanks go to everyone who came along to show their support at this and all the other games.

We must also thank all the cooks and bar staff who kept the lads fed and watered during all the League games. There are just five teams in the League: Frome SP, Norwest, Paulton, Prattens and Purnell, and since the League has been running, they have raised over a staggering £30,000 to help local charities. Thanks also go to Trevor Francis, Bryn Hawkins, Eric Obern and Brian Holmes, the League organisers who do such a brilliant job.

NH