Although most Norwesters turned out sensibly wrapped in several layers for the rather chilly start to this year’s bowling season on Sunday, we did have one brave soul who turned up in shorts – and by the end of the game, a nice crop of goosebumps!
As usual, our season started with President’s Day, but this year it was a first for Norwest, as, to quote our President, Mike: “It is the first time we’ve had a President on wheels!” As most of you know, Mike has been a stalwart member of Norwest and even though, through his recent illness, he is now confined to a wheelchair, he still turned up and chivvied us along.
We started the afternoon with a minute’s silence to remember Harold, a much-loved and greatly-missed member who died recently.
The Spider competition kicked off the afternoon, with all members paying to compete, the aim being to get closest to the ‘spider’ in the middle of the green. The honours went to Eddie, who carried off the prize while the proceeds will go to Dorothy House. After this, the main event of the afternoon got underway.
The competition is organised in a fairly random way, with members drawing lots for rinks and playing positions. It’s a very lighthearted afternoon, with lots of laughter and a great deal of banter on the green. Being the first game of the season, the expertise showed by players was very varied to say the least.
Overall, it was a great afternoon, but I think by the end, most of us were pleased to repair to the clubhouse to warm up and enjoy the superb buffet which Sue, Mary, Lin and Doris provided for us. Well done, ladies – delicious as usual, you did us proud.
The winners’ trophies went to Sandra Beard and Steve Tyler, while the wooden spoons were carried off by Kath Hillman and much to everyone’s surprise, our County Champion, Aaron Delamont. Just not your day then, Aaron!
Keith Coombes presented Mike with a £150 donation for club funds, which was raised by this year’s Fish and Chips Skittles League. He thanked all who took part in this year’s League and said it would be good if we could get a few more teams for next season.
Overall it was a great afternoon, much-enjoyed by all who took part, and hopefully it’s set the seal on what will turn out to be a thoroughly enjoyable and successful season for Norwest. Thanks to all who helped, especially Paul, who organised us, Pat and Mark, our barmen, the ladies in the kitchen, but mostly to Mike for being there.
Finally, I have a request: can all members return their club competition entries by Tuesday, 23rd April to either Mary, Paul or Ann, or hand them in to the bar with appropriate fees. I know this is earlier than the date on the slip, but due to unforeseen difficulties we have had to bring the date forward.
NH