What an absolutely fabulous way to end the season. On Saturday, a superb warm and sunny autumn day, we ventured forth into Bath for our end of season mixed friendly against our old friends and rivals at Alexandra Park.
After running the gauntlet of the new parking restrictions we entered the clubhouse to receive the usual warm welcome. Once out onto the green, the camaraderie continued with lots of laughter and friendly banter. After the game, we repaired to the clubhouse for tea and I can thoroughly recommend the lemon drizzle cake. Scrumptious!
The game went to Norwest, but the result didn’t really matter as it was such a great afternoon, enjoyed by all. Thanks, Alex – we’re looking forward to next spring already when we’ll welcome you to our green to start off the 2020 season.
The fun continued on Sunday when Ann and Paul, our Club Captains, welcomed members to join them at the club for Captains’ Day. Although the morning was somewhat wet, by the time players arrived it was warm and the sun was shining.
The game is played by members drawing lots to see what position and team they will play for. This ends up with newbies playing skip while some of our more experienced bowlers end up leading, and in some cases realising that maybe it’s not that easy to put the jack up! We stop for a cuppa half way through the game, which was particularly welcomed as the weather had taken a turn for the worse, seeing ‘wets’ being donned and a profusion of umbrellas appear on the green.
Amazingly, by the time we’d drunk our tea the rain had stopped and we were able to finish the game in the dry. The atmosphere was great both on and off the green, with a great deal of repartee and laughter. After the game, we were treated to a sumptuous buffet, courtesy of our captains, Ann and Paul, who then presented Sue, Mary, Doris and Lin, who slaved away in the kitchen, with vouchers and flowers for their hard work.
The results of the game were then announced and the presentations made. Ron Bryant carried off the Men’s trophy, with Captain Ann, taking the Ladies. The wooden spoons went to Penny Seviour and Chris Roberts and Jack Vine took the prize for the spider competition. Thanks go to all the bar staff, everyone who provided raffle prizes and everyone who helped in any way to make it such a successful afternoon.
It’s always a brilliant way to end the season and this year’s Captains Day was no exception, but don’t get the wrong idea, that’s just the end of the outdoor season, there’s still lots going on at Norwest during the winter. So just watch this space!
NH