It’s 2020 and so the new season begins! I wonder what the year will have in store for us at Norwest in 2020.

But before we get ahead of ourselves I think we should have a look back at the old year and remember some members and dear friends who are no longer with us. In January we heard the sad news that Harold Stephens had passed away. Harold was a popular and faithful member of Norwest who was always ready to lend a hand. In May our President, Mike Briggs died. Mike did an amazing job looking after our green and was a font of knowledge whenever we needed advice. He was men’s Captain for seven years and only gave up when he became too ill to continue. He then took over the Presidency and was in that role when he died. In June the news came of John Doughty’s death. John was a long-standing member and always had an encouraging word for all of us, no matter how badly we were playing. Lastly, in August, Margaret Williams died. Margaret was ladies’ Captain in 1996 & 1997 and Club President in 2003 although she had not played for some time due to ill health. They were all well respected and loved members of Norwest and we still miss them.

Maybe it’s best if we don’t dwell too much on our ladies section results for 2019 as they weren’t too great but in fairness we have struggled with a lack of experienced players. We were pleased to welcome Megan, Sue and Chloe who were plunged straight in the deep end and playing league games after just a few weeks. However, the girls all seemed to enjoy their bowling and hopefully with the experience gained we will see them flourishing in 2020.

The lads did better with the A team coming second in the County League, East 1, very narrowly missing promotion to the Premier League, while the B team avoided relegation comfortably. It was good to see some of our newer bowlers coming on nicely and we have high hopes for the lads next season.

Our club person of the year was Mary, who despite constant pain, continued to work tirelessly for the club. The good news is that Mary is booked in for her hip operation soon, and should be running around like a spring chicken ready for the start of the new season. Good luck Mary, and get well soon.

And now after all our reminiscences of the past year we can hopefully look forward to 2020. All it remains for me to do is wish everybody a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year from all at Norwest Bowls Club and from me, personally, I hope you all have a brilliant 2020 and that it’s the year when all your dreams, whatever they are, come true.

NH