Sunday morning saw our chaps at Norwest Bowls gather at the clubhouse for the Men’s meeting, where they decide on the format for next season and thrash out any problems that occurred during the season.

Although 2017 seems to have been a particularly successful season for our lads, it would seem, according to my sources, that it was quite a lively meeting, with several matters arisen, but sorted amicably. Let’s hope 2018 will be as successful as the one just gone, when the men reached three finals in County competitions; winning one, and of course, Norwest can now boast a County champion amongst its ranks.

With both the Men’s and Ladies’ meetings out of the way, and only the AGM and Presentation evening to come, it leads us on inevitably to Christmas. Are you, like me, struggling with the thought that it’s under ten weeks until Christmas?! Or are you like my very organised and extremely irritating son, who has finished all his Christmas shopping and wrapped all the presents?

The trouble is that as you get older, you seem to have all you need, and if there’s something you want, you tend to just go out and get it. I just thank goodness for bowls: there is always something that the man in your life needs; if he’s into lawn bowls, be it new ‘wets’, a bowls bag, a new club shirt, or a new set of woods.

As for me, the list is endless, and not a bit of bowls gear in sight. Maybe some jewellery, some perfume and a diamond or two would be acceptable!

And what about Brian? Some spray chalk, I think!

NH