Club President, Trevor Francis, was awarded Player of the Year by Men's Captain, Steve Chivers. This was the icing on the cake for the Club President after he had collected a further three winners medals in the various club competitions.
Trevor beat off stiff competition from Bob Gay, Ken Crouch, Bob Richards, Andy Russ and Ray Mears to lift the inaugural Player of the Year Cup. Trevor's other successes came in the Triples, along with Richard Belsten and Chris Skinner, and the fours, where he Skipped Martyn May and John and Joy Church to victory.
Trevor, along with Steve Chivers, beat Bob Richards and Andy Russ in the Men's Pairs final to atone for Trevor's disappointment in the previous year's final when he and Peter Clifford lost out on an extra end to Bob and Steve Chivers. The win in the Pairs was also significant for Steve Chivers, as it made him only the second player to retain the Pairs Trophy in recent club history.
The night's other big winner was Sue Mathison. Sue collected awards for the Ladies Singles and Ladies Pairs, along with Jane Bridcut, and after a remarkable turnaround, fought back to lift the Champion of Champions Trophy, to give the Ladies section a rare victory in this competition – a lesson in never giving up for any bowler! The trophies were presented by Ladies Captain, Vivian Beech, with certain winners getting more than their fair share of kisses from the lovely Mrs Beech! There could be some interesting photos for 2014, when the Men's Captain presents the awards! Other notable winners were prodigal son, Ken Crouch, who, on his return to the club, won the Men's Singles and Two Woods, beating Peter Clifford and Colin Bowden respectively. Ray Mears won the most Improved Player of the Year Award, chosen by the Men's Captain. The New Bowler's Trophy went to Sylvia Ponting, Bryan and Margaret Derrick, beating the Junior Section of Ollie Jelley, Jordan and Ryan Ashman – maybe next year, lads?
Dave Beard beat Sue Mathison in the Fixed Jack – I know what you are thinking, 'No mention of Bob Richards?' Well, fear not, Bob partnered Noreen Chambers to wins in the Mixed Pairs and the Mark Ford Trophy (Mixed Pairs Two Woods) against Ian and Sue Mathison and Steve Chivers and Viv Beech respectively, but sympathies must go to the unfortunate Viv Beech, who was a runner-up on no less than five occasions. She did manage to finally get her hands on one trophy, along with Carol Mears and Joyce Denning, they lifted the Doreen Holley Trophy.
The final presentation of the evening is always the Gordon Harrington Trophy – this is a vote by the members to choose the Clubman/Woman of the Year and this year's winner was the very well-deserving Joy Church, who incidentally laid on, along with her band of helpers, a most superb feast at the start of the evening.
Paulton Bowls Club would like to thank all the members for making 2013 such a memorable year and would like to wish everyone connected to the club, a Prosperous and Happy New Year.