CLUB NEWS
Finals Day 2024
A chilly, windy September Sunday heralded the SWF Bowls Club summer competitions finals. Finalists were playing for their place in Ladies’ Singles, Men’s Singles and Mixed Pairs matches which would culminate in representation of the Club in County competitions next year.
The morning saw Helen Williams and Sonia Martin together with Ian Carter and Ian Hennessy play their respective singles matches. These games require the first player to reach 21 points to be declared the winner.
Helen won the match 21-3. Helen is an experienced bowler but as in all matches, often the final score is not a true reflection of the game played. Well done Helen, better luck next time Sonia. Thanks to Brian Woodman for marking their game.
Ian Hennessy won the match by one point 21-20 but not without an interesting battle playing nip and tuck all the way to the end. An exciting game. Well done Mr Hennessy, well played Mr Carter.
The afternoon match was the mixed pairs. Helen Williams and Arthur Winn vs James Pegg and Ian Hennessy, Helen and Arthur winning 25-11. James is a relatively new member so did well against more experienced bowlers.
There were a good number of supporters who came along to add their encouragement and having braved the chilly day, were rewarded with hot drinks and treats. It was a good day’s play and every bowler deserved their place in the finals.
Now we have the Winter pairs competition to look forward to. Play never stops at SWF Bowls Club. Our usual roll up sessions still carry on. We have a good membership but are always looking to introduce more folk to the game of bowls and its benefits, which include gentle exercise, fresh air and makingand meeting up with new friends. Come and give it a try.
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CMBL McDonald Shield Final
Congratulations to the CMBL ‘A ‘ team who won the McDonald Shield Final after beating Writtle ‘B’ at Falcon Bowls Club in what were absolutely atrocious conditions
It’s ‘home and away’ CMBL Shield time – the successful SWF ‘home’ four pose with their Southminster opponents after the match.
All smiles after the semi-final of the County unbadged singles – a very close game but Helen lost narrowly.
This SWF four came sixth, out of 24, at the recent Corringham & Fobbing Mixed Open.
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM SWF BOWLS CLUB
New Year’s Resolutions? Some are never going to last beyond February, but if you resolved to take more exercise, get out more, make new friends, and find something that is fun to do – joining the bowling club could be just what you are looking for.
If you weren’t sitting in a darkened room with an icepack following the New Year’s Eve celebrations, you will know that New Year’s Day was bright and sunny, blue skies and very little wind – albeit a bit chilly. Twenty-seven members met on the bowling green for the traditional New Year’s Day roll up. Some, almost recovered from the night before, turned up in their onesies which, to be fair, kept them a lot warmer than the rest of us.
As we play on an artificial surface, we can bowl all year round, weather permitting, and we were lucky again this year. A break from the incessant rain gave us the opportunity to work off those hangovers, before heading to the Village Hall for the ‘hair of the dog’.
If you would like to try bowling, get in touch, or to learn more about your local club have a look at our website: www.swfbowlsclub.org.uk
Christabell Wood – 01245 320600 – [email protected]
BOWLS NIGHT AT THE BLUEBELL BISTRO
Another successful year reached its conclusion with the Club annual dinner and prizegiving, and what fun we all had – some fifty members and friends met at the Bluebell Bistro for lots of chat and laughter, catching up with friends before sitting down to enjoy the evening.
Good food and a drink or two – after the main course, it was the quiz. For some years the quiz has been set by our late Chairman, Tom Mills. Even whilst ill Tom and his wife, Barbara, had put together this year’s quiz, and I can just imagine them laughing and thinking, that’ll stump them! Two parts to the quiz – Christmas Music and Christmas Films – some really had us beaten but, in the end, it was a close finish with the winning table just two points clear.
Presentations to this year’s champions followed – Lea Davis for the men, with Trevor Smith runner up. Helen Wiliams for the ladies, with Sue Morden runner up. Only two out of the triples winners were present, Dave Porth and Phil Humphries. Lea Davis and Des Willliams won the pairs, with Brian Cardy and Margaret Watson runners up. Finally, the Silver Cup that the club won in the Chelmsford and District League was displayed whilst each of the team members present were presented with a rather smart medal for their part in that success.
Then came the raffle. Yet again club members had excelled in generously donating prizes. Eleven amazing hampers and many other prizes were drawn, unsurprisingly there seemed to be a great number of bottles of one kind or another – so many went home with a tasty addition to their Christmas catering. Everyone left happy, even without a raffle prize, saying we must come back to the Bluebell next year – Michael and staff looked after us well.
Special thanks to Ian Carter, Club Captain, and Helen Williams, Ladies’ Captain, who just about managed to keep everyone under control !!
Very best wishes for Christmas and for the New Year – do come and try your hand at bowls in 2024.
Chelmsford and District League
In other news – Ian Hennessey and Chas Garnish attended the annual C & D Awards dinner. On behalf of the club, they were presented with the floating Division 3 trophy, duly engraved with 2023 South Woodham Ferrers, a C&D pennant saying Division 3 champions, a cheque for £75 and 16 individual medals for those members who helped achieve that Championship. Glen Williams also attended and was presented as runner-up in the Unbadged Singles. Congratulations to all the men who played their part.
Sadly, whilst the medals will be presented at the annual club prizegiving dinner, the trophies will end up in someone’s loft as, after more than twenty years and numerous meetings and discussions with various Councillors, the members of SWF Bowls Club have no clubhouse, nowhere to display the collection of trophies and prizes that have been won over the years.
Despite having no clubhouse, we do play on an all-weather green, so we play all twelve months of the year, weather permitting. If you don’t mind braving the elements and would like to try your hand at bowls, do get in touch and come and have a go.
Tom Mills.
Bowls Club members were deeply saddened to hear that Tom had passed away, peacefully at home, on 31st October.
Elected Chairman of the Bowls Club in November 2018, Tom has been instrumental in increasing the membership from less than twenty in 2019 to now just shy of eighty members. Many joining were novices who benefitted from Tom’s patient guidance, introducing them to the technique and rules of bowling, and are now very proficient bowlers, increasing our participation and successes in north Essex league competitions, much enjoyed by Tom.
A keen handyman, Tom painted old bowls and added bits to make ladybirds and bees which were sold for club funds, as well as quirky table markers, and was always on hand for any diy and maintenance around the bowls green. His contribution to the club was very much appreciated and will be greatly missed.
Tom’s funeral was held at Chelmsford Crematorium South Chapel on Friday 1st December at 3.30 p.m. Family flowers only, but donations to Farleigh Hospice may be made in Tom’s memory https://thomasmills.muchloved.com
BOWLING SUCCESS
Chelmsford Midweek Bowling League (CMBL)
MEN’S FINAL was first to play when Lea Davis came up against Trevor Smith. Twenty-four men had competed in the run up to the final, but this was to be the closest match yet. Nip and tuck throughout, Trevor in the lead for a lot of the match but the many years of experience of Lea, against Trevor’s relatively short time in the sport, won out at the very last bowl and Lea became Men’s Champion 2023 by 21 points to 20. Congratulations Lea and bad luck Trevor coming up against Lea on form. Is he ever anything else?!
LADIES’ FINAL
Helen Williams and Sue Morden met to battle it out for the Ladies. This was another close match and exciting to watch with Helen leading for the first 13 ends, then Sue went into the lead with 12 shots to 11, but Helen fought back and went on to win the next ten points to win the match 21 – 12. Congratulations Helen.
PAIRS FINAL
The Last Pairs standing were Lea Davis/Des Williams against Brian Cardy/Margaret Watson. Certainly, a game of two halves. Brian and Margaret were in the lead at 14 – 6 after 12 ends, then Lea and Des drew on their reserves and fought back to go even at 15 – 15 – back and forth till at the end of the required twenty-one ends it it was a 19-19 draw. An extra end had to be played which went to Lea and Des at 22 – 19. Wonderful match – Well played everyone.
CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS
Finally, the Ladies Champion was out to meet the Men’s Champion. A beautiful sunny day and out on the green the gloves were off. Helen was quick to get the lead but from 13-6 up went 14-15 down when Lea drew on his years of experience to fight back. Helen, however is not one to give in and went on to win the match by 21 – 17. A fabulous game to watch between two excellent bowlers – and an excellent result for the Ladies. Congratulations Helen.
To learn more about your local club see the website: www.swfbowlsclub.org.uk
Chris Wood – 01245 320600 [email protected]
Chelmsford & District League – Division 3 Champions
Great excitement when twelve of the seventeen strong squad played their last match in Chelmsford – knowing a win would make them Division Champions, though a move up to the next division for 2024 was already guaranteed. In fact, they won comfortably and celebrations followed – back at the Village Hall of course.
This year having played against seven strong teams from Maldon, Burnham, Stock, Ingatestone, Danbury and Chelmsford – 2024 will see them also in Tillingham, Billericay and Writtle – to name but a few. Huge congratulations – Onwards and upwards for 2024.
Chelmsford Midweek Bowling League (CMBL)
For the three teams in CMBL, no such luck – the A team narrowly missed being promoted to the next division, despite eight of the twelve strong squad having a resounding win against Ingatestone in the last match of the league.
With the changes in the leagues it does mean a few new venues for 2024 – including Tiptree. Unlikely to win against them, they’re a jammy lot – boom boom!
The B & C teams, largely made up of some of our newer members, also miss promotion, but with another year’s experience we can expect them to flourish in 2024. They have had some resounding successes, some in heavy rain – usually celebrated in the Village Hall – getting a wet while getting dry!
Runwell Gala Day.
Two teams entered in the Ladies Triples. A perfect sunny day and one of our teams finished equal second on 47 points – the winners had 48 points. Can’t get much closer than that. With twenty-four teams competing from all over Essex, this was a brilliant performance for our ladies.
Club Competitions
As we build up to our Finals Day in September – twelve ladies and twenty men are playing it out for the Singles Titles as well as sixteen pairs hoping to win the Pairs Trophy. On Finals Day it will be down to the last two in each category. Let’s hope for sunshine for the big day.
One benefit of having an artificial surface means we will be playing on throughout the year, weather permitting, whilst most of the grass greens will be closing early in September. The membership fee is halved for winter members so why not come along and try it?
Open Day, May 21st, 2023
Thank you to everyone who turned up and helped at our Open Day on Sunday. Your help and support was very much appreciated! It was a really good day for the Club with lots of new interest! It was also lovely to see everyone including our town Mayor Donna Eley and Deputy Mayor Toni Perham who tried their hands at bowls! Here are some pictures from the day.
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The 2023 SWF Bowls Club Open Day details have been announced for May 21st, 2023
Our Open day is now set for 21st May 2023. Here is our flyer that has been posted in the local Focus newspaper this week:
New Years Day, January 1st, 2023
A great turnout for our now traditional New Years Day Rollup. Thankfully the weather was good and it was helped by the Mulled Wine and mince pies courtesy of Tom and Barbara. Happy new Year everyone!
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Xmas Party, December 17th, 2022
Thanks to everyone that came to this years party, with great friends, lots of fun, club trophies to be awarded and loads of raffles prizes to win!
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Rochester Xmas Market, November 26th, 2022
Thankfully we had good weather for our Bowls Trip to the Xmas Market at Rochester. A good time was had by all!
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Ladies Competition result, October 6th, 2022
Congratulations to Helen Williams for winning this years Ladies competition with commiserations to Chris Wood. After a close game Helen came out winner at 21 – 14. Great game ladies!
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Triples Competition result, October 4th, 2022
Well done to Team Morris/Smith consisting of Dave, Trevor, Dave, Adrian and Phil who won the Triples competition today, winning 18 – 12 against Team Hennesey. Well done guys!
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Mens Singles Competition result, September 23rd, 2022
Well done to Lea Davis who won the Mens Singles competition today in a tight fought game against Glen Williams, winning 21 – 14.
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This years Clacton Day Trip, September 17th, 2022
Thanks to all those members came along to Clacton to play or just for the day! It was once again a fun day out and the weather was perfect! Thank you all! Here are a few pictures from our annual trip:
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Last day of C&D matches for 2022, August 10th, 2022
Here are a few snaps for our last match in the C&D league this week.
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Roy Brooks, August 3rd, 2022
It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Roy Brooks who passed away in the afternoon surrounded by his family. He was such a lovely chap who has been an integral part of the club for many many years, always cheerful, always happy and keen to impart his wealth of bowls knowledge with kindness and humility. He will be missed so so much.
The scouts are back!, June 6th, 2022
A huge thanks to all the people who came along in the rain to help out with the scouts visit today! We had 24 scouts plus chaperones for the trial who thoroughly enjoy themselves, despite the weather! It was a great success so thank you all so much! Here are some pictures from the event:
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Open Day, May 28th, 2022
Thanks to some kind weather, the Open Day took place on Saturday. Big thanks to all the members that came down and helped out throughout the day, our deputy mayor Alan Shearring, and to the local community who turned up to have some practice on the new green and have lots of fun. Here are some images from the day:
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The 2022 Bowls Club Open Day details announced, May 12th, 2022
The date of our Open day has been set for 28th May 2022. See below for the flyer being posted in the local Focus newspaper this week
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First use of the new green, April 7th, 2022
Fantastic news! Work was completed has now been completed on our new green!
After some indifferent weather over the past few days following its completion, we are very pleased to have now been able to test the surface. I understand from first reports that the green is paying more like real grass, with less turn, so that will be great for our C&D and CMBL matches too! Roll on the new season and to many years of great play on the new surface!
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Progress on the new green, March 27th, 2022
We are pleased to confirm work on the new green started on schedule and thanks to some great weather has progressed really well over the past 2 weeks. Here are a few of the photos taken by members as work has progressed to date. We hope the green will be finished next week!
Week 1:
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Week 2:
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The last rollup on our old green, March 10th, 2022
With our new green due to be replaced starting next week, here are some pictures from the last rollup on the old green. Enjoy!
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A belated Happy Christmas! Pictures from the Xmas party and club presentations, February 6th, 2022
At last we were able to celebrate the clubs annual Christmas party and hand out the awards to our winners from 2021. The party took place at The Lodge, Battlesbridge and was very well attended by club members and other halves. Here are some pictures from the night
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Happy New Year! January 1st, 2022
Due to some very welcome warm weather this year we were able to resurrect an old tradition of a roll up on New Years Day. Here are the pictures taken on the day. Enjoy!
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A message from the Chairman, December 18th, 2021
Apologies for the postponement of the Xmas meal, but the committee felt that in the current COVID circumstances it was unwise to continue.
Thanks to all those who have spent so much time on the organisation of the event, in particular Ian Carter, and Helen and Ian Williams.
However on a happier note we are very pleased to inform you that the P&R committee have decided to fund the replacement of the bowling green at Champions Manor Hall. The work is due to start on the 12th March and last for approximately 2 weeks.
The Xmas meal will be rescheduled for a later and safer date, and will be a celebration of not only Xmas but a new green as well.
Hopefully this news is a ray of sunshine in otherwise rather gloomy time.
Greenwich Market Trip , November 28th, 2021
Thanks to everyone who came on our Greenwich outing. Everyone had a lovely day and the sun shone for us! Thanks to Chas for organising the coach
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South Woodham Christmas Fayre, November 20th, 2021
A huge thank you to Tina and David Lewis for their hard work preparing all the gifts for the lucky dips for the Town Fayre on Saturday and for their work on the day. They earned £170 on the day for Club funds! Similarly a huge thank you to Barbara Mills for her cake baking , presentation boxes and to both Tom and Barbara for manning the stall on the day . Thanks too to Kate Clarke for baking the cake for ‘guess the weight of the cake ‘ and Chris Wood for manning this element of the stall on the day! Also a huge thanks to Chas Porth for ensuring that the stall was busy throughout the afternoon! Lastly, thanks to everyone who turned out in support it was much appreciated.
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Halloween Party , October 30th, 2021
Sue Lambs Halloween Party took place tonight. The dress code: Gruesome! A huge thanks to Sue for organising the party, it was such a brilliant night and some of the costumes were epic! Here are some scary pictures from the night!
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Club Triples Play Off Finals , October 26th, 2021
The play off between Teams A and C took place today. Team C won on the day by 14 points to 9. Well done to skip Helen and her team of Roy, Arthur, Gay, Lee!
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C&D Marconi Cup Presentation Day , October 25th, 2021
Tonight was the Presentation Day for Winners of the C&D Marconi Cup. Well done to all who took part!
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Quiz Night , October 22nd, 2021
A great night was had by all at the Quiz held at the Village Hall tonight. See lots of pictures taken at the event!
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Finals Day , September 26th, 2021
Congratulations to our new Ladies and Mens Champions 2021, Chris Wood and Glen Williams. Thanks again to everyone that turned up to support the finalists. Here are some pictures from the day
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Clacton Day Trip, September 18th, 2021
Thanks to everyone who came on our charabanc outing to Clacton on Saturday! We all had a lovely day! The sun shone, the traffic was light, the games were fun and the company great!! Here are some pictures from the day. We just won’t mention the scores! 🙂
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Marconi Cup Final Day, September 5th, 2021
Another great performance today, this time winning the Final of the C&D Marconi Cup. The teams won overall by 15 points across our 3 Mens teams. Well done lads a great performance!
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CMBL Final Day, August 28th, 2021
A convincing win at Falcon’s Bowls Club today where SWFBC took on Maldon C for the Percy McDonals Shield. Both our teams won with 23-18 and 28-12 respectively. Well done to all who took part today!
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Runwell Ladies Celebration Triples, August 24th, 2021
Well done to the ladies who played for the team at Runwell Hospital Bowls Club today
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Friendly Match against the Railway Pub, August 22nd, 2021
Another great days bowls in South Woodham. Despite the rain we had great fun playing the pub team, lending a few of our players for the day. With 42 players in total and drinks down the pub afterwards what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
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Bowls Social & Supper, August 6th, 2021
There was a fantastic turnout for the latest event on the clubs social calendar. Great fun was had by all as can be seen by a selection of images from the evening at the Village Hall. This was a great way for our members, new and old, to get to know one another.
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Images from our latest advert in local Focus News, July 23rd, 2021
The advert found here and its images were also shared in our South Woodham Ferrers Bowls Club Facebook page as well as the South Woodham Ferrers FaceBook group. Fingers crossed we get more people interested in joining the club!
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Ladies Invitation Triples, July 18th, 2021
Well done to the Ladies teams today at Tillingham. Everyone played well, in very hot conditions, but were just short of the prizes this time. Better luck next time ladies!
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Results, w/c June 14th, 2021
Tuesday’s CMBL Match result away against Falcon D to follow.
We won convincingly at home against RHP B in the C&D league. 99-18! Well done gentlemen!
Unfortunately a loss in the C&D Knockout Triples competition against Chelmsford D. The match was on a damp, heavy grass rink against a Div1 side. Great effort guys!
June 12th, 2021 – Friendly at home to Thurrock
We had a great day on Saturday playing a friendly against Thurrock Bowls Club. This is a annual fixture and enjoyed greatly by both teams. We won on the day 3-0!
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June 9th and 11th, 2021 – Results
We had great results this week with wins in the C&D Mens, Ladies Pairs and Mixed comps. Congratulations to all who took part!
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May 20th, 2021 – Open Day in conjunction with England Bowls Big Bowls Weekend
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped out during our Open Day at the weekend. The event was a great success with perfect weather, lots of visitors, including the Mayor, and of course lots of fun!
Special thanks to Chris Wood and David Lewis for their organisation before and on the day! Some much needed funds were also raised for the club and over a dozen membership forms handed out so fingers crossed we have some new members soon too!
Here are lots of pictures from the day.
May 15th, 2021 – Friendly at home against Fords
Thankfully the weather held out more or less for our friendly against Fords. As always a thoroughly enjoyable fixture and a 2 – 1 win! Well done all that took part!
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May 13th, 2021 – We’re bowling in the rain!
Even bad weather can’t stop some of our hardier members! Well done to all that braved the elements to get some practice in ahead of our friendly against Ford’s on Saturday.
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May 12th, 2021 – C&D match away to Falcon B
Our first Men’s match of the season against a good Falcon B side. Unfortunately we lost 3 – 0 but the guys put on a valiant effort with the last end in almost darkness! Better luck next week against Billericay guys!
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May 1st, 2021 – Club Day
We had a great turn out for today’s Club Day. With 18 players we had the perfect number for triples. There were some competitive matches and everyone had great fun as always.
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Pictures supplied by GrahamApril 17th, 2021 – Taster Sessions completed!
Last week we hosted 3 ‘Taster’ sessions for potential new members. Feedback was very positive and I’m pleased to report we have a good number of new members to the club as a result! A warm welcome to you all!
March 22nd, 2021 – Gracie Allum
It is with great sadness that we have learnt today from her daughter Sharon of the passing of ‘Gracie’ Allum, a much loved and long term member of the club. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at the very sad time. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
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Pictures supplied by ChrisMarch 2nd, 2021 – Green preparations for the new season
Pictures supplied by Helen – click picture to enlarge:
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January 18th, 2020 – Tap Room 19 Visit
Pictures supplied by Chris – click picture to enlarge:
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December 15th, 2019 – Club Christmas Party
Pictures supplied by David and Chris – click picture to enlarge:
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September 6th to 8th, 2019 – Club Finals
Pictures supplied Helen – click picture to enlarge:
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August 23rd, 2019 – Hosting of ‘Action for Family Carers’
Pictures supplied Helen – click picture to enlarge:
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July 6th-9th, 2019 – Hastings Weekend
Pictures supplied by a few of us – click picture to enlarge:
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Click the link below to see some dancing in the pub after eating at Whites:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IOiHopx-fTQUccmm3BmGyahQvLz6jIzQ
May 7th, 2019 – Cub Scout Visit
David’s pictures – click picture to enlarge:
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December 16th, 2018 – Annual Christmas Meal at The Lodge
Thanks to Helen and Ian Hennessey for the pictures:
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September 15th, 2018 – Annual Clacton Trip
Thanks to Helen and David for the pictures:
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September 2nd & 9th, 2018 – Finals Day
Thanks to Christabel + JP for the pictures:
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July 15th, 2018 – Friendly at Eltham
Thanks to Helen for the pictures:
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July 7th to 10th, 2018 – Hastings
A few pictures from the Hastings weekend, and yes we did play bowls not just eat and drink!!!
Thanks to Barbara, Helen and David for the pictures:
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May 18th, 2018 – Quiz Time at The Curlew
Thanks to Jamie Williams for the pictures:
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January 13th, 2018 – Sue and Steve Wilson leaving for Spain
Thanks to Lilli for text and pictures:
Sue & Steve Wilson had a leaving party at the Village Hall, as they are off to Spain for six months.
Everyone enjoyed themselves with plenty of dancing and as you can see some dressed up for the Spanish Theme.
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December 17th, 2017 – Annual Christmas Meal at The Lodge
A great night was had by all – a big thanks to Ian C and Ian W for organising the event.
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…and some pictures courtesy of Lillino images were found
September 16th, 2017 – Clacton Trip
Another successful Clacton Trip organised as usual by our Club Chairman, Chas Porth – a big thank-you from everyone who went. A few pictures from the day are included below:
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September 10th, 2017 – Finals Day
There were three finals played:
- Lilli Mint and John Kenton beat Kath Russell and and Ian Hennessey in the Pairs
- Ian Carter beat Grace Allum in the Champions Manor Plate
- John Paveley beat John Kenton in the Singles
Pictures below show all four finalists in the Pairs competition and a picture of the eventual winners (Lilli and JK):
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August 31st, 2017 – Ladies Singles Final
Well done to both finalists – Helen Williams won this year’s Ladies Singles after narrowly beating Lilli Mint.
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September 3rd, 2017 – Marconi Cup Final at RHP
After a close-fought game the Club narrowly lost in this year’s Marconi Cup final to Maldon ‘B’. congratulations are due to all who participated in this year’s games.
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December 20th, 2015 – Christmas Meal at The Lodge
A great time was had by all at the well-attended Christmas Meal at The Lodge – see pictures below and the article in the SWF Focus in early January:
(click pictures to enlarge)
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November 21st, 2015 – Christmas Fayre
It was all smiles for the Club after the Christmas Fayre – money added to Club funds via the popular Tombola and children’s Lucky Dip + loads of interest from SWF people wanting to learn more about the Club. Thanks to all who helped and attended – a real Team SWF Bowls effort!!
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November 14th, 2015 – Surprising News about our President
The First Lady and President attended a 1940’s night to raise funds in aid of ‘The Royal British Legion’. The fancy dress, singalong to music of that era and fun quiz was attended by 130 members. Twenty teams took part in the quiz and the winning trophy and champagne was brought back to South Woodham by President Lee. I know it’s hard to believe that he won but those of us in the know suspect most of the answers came from from Lilli!
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November 3rd, 2015 – AGM
The 2015 AGM was held on November 3rd at Champions Manor – the following members were elected:
Lee Mint – President
Jasmine Paveley – Hon. Secretary
Ian Carter – Treasurer
Helen Williams – Social Secretary
David Lewis – Membership Secretary
John Paveley – Vice Captain
October 28th, 2015 – New Badge
Agreed design for the new club badge:
August 30th, 2015 – Finals Day
Despite it being an overcast day, the rain mainly stayed away for the SWF Bowls Club annual Finals Day on Sunday August 30th at the Champions Manor bowls green. Final matches were played in three club competitions with Lee Mint winning the Plate competition, John Kenton and Ray Dickens winning the Pairs competition and once again Ian Hennessey being crowned club Singles champion.
Click on individual pictures to enlarge.
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August 23rd, 2015 – Marconi Cup Final
Click on individual pictures to enlarge.
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May 3rd, 2015 – OPEN Day
Despite it being a wet and rainy day SWF Bowls Club went ahead with the annual Open Day on Sunday May 3rd at the Champions Manor bowls green. Club members were in attendance and members of the public were welcome to drop in for some basic tuition before trying their hand at bowls. Overall the event was judged to be a great success with several new members being signed up. Click on individual pictures to enlarge.
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March 2015 – New Badge Expected Soon
The Committee are designing a new badge for the Club and news of the final version is expected very soon – see below some of the designs created by David in October 2014:
March 2015 – First win of the season in Indoor/Outdoor League
It was worth waiting for! At long last the club registered its first win of the season against Writtle BC. Ian Hennessey’s ‘Silver Surfers’ comprising Grace Allum, Dudley Joyce and Ian Carter won by 10 shots. On the other rink Lee Mint’s ‘Young Fledglings’ comprising Tom and Kath Russell withh John Kenton won by 9 shots. This win gives us 8 points (10 total) and moves us up two place from the bottom of the league table.
February 2015 – Jamie has created a new Club Facebook page
The new social media page can be viewed here –
https://www.facebook.com/SouthWoodhamFerrersBowlsClub
Also, don’t forget to follow the Club on Twitter – @SWFBOWLS
January 2015 Club Treasurer Lee Mint appeals to the Town Clerk
Dear Derek,
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and all the Town Council staff a Happy New Year.
2014 was another very successful year for the Club and we were presented with some more trophies but, as you are aware, we have nowhere to display them. The Bowls Club are looking for your assistance in finding a small space at Champions Manor Hall for a trophy cabinet to be sited. The Bowls Club will make arrangements for a suitable cabinet to be made if space is provided. In support of our request I have attached A New Year.
I look forward to hearing from you in the near future with a positive response.
Yours sincerely,
Lee Mint
Club Treasurer
A New Year Tale
Once upon a time in days of old there lived a big bad character called Baron Elmwood who resided in the village of South Woodham Ferrers. One day Baron Elmwood decided to try and sell off the local school crown jewels which would result in a new housing estate being built on the school land. However, Baron Elmwood was totally unaware that, about that time, the Good Fairy Lilli (who knew everything) was delivering meals on wheels to a poor Old Lady of the village. While she was dishing up a scrumptious dessert the Good Fairy Lilli told the Old Lady exactly what Baron Elmwood was trying to do – the Old Lady replied fear not Good Fairy Lilli, he cannot do such a thing because there is a covenant on that very plot of land, and it states that it must be used for the good of the villagers.
Later that same day the Good Fairy Lilli told her best friend, the handsome Prince Lee (village philosopher and all-round good egg), about her chat with the Old Lady. After much thought Prince Lee retired to bed where he fell into a deep sleep he dreamt that one day a magnificent Manor Hall would be built on the old school land and it would be champion. He saw that Champions Manor Hall was to be a place of merriment for all villagers including the Elders who would occupy the upper floors. Adjacent to the hall he could see men and womenfolk in white and grey celebrating on the bowling green as their prowess at bowls gained them much success. As his dream developed Prince Lee saw the bowlers proudly place their trophies in a cabinet at Champions Manor Hall – the space for the cabinet (built by Elves from the Bowls Club) having been provided by the good Elders of the village.
Please make this fairy tale come true and find a little space in your Manor Hall for a trophy cabinet for the village Bowls Club, which so easily could have been a housing estate if the Good Fairy Lilli was not caring for the poor folk of the village that day.
Written by the now old and ugly Prince Lee, SWFBC Treasurer.
January 2015 A few words from Club Treasurer Lee Mint
CLUB NEWS: SURPRISE AWARD
I would like to thank all those members that contributed towards the gift vouchers that were presented to me by John Kenton our ex Club Chairman. It is not very often that I am lost for words, but the surprise gift that was given at this year Christmas Dinner left me almost speechless. I was trying to say to John that this must be the John and Lee mutual admiration society after awarding him the Club Member of the year trophy, but the words would not come out properly.
I suppose there has been a couple of highlights since becoming Club Treasurer one is obtaining the £800 pound grant every year towards the cost of the room bookings, and also the Bowlers Club Draw. All the clubs in England can participate and during the five years that we were involved with the help of both our ex Chairmen Pat Glassock and John Kenton and members, we managed to win on 3 occasions and came second twice giving the club a revenue of over £8,000 pounds.
A lot of changes have occurred since I joined the committee, our chairman in those days was Jim Barnett supported by Chris Gold, Derrick Bolton, Mick Moyse and Ken Story, and it looks like I am the last man standing!
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy New Year and let’s hope that the club has another very successful season.
Regards Lee
December 2014 Lee and Lilli at Potters
After winning a Bowls competition at Potters in 2013, Lee and Lilli Mint returned in December to compete in the Champion of Champions competition. After winning three games out of three, Lee and Lilli narrowly missed going forward to the semi-finals after losing a shot on the last end – getting this far was a major achievement given that there were thirty-seven teams competing.
November 2014 – New President Albert Leddra
Before retirement Albert was a very successful businessman as well as being a founder member of the Club in 1998. He very quickly became an expert on artificial greens after volunteering to be the Club’s first greenkeeper. Everyone at the Club wishes Albert a very long and happy reign as President.
Albert Leddra – President
November 15th, 2014 – Quiz Night
Another successful Quiz Night was held in the Village Hall – all organized by Roger. The eventual winners were 1st Knobs & Knockers (Chairman Charles and friends) with runners-up being Seven Minus One (Sylvia and her friends). See below for pictures of both teams.
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