2022 Season Summary

With the lifting of Covid restrictions on everyday life, members were able to enjoy a full season’s bowling with normality resumed.

Prior to the start of the season, organised social events included the usual Skittles Evening, a Quiz night and a Farewell Evening for Eddie Robinson (who served as Club Captain for numerous years). Besides Eddie, a number of long serving members did not renew their membership this year for various reasons, these included Bert Hoad, Roy Stafford and Dave Pond all of whom had given great service to the Club over the years in different capacities.

 Overall, our membership reduced by eight at the start of the season but we were able to recruit a number of new members throughout the season and at season end our membership stood at fifty-eight, with the proportion of lady members increased. These new members have integrated well into the Club and we hope they will enjoy many seasons as active members.

Throughout the calendar year, the Working Group continued to undertake numerous tasks on Monday mornings that was evident by the fine condition of the Green, the Surrounds and the Gardens during the season. In particular the Green bowled really well and attracted many complimentary comments from visiting teams. The fact that the Green performed so well in the hot and dry conditions that prevailed throughout the season is testament to the skill and commitment of the Greenkeepers and their assistants.

The Club was able to largely fulfil the full programme of scheduled matches and where cancellations occurred, these were largely at the behest of the opposing Club. Unusually, some matches had to be postponed or curtailed due to the abnormally hot conditions, as opposed to being washed out. This was the first year that the men were able to participate in the County League, finishing runners up in their division. Otherwise, the Club finished mid table in the Wessex Mixed Friendly Fours League and the South & West Somerset Ladies League. The final tables are available to view on the Club website. The Club Competitions generally progressed well and culminated in some excellent matches, played on the Finals Days, under ideal conditions. Congratulations to the winners and runner ups, who will be presented with their trophies at the Presentation Dinner in October. Roll-up sessions proved popular throughout the season and attracted a number of visitors to try the Sport, several of whom have since joined the Club.

2022 was the year of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and an Open Day was held to coincide with the Family Day on the Sports Field, organised as part of the celebratory events. This attracted many visitors, including families with young children and proved a highly effective vehicle in promoting the Club to the Local Community as well as attracting new members. Impromptu fun days were also enjoyed by members, notably an ‘Australian Pairs’ event and a ‘Cider& Cheese’ afternoon.

Towards the end of the season, a Bowls Tour to Torquay took place that was greatly enjoyed by all participants. Another noteworthy occasion was the Jubilee Cup where, due to the good offices of one of our members, we secured the services of a specialist arial photographer who used a drone to capture photographs of the Club, with the competition in progress as well as producing a very professional video, that can be viewed on the website or on ‘YouTube’. (Picture below)

Sadly, the Club learnt of the deaths of three ex-members namely Molly Garland, Marjorie Cload and Val Martin. They will be fondly remembered by all longer serving members who knew them.

During the season, the Management Committee agreed to extend a hand of friendship to Ukrainian refugees, a number of whom have located to Somerton and its surrounds. An event was held in the Clubhouse to enable both groups of refugees and their hosts to meet and develop relationships as well as distributing, locally collected winter clothing to the refugees. Further events will be planned.

Finally, to enable members to keep in touch with one another during the winter break, the Clubhouse will be open on the first Saturday of every month, between 11:00am and 1:00pm for social gatherings, with light refreshments available. All are welcome to attend.