Bowls club charity day marks the Queen’s 90th

Charity Day at Bradley Stoke Bowls Club, on the weekend of The Queen's 90th birthday celebrations.

By Arthur Allen of  Bradley Stoke Bowls Club.

On Sunday 12th June, Bradley Stoke Bowls Club held their annual charity event, this year to support the local West of England MS Therapy Centre (MSTC), based in Wheatfield Drive.

With the event coinciding with the main weekend of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations, many members chose to wear red, white and blue to mark the royal anniversary.

Graced by the presence of the town mayor, Cllr Elaine Hardwick, her husband Paul and granddaughter Honey, and supported by Emma Samson from the MSTC, events proceeded like clockwork.

Following coffee, and in spite of the damp weather, there followed a short bowling competition for about 50 participants, which was won by Bob Wilkins and Jan Preston.

Next on the bill was an excellent lunch, catered for by Steve Metcaffe (a member of Henleaze Bowling Club), during which the loyal toast was proposed by club president Bill Plank.

The afternoon programme of typical fun bowling games, got off to a good start with a lusty rendering of “Land of Hope and Glory”, led by the newly-formed Bradley Stoke Bowling Ladies Choir! A few kind words from the mayor, and a sunny-faced sky, spurred the members to attempt unusual bowling challenges, such as delivering woods with the unaccustomed hand. This potpourri contest was won by Denise Eland and Sanjay Somaroo. Winners of the spider challenge were Pauline Dent and John Slade.

To round off the day, a delicious cream tea was provided by Pauline Dent and Doreen Pope, spiced with some royal cerebral challenges concocted by quizmaster Brian Newman.

Throughout the day, funds were raised from a tombola, organized by Jean Overton, and a raffle, largely organized in absentia by Pat Wilkins. We thank all those companies in the area who donated generously to the raffle and tombola and all members who supported the day with their time, gifts of prizes and, most importantly, the giving of money to our chosen charity for this year.

The club vice-captains Steve Woodruff, Dave Beedell, Dave Sage, Tony Carter, John Pope, Pauline Dent, Dorothy Pope and Bob Wilkins are to be congratulated; especially Bob Wilkins who acted as MC and captain of the day. In a short word of thanks, Bob paid tribute to the tremendous assistance of all helpers, especially last year’s captain George Eland.

A sum of £668 has been raised so far, with expectation of some additions to come. The final cheque will be presented at our AGM in October.

Yes, it was a happy and glorious day fit for a Queen!

Read, white and blue at bowls club charity day.

This article originally appeared in the July 2016 edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine, delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to 9,500 homes in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.

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