Club News
We are definitely getting craftier
Well done to Lesley for sharing her knowledge and skills so other can benefit.
I think the following comments paint a wonderful picture of this event:
Jenny - 'Thank you for a lovely craft afternoon, you have the patience of a saintwith us lot, your home made cakes aren't bad either.'
Carol - 'Definately a lovely afternoon'
Janice - Well done to all the ladies today, both crafting and those who were playing indoors. A special mention to Lesley for her patience with us all, you're very talented.'
Our next craft event is 4th December 2024 when Carol will be showing our crafties how to make Xmas Wreaths.
What a weekend
Friday 6th to Monday the 9th saw the annual finals of the PEBC internal competitions.
Friday evening saw 4 matches involving 14 members. Saturday a further 9 matches and 30 participants with many more enjoying the sunshine, competitive spirit and of course the fish and chips bought in for lunch. Well done Bob!!
Sunday, saw a further 6 matches, but due to illness one was postponed for 24 hours. We again had 20 competitors. The morning was pairs and triples while the afternoon saw the blue ribbon events, namely the Mens and Ladies Championship along with the Open singles a mixed competition.
Our roving reporter was able to witness the stand out game of the weekend namely the ladies championship between Karen and Coral and reports as follows:
All members of the club were waiting with bated breath and great anticipation for two of our club players at the top of their game to meet in this extraordinary final where they exchanged blow for blow throughout the contest.
It was the pinnacle of the bowls season for both players who have been brought together by this wonderful sport and showed impressive sportsmanship throughout the contest. Although the match was tight the scoreline didn't always reflect this although Karen established an early lead 5-2 by end 7.
Coral playing catch up produced some of her best woods of the encounter to eventually make up ground and lead 12-8 by the 13th.
Ends were exchanged as the titanic battle continued and by the 18th end Coral extended her lead and was now 18-14 up. But then the competition swung and turned in Karen’s favour as she then matched Coral with some superb bowls. This prevented her adversary from scoring unusually in the last 5 ends and to run out the eventual winner of an excellent game 21- 18 after 28 ends ??
There were congratulations, commiserations and hugs after an unforgettable match.
Well done Ladies for providing us all with a very entertaining final with both finalists saying how much they enjoyed the contest, it was just a shame that someone had to
lose as they displayed some of the finest bowls seen on the Club rink in recent memory.
Monday with slightly better weather saw the finals completed with the postponed pairs game and the Burfot Trophy.
Well done one and all a great weekend and a show piece for the club and how it is moving forward.
Pipped at the post
Our last Watford and District final saw our Steve Wilson take on Dylan Martin from Garston in the final of the Champion of Champions.
At 20 ends the match was 16:16 however Dylan overcame to be the eventual winner 21:19 after 24 ends and Steve took the runners up trophy.
Sadly nothing was presented after the game, hence no photo oppertunity.
Steve's journey to the final saw him get a bye in the first round and a walkover in the 2nd. I am not surprised as in the 3rd round he was outstanding beating Ken Woodhouse from Kitcheners 22 - 3 and then in the semi final a tough game against Martin Coles of Mill End saw him come out as the victor 21 - 16.
Dylan was an extremely tough opponent as he had the week before been in the Final of the men's junior singles at the Aviva National Finals. He is definately one to look out for in the future.
Sensational Season
Day 2 of the Watford and District Finals saw our trio of Janice Cheshire Burke, Lesley Wilson and Coral Maycock playing the final of the Ladies Triples against rivals Croxley Guild made up of Avril, Sue and Julie.
The clubs were entering the final of the triples having lost one semu final each against each other the previous weekend. Potten End had won the pairs semi and Croxley had overcome our ladies in the fours.
A wonderful triples game ensued and the match was 19 all after 14 ends. Potten End pulled away in the last four ends to take the lead and trophy 26 - 19.
On route to the final, the ladies played:
Round 1 - Croxley Guild, Val, Mairi and Linda 23 - 8
Round 2 - Ann, Cathy and Rita from Met Bushey 17 - 18
Quarter Final - Mill End Denise, Elaine and Brenda 13 -20
Semi Final - Lois, Mel and Carly from Herts 17 - 13
A special mention to Karen who was able to come in as a substitute in round 2 and also the semi final.
The Watford and District ladies teams from Potten End were made up of Janice, Karen, Lesley, Coral and Carol who managed to reach two finals and also one semi final.
The future certainly looks bright for the Ladies section and with another good crop of members joining in 2024 who knows what the future holds.
Winners!!
Congratulations to Watford & District Pairs competion winners Coral Maycock and Lesley Wilson.
The final was played in great spirit against Pauline Dawson and Sue Robb from Oxhey, our ladies managing to win 14 -10.
The competition had 42 teams and the route to the final saw Coral and Lesley have a few nail biting games along the way.
Round 1 our ladies received a bye.
Round 2 saw victory against Janice and Carol from Potten End 20 -14.
Round 3 was Denise and her partner from Mill End a narrow win 17 - 16.
Quarter Final was a win over Sue and Lois from Herts again a tight game and a win 16 - 14.
Semi final was victory against Avril and Julie from Croxley Green and a win 20 -14.
Well done to you both the first ladies Watford and District competition win since 2017.
Gala 2024
A very eventful and exciting day was had by all. The occassion was very well supported by clubs in the area and the event finally concluded at 6pm with the winners presentation.
The first bowlers arrived early and were welcomed by our great team of volunteers with tea/coffee and bacon rolls. The team of helpers continued working hard throughout the day supplying drinks and lunches for players.
In the meantime, Linda Burfot the co-ordinator of the Gala along with Keith Gissing the Umpire for the day and Chris Halls our Captain made the day run smoothly.
At the end of a competitive day there was one clear winner who remained undefeated Dunstable ‘B’ followed by 3 clubs tying for 2nd place, Berkhamsted, Bushey and our own Hits & Mrs (PEBC).
The final decision of who finished 2nd was made easier by the Club scorer who used the shots system count back, which resulted in Bushey coming 2nd narrowly beating Berkhamsted by 4 shots! Berkhamsted were a player short and our own John Carter stepped in at the last minute and proved a valuable acquisition. Our team of Hits & Mrs paid the price of a bad start and this worked against them in shot difference, although they won their remaining 3 games, a splendid effort. (The photo shows our own John Carter revelling in the attention of the Berkhamsted team who finished 3rd.)
Finally a big thank you must go to everyone concerned for a magnificent effort with a special mention to Linda for supervising a well organised event.
The photo shows our own John Carter revelling in the attention of the Berkhamsted team who finished 3rd.
Ladies Triples day
The sun certainly shined on the ladies for this event.
Four teams of ladies played three games of six ends. After the first game there was a break for coffee, cake and a chat.
After the second game a break for lunch, cooling drinks and more chat.
The last end was in the heat of the day and despite the weather some excellent woods were delivered and some surprises when the final two winning teams to play in the finals were announced.
Team C - Caroline, Doreen and Karen were the highest scoring team with 6 points The other three teams had the same points.
Team D - Avril, Rita and Carol, won on a shot difference of 1.
A message from our captain Lesley:
'Thank you to all the lovely ladies who made today possible and good luck on finals weekend.'
Bar Team fun day
The bar team work hard throughout the season to ensure our members are looked after, so it's nice to take the time to thank them for all their hard work as volunteers.
A message from our Bar Manager Janice:
'I have had the privilege to be supported by a great team and I like to show my appreciation by hosting a bar team fun afternoon. Today we got together to enjoy a glass of Pimms, or fruit juice followed by 3 short games of bowls and afternoon tea.
Steve Rose went from winning the lolly pop last year, to coming first out of the men, what a turn around in a year! Peter received the lolly pop for the men. Doreen Pike won for the ladies and Angelique got the lolly pop for the ladies.
A special mention, to Paula as she retires from active bar duty for all the good work she has put in over a number a years.'
Well done one and all and thanks for making this season another success.
New Bowls
A balmy Friday saw a warm welcome to the Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council Terry Douris.
Our member John Sharp contacted Terry in January 2024 asking whether the County Council was able to provide some assistance in buying training bowls for the club. This resulted in a grant from Terry and his annual personal fund for £750 and the clubs purchase of three new sets of Drakes Pride Bowls in March 2024. The bowls have been a big hit for all members whether new or exisitng. The newer members being able to trial the latest bowls and existing bowlers the oppertunity to have a look at alternatives or updates to their current equipment. In particular it enables all bowlers to make the correct choices of size and type before making any financial commitment to either new or 2nd hand equipment.
Terry was joined by our captains Lesley and Chris, our youngest player Tyler, along with John, Malcolm and Coral who had dealt with the purchasing.
Terry also tried his hand and being a local to the area we hope to see him honing his skills on the rink in the future.
Thanks again to everyone and we are now on the lookout for further asssistance to enhance our offfering with other brands.
Maurice Godden Plate
The inaugral annual Maurice Godden Plate, a bowls match between Ashridge GC and Berkhamsted GC was played out with four teams of 3 from each club.
Maurice is a longstanding member and past captain of Ashridge and a member and past chairman of the bowls club.
The evening started with a spider won by the Berkhamsted Captain Greg Selfe however the rest of the evening belonged to the team from Ashridge. Each team of 4 played each of the four teams from Berkhamsted, two points for a win, one for a draw and zero for a loss. The final score was a resounding win 21 points to 11. (The points for each team in the ends being 77 to 55).
The match was followed by a meal, raffle and auction. Another winner for the evening was The Hospice of St Francis as £860 was raised.
We look forward to hosting the rematch in 2025 and seeing these players at the club practising.
Men's Success
Following on from the success of our Ladies section in the pairs, triples and fours, Monday saw the quarter final match of the mens Champion of Champions between our very own Steve and last years club champion from Kitcheners.
Steve was on top form and is now in the semi final to be played against Mill End.
Good luck Steve!!
Men's Triples
The day saw an early start for 18 players to play bowls in the sun.
Six skips (captains) were chosen and they then radomly picked their team out of a hat.
A round robin then took place with each team playing four ends against each other. Winners received 2 points, one for a draw and zero for a loss. The two highest scoring teams will then battle it out on finals weekend for the coveted trophy.
Congratulations to Steve, Ken and Pete and to Keith, Jon and John for their excellent performances on the day and good luck to you all for the final.
Semi finals all round for the Ladies
The ladies section at PEBC is going from strength to strength in both matches and or knock out competitions. In the Watford and District knockout competitions we are in three semi finals.
The picture shows from left to right, Lesley, Janice, Karen and Coral away at Berkhamsted in the fours quarter final in July. They now play their semi final away to Croxley Guild in August.
Janice, Lesley and Coral had the day before played away to Mill End in the triples quarter final and won 20 - 13. They again play the semi final away at Croxley Guild but against Herts.
Lesley and Coral on 2nd August played at home to Herts in the pairs quarter final and won 16 - 14 and now are drawn away to Croxley Guild at Croxley Guild.
Good luck ladies a magnificent achievement to date.
Fred Hawley
The annual Fred Hawley Cup was played in great spirits at Potten End.
Fred was a club coach and it was great to see Zena his wife present to hand the trophy to this years winner Linda Burfoot who herself is a current coach at the club.
Linda won with 20 points narrowly beating Ken Delagua on 19. Well done to all the members who supported the day including friends and family.
It's a double
Saturday saw the annual Fours Plate competition which was a very enjoyable afternoon of competitive bowling.
Congratulations to Keith Gissing, Tyler Adams, Alan Jones and Angelique Bande for their three wins and commiserations to Bev Sharp, Ken Miller, John Carter and Ron Jones who were pipped at the post by one point.
A special mention to Keith and Tyler who now appear twice on the honours board for this competition. Tyler joined in 2022 and won the trophy in his first year so will be looking for the treble in 2025.
Bowls Bash
The annual Bowls Bash between two roll up groups from Berkhamsted Golf Club this year with the winners taking on Ashridge Golf Club in August for a new trophy.
The event was a huge success with two sides of 12 splitting into three teams and then laying each side for 4 ends.
The winning team was Clique in Waiting who are to play Ashridge in August. This being the 3rd time the event has been held they also now have a slight lead of 2:1 in the series.
The feedback to the club from the bowlers was extremely positive:
"Great evening as ever and thanks to the lovely people at the club who looked after us so well"
"An excellent evening out at Potten End Bowls Club. Can I first thank a A+B+C+D and the other members of PEBC for organising and supporting such a great event".
The club itself had as ever amazing support from its members in particular Carol, Christine and Barry for the food, Janice for the bar, Dougie, Bob, Steve R, Coral, Keith G, JC 'Fez Boy' and JC junior for all their green and scoring support.
The event also raised £250 for charity.
Sponsors Evening
This years event was again very popular, with sponsors bringing both staff and friends to a light hearted introduction and game of bowls.
After some initial coaching and arrival of all the players they were split into teams and we were also able to run a spider and mixed team competition.
The evening was slightly marred by the lack of sun and a bit of a chill however armed with their new found skills the bowling continued unabated.
The evening ended in the clubhouse with a few nibbles and drinks and of course presentations and signs of our appreciation. Each sponsor received a framed photo of the club members surrounding their green side advert. Our sponsors have subsequently sent back their own photos of the frames hanging in their offices or workplaces.
If you would like a sponsor package please contact membership@pottenendbowlsclub.org
Big Bowls Weekend
The weekend was quiet compared to recent years due to the main road outside the club being closed for all of May.
That said the club was able to recruit some excellent new talent and also play matches across the weekend.
A break in the awful weather enabled us to take a 2024 club photograph which now hangs above the bar.
The photo includes members both playing and social with our social members Sylvia, Pat and Cyril bringing splashes of colour.
Inheritance Tax - Myth busting
Tuesday 21st May 2024, saw Aaron Mears from our sponsors Willow Financial come and talk on the truths and myths surrounding Inheritance Tax.
Aaron was kind enough to spend 90 minutes discussing and answering questions on the subject as well as giving his depth of knowledge on what to do and certainly his thoughts on what to be cautious with.
A very productive morning and hopefully more sessions to follow.
'AND THERE OFF!'
The season started with a wonderful Friday afternoon playing Amersham, with 5 rinks of mixed triples.
Captains Lesley and Chris got off to a fabulous start recording a 95-70 victory and more importantly a bowls green full of very happy members from both clubs enjoying a break in the weather and a start to the season.
It was great to see so many people staying behind and having both a laugh and drink afterwards.
Cherry everywhere
The winter break has seen a great deal of work and change around the club whether, trimming shrubs, lighting, lockers, painting, photos, bar till to name but a few and thanks to one and all who have worked so hard.
It is however the little touches that make the whole seem better. A massive thankyou to Lesley for her work re covering the seats in the new fabric and to Steve R for refurbishing the boxes at the end of each rink and repainting them to match. Fabulous attention to detail and many thanks from us all.
We all look forward to some sunny days watching the games unfold across the season.
Open for Business
Saturday saw the bowls green open for the 2024 season and a chance for members to get back into the swing!
Congratulations to the Green Team who have worked through biblical weather to prepare the surface and make it available. The hope was for a beautiful Spring weekend, so there was no surprise when it was grey and overcast. This however did not deter members who practiced across the weekend to get their form and swing back for forthcoming matches and competitions.
Like the Royal Family PEBC does not allow its images to be photoshopped. It however takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the above picture for a trial end between Pete and Doug. We are sure the woods were a little further away from the Jack when the pose started.
Have a wonderful season everyone.
Spring Lunch
Congratulations to our 2024 ladies captain for launching her season with a wonderful Spring Luncheon.
A total of 22 ladies joined Lesley for a sumptuous luncheon held at the club.
Well done to Steve, John and Richard for their service skills and of course Annie and Lesley for their catering.
A great start to 2024 and the Ladies look forward to their forthcomiong matches and support from the membership.
What a winner!!
Whilst many travelled along the M4 for the Cheltenham Festival, the wiser locals went for a wonderful night of racing at Potten End Bowls Club.
The Race Night being the brainchild of Steve and Lynne Weston, who departed from the normal videos and Tote, to a more inclusive dice and attendee jockey version. This was their first event and we look forward to many more.
Great fun was had by all, many thanks to Linda, Paula and Jenny for the food and bar and of course everyone loved the shorter journey home.
Always good for a chat!
Today saw the last of the Coffee mornings arranged monthly during the closed season.
A big thank you to Sheila, Alan, Karen, Steve, Lesley, Coral, Linda, Paula, Doreen and Jenny for making these events happen from October until today.
The coffee mornings have been very well attended and we all look forward to being back on the green shortly for the start of the new season.
How crafty are we
The closed season has yet again seen a number of craft days making cards, christmas gifts and decorations.
Many thanks to Lesley and Carol for their leadership and ideas.
I know from those attending they have had some very enjoyable meetings and certainly come away with some wonderful ideas and of course cards and gifts for others at the fraction of the price!!
We look forward to whats in store for 2024/25
Working hard
Preparing the green at Potten End is a team event run by Steve Wilson and being an almost 365 24/7 process is a task in itself.
That team is then supported by the maintenance team, again all volunteer club members who ensure that all the surrounds to the green, hedges, clubhouse and outbuildings are maintained and ready for the forthcoming season.
This team is run jointly by Bill and Steve R who this winter have not only installed a new edging and surround for the green but also rebuilt a shed, cut and pruned all the hedges, made a start on the driveway and the removal of approximately two additional feet of undergrowth. This last task is imperative to allow emergency services to our building.
This is a real club effort and many thanks go out to all those who have painted, cleaned, scrubbed, cut, sawn, chipped, carried and generally tidied up all the debris.
This effort will continue on until we open in April when our grounds as ever will look magnificent for all those who visit to both play and watch in this wonderful setting.
Well done Potten End
On Saturday 14 members booked to attend the England Bowls awards and hopefully secure the ‘Club of the Year’ category. There were over 250 nominations in total and PEBC were in the final five.
Bowls England said of our entry:
Potten End Bowls Club’s growth is shown in their new operations system, a successful membership drive and an innovative mentorship for new joiners. Rebranding, sponsorship, and a community drive showcases the club’s dynamic forward thinking approach.
A full write up can be found at: https://www.bowlsengland.com/awards-shortlist-club-of-the-year/
A fun evening was had by all, and a special mention and congratulations go to Ilfracombe Bowls Club who were worthy winners of the category. Like all great evenings you get to chat with other clubs and members, winners, and nominees. A quick chat with the winners revealed very close ties to Potten End in the form of an internal annual trophy played in the name of a former Potten End Bowler Ray Grimsdale. Ilfracombe are now keen to set up a friendly match at Potten End and we look forward to hosting them in due course.
A massive thank you to all the members of PEBC, without whom this nomination would not have happened, now onwards and upwards as we continue to grow and develop.