Ottery St Mary Short Mat Bowls Club welcomed 16 Teams of four players to the Annual Branscombe Apple Pie Competition, writes Bridget Hallowes. Local teams were joined by fellow bowlers from all over Devon, Dorset and Somerset for this popular Charity event, held in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance.

A recently purchased bowls mat was christened and used as a challenge for all!

After some highly competitive games during the day the eventual winners were the local team from Sidbury, who beat a team from Cerne Abbas, both teams won all their games and the winner was decided on shot difference.

The organising committee would like to thank all club members who helped on the day, and the participating bowlers for a splendid effort in raising £500 for Devon Air Ambulance. The presentation of the cheque will follow shortly.

To all readers if you would like to try a new challenge, short mat bowls, can provide you with a good way of getting gentle exercise together with pleasant company, and anyone is welcome to come along and try the game.

All you will need is flat soled footwear (slippers) and there is no charge for your Taster Session. Bowls are available.

For those that may need coaching this is available, we play at the Institute on Monday evenings 7pm to 10pm and Wednesday mornings 10am till 12 noon.

Picture of the winning team, Roy and Mary Vincent and Doug and Veda French.