Keeping it in-house with memorable bowling events

There is so much that goes on at Sidmouth Bowls Club, it becomes quite difficult on occasion to find the time and indeed the space to report on internal matches.  

One of the favourite events is the Sunset Umbrella, which is played on several evenings throughout the summer season. This is very well supported by bowlers of various standards, from very new members to at least one or two of County standard.   

Last Friday evening, I went along to watch. In terms of the weather, it was a stunning evening with unbroken blue skies and some 30 players turned out. More than just a ‘roll-up’, this is the only time that club uniform is not required, so everyone was dressed casually, with many keeping cool in shorts.   

Part of the object of this evening competition is to enable those that still work (work, what is that?) the chance to play other than just weekends.    

Anyway, everyone had a good time and I saw some pretty good bowling from a couple of new ladies. After the game, there is always a nice bit of supper, ranging from the delights of fish & chips to Ploughmans, jacket potatoes, sausages and, on this balmy evening, it was quiche and salad.   

Our thanks must go to Liz and Steve Boyle for organising the event, as they have done for several years. Also, Mary and Phil Meadows and Karen Hollingdale for their help with the food. I understand the player who, at present, is occupying the top spot is Joan Crook. 

Four Sidmouth ladies went off to play at Madeira bowls club in their invitation match for the Pomeroy Trophy. This is played in a similar format to our own Spears Trophy, where a team from several local clubs are invited to play against Madeira ladies. 

Our team of Mary Turner, Zena Johnson, Brenda Somerfield and Jill Bishop won the Trophy with a great score of plus 18, just beating our friends and neighbours from Honiton by one shot! Very well done to them.