MidGlos Indoor Bowling Club

Newsletter 290 - MidGlos IBC Serves me right. Did you spot the deliberate error last time? It was a double ‘the’ in the Punny ending  section. Except that an unintended error occurred in the Getting […]

Newsletter Issue 289 - MidGlos IBC Newsletter Issue 289    4/5/2026 Good grief! Apparently some of you thought I was being serious about never making mistakes. I had hoped that the emoji would show that it was […]

Newsletter Issue 288 - MidGlos IBC Crikey! My first newsletter. Better get on with it then. But let’s make one thing clear right from the start. If I’ve not mentioned something which you think I should […]

This is it – my last newsletter – better make it a good one!

Hello to the summer season but first of all some important things to tie up:

Last Monday we had a MidGlos first – a 3 end tie-break to decide the winner of the Friday morning umbrella Ladies, between Joyce Caldwell and Liz Giles. Liz did it in two ends. Well done both.

Whilst on the subject of umbrellas, Jim Eva won the Friday morning umbrella and Colin Prosser won the Friday evening umbrella again. Well done both.

Last week I posted most of the final league standings for the winter season. Two were still to be decided last Wednesday morning. The outcome was that Four Candles won the Fours league while Melburnians won the Australian Pairs league. Well done to all those involved and indeed to everyone who played in the winter leagues.

This week-end saw two days of the finals of our club competitions. There were some absolutely brilliant games really worthy of finals. Unfortunately there weren’t many supporters. It’s such a shame. If you weren’t there you missed some cracking bowling. Thank you to those who were there and a special thank you to Anne Hesling who manned the bar both days.

The winners on Saturday:

Mens Over 60s Singles – Vince Wilks who played Steve Bluck

Ladies Over 60s Singles – Gill Fry who played Sally Overthrow

Men’s Pairs – Dave Wiggall & John Smallwood who played Clive Shaw & Finlay Williamson. The winners won by just one shot!

Australian Pairs – Jack Speller & James Speller who played Nigel Cansdale & Chris Davis

Men’s Over 60s Pairs – Vince Wilks & Clive Shaw who played Roy Collard (sub) & Steve Bluck

Ladies Pairs – Gill Fry & Jill Whiting who played Rachael Carter & Lin Brighty

Pat Dunstan Trophy – Jack Speller who played Colin Prosser – went to a 3 end tie-break

Men’s Triples – Chris Davis, Nigel Cansdale & Finlay Williamson who played Dave Wiggall, Rob Smith & Jamie (sub for John Smallwood) apologies – I can’t just think of his surname.

The winners on Sunday:

Ladies Four Wood Singles – Gill Fry who played yours truly. After 23 ends the score was 20-20 and Gill got the final shot.

Mixed Pairs – Erin Burke & Chris Davis who played John Cox & Rachael Carter

Men’s Four Wood Singles – Clive Shaw who played Vince Wilks

Club Champion of Champions Clive Shaw who played Gill Fry. On the 22nd end the score was 20-20 and Clive got the final shot.

The Mixed Triples game due to be played was cancelled due to the unavailability of some players.

As I said – some wonderful playing with some nail-biting finishes.

Saturday evening Amanda and David Hanks delivered an entertaining quiz with the added interest of a joker to be played for double points provided it was handed in before the round began. I think this could take off. As usual, it was very well supported.

It is the finale of cribbage this Tuesday evening and it may well continue during the summer season but it would have to be in the day. I’m sure Amanda will discuss this with those present on Tuesday evening.

Don’t forget, it is the AGM this Wednesday evening at 7.00p.m. Please do attend!

On Friday, 24th, it is the Presentation Evening. Please note there will be no umbrella that evening, with a free buffet.

The following night, the Cherry Reds will be performing with, I believe more music to dance to. £20.00 per ticket (still available until 1.00p.m. on Monday) with bangers and mash followed by apple crumble. Please bring a raffle prize along.

And on the following day 3.00p.m. until 5.00p.m. it is “eyes down, look in”. Again please bring a raffle prize.

That’s it. I’m signing off with my usual “take care” and over to Tony Letts who I believe is taking my place as scribe.

I have enjoyed writing the newsletter and I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading it.

Linda.

Linda Watkin-Jones.

Director (PR & Marketing)

NEWSLETTER 286a

This really is the penultimate newsletter. I did forget something, and other things have come up today.

On Saturday, there was a markers’ course held at our club when fifteen people attended (a couple had travelled up from Portsmouth).

It was both enjoyable and informative. If the chance comes up again, I would recommend it. Some of the information I already knew, but I also learned new points and ‘iffy’ points were clarified.

We all came away with a certificate of attendance and a ‘Marking Manual’.

Thanks must go to Dave Giles for organising the holding of the course and to Liz and their daughter, Vicky, for providing tea, coffee, biscuits and cake.

I also forgot to mention this month’s quiz, which is this Saturday, 18th April, when the hosts will be Amanda and David Hanks.

I did mention the event on 25th April (a two-course meal and the Cherry Reds), at the moment, only 25 tickets have been sold. To make this successful, we need at least 40 people to attend. Please support the club and buy your tickets in the next couple of days. The closing time is 1.00 p.m. this WEDNESDAY, 15th APRIL! If we haven’t reached 40 by that time, the event will have to be cancelled, which would be a shame.

I was speaking to Layla Avaron at lunchtime today about the “Fantastic Fives”. This is an indoor competition held in the summer months.

We need the names of 7 men and 7 ladies to make up a team.

The closing date for entry is: 27th April, although 17th appears on the entry form.

NEWSLETTER 286
Hello everyone,

Well, this is the last week of the winter season and my penultimate newsletter.

For me and for many of us, this is a sad time of the year since we have to say “adieu” to so many of the familiar faces until September when they hopefully return to the fold.

However, we still have some events to come, not least the club finals to be played this coming week-end.

MIDGLOS INDOOR BC

ORDER OF PLAY

FINALS DAY on SATURDAY, 18th APRIL 2026

Competition Time Rink Players Markers
Ladies Over 60’s Singles 9.30 am Gill Fry v Sally Overthrow*
Mens Pairs 9.30 am Dave Wiggall & John Smallwood v Clive Shaw & Finlay Williamson
Australian Pairs 9.30 am Jack Speller & James Speller v Colin Prosser & John Cox OR Nigel Cansdale & Chris Davis
Mens Over 60’s Pairs 1.00 pm Stan Lister & Steve Bluck v Vince Wilks & Clive Shaw
Ladies Pairs 1.00 pm Gill Fry & Jill Whiting v Rachael Carter & Lin Brightly
Pat Dunstan Trophy 1.00 pm Jack Speller v John Cox
Mens Triples 1.00 pm Dave Wiggall, Bob Smith & John Smallwood v Chris Davis, Nigel Cansdale & Finlay Williamson

ORDER OF PLAY

FINALS DAY on SUNDAY, 19TH APRIL 2026

Competition Time Rink Players Markers
Ladies 4 Wood Singles 9.30 am Linda Watkin-Jones v Gill Fry Margaret Cadle
Mixed Triples 9.30 am Rachel Rosagro, Vince Wilks & Steve Bluck v Emily Burke, Daniel Prosser & Simon Burke
Mixed Pairs 9.30 am John Cox & Rachael Carter v Erin Burke & Chris Davis
Mens 4 Wood Singles 12.00 approx Clive Shaw v Vince Wilks
Club C of C 2.00 OR Mon 20th 9.30 am Linda or Gill v Clive or Vince
EXTRA FINAL on FRIDAY 17 APRIL 2026

Competition Time Rink Players Markers
Mens Over 60’s Singles 2.00 pm 2 Vince Wilks v Steve Bluck Gill Fry
The Programme has been tricky due to overdue Semi Finals, multiple Finalists and Special Requests.

These have been overcome. Any member now of any time who can’t play is asked to find a substitute.

As stated at the bottom of the programme, it has been very tricky to organise so much so that Roger collapsed this morning (Sunday) and is in Gloucester Royal at the moment. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Please note that, if you are unable to play in any of the finals, please find a substitute or arrange a mutually agreeable date to play some time this week.

Thank you.

The Presentation Evening is on Friday, 24th April when there will be a free buffet.

Yesterday our U25s were in action at Nottingham against Kent. Unfortunately, it was the same sort of outcome as the U18s – one rink won but one lost meaning that, overall Kent won the title for another year. Well played to the whole team. You’ve done so well to reach the final. You also are a much younger team than the Kent players so you’ve got plenty of time to do it. Onwards and upwards!

Today the final of the Wessex was played at MidGlos between Clarrie Dunbar and Solihull. The club was buzzing with players and supporters. Our catering team did a sterling job keeping on top of the orders for bacon and sausage baps and teas and coffees whilst at the same time preparing a two course meal for 59 people to eat after the match. From the opening of the bar at 11.00, there was a steady flow of customers.

Our chairman, Howard formally handed over the green to the Wessex officials and both he and our president, Ken accepted it back at the end of the game.

Before the match began, the umpire had checked and laid out the woods of both sides, after which the players came onto the green to photographed.

There was some excellent bowling as expected with Solihull winning 79-55 but the shot of the day for me was Tom Holmes’s last wood of the game. The opposition was holding four and he drew in beautifully to take the shot. A perfect shot but then he did play at Potters in the World Indoor Bowls Competition this January and played really well. In a couple of weeks he’s off to play in the Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Less prestigious more important to us Steve Bluck has sent the almost completed league results.

With a week to go in the winter league season, most of our leagues have been decided

Monday morning triples (sets) Guardian Angels

Monday afternoon triples Braves

Monday evening fours (sets) Talking Heads

Tuesday morning triples In Laws

Tuesday afternoon triples Yobs

Tuesday evening fours You Only Bowl Twice

Thursday morning triples In Laws

Thursday evening fours Wings

But there is still all to play for in the two Wednesday morning competitions. In the fours league, any of Four Candles, Nomads or Astras could end up with the title and in the Australian pairs, it all comes down to one of Melburnians or Brisbanites.

Wednesday morning is going to be pretty tense!

There are still quite a few AGM packages to be picked up at reception. If you can’t attend the AGM, please send in your apologies and fill in the proxy voting form.

Don’t forget to buy your tickets for the “party night” on 25th April.

In the summer season Tony Letts intends to run umbrella sessions on a Tuesday and Thursday morning from 10.00-12.00. These are open to both new and more experienced bowlers should they fancy a game, subject to demand.

Hopefully I’ve remembered everything.

Take care,

Linda.

Linda Watkin-Jones.

Director (PR & Marketing)

We all enjoyed our break in Torquay last week-end but, as I stated previously, what goes on in Torquay stays in Torquay. Suffice to say, we all hope to go again next year.

Coming up this week-end is the markers’ course on Saturday, 11th and then on Sunday, 12th the Wessex final between Solihull and Clarrie Dunbar is being played here at Midglos IBC beginning at 11.00a.m.

It is quite an accolade for our club to have been chosen to host this event. There will be some excellent bowling – a lot can be learned from watching very accomplished bowlers. Support is always very welcome for the players. The usual bacon or sausage baps will be available during the match and a cooked meal is being provided afterwards for the players. The bar will be open for the duration.

Please come along to support.

In the Summer term, Tony Letts will be running an umbrella for our newer bowlers on Monday afternoons. Start time to be confirmed.

The cleaner has made a request for any discarded cups to be emptied before placing them in the bins particularly rink side. They are recyclable so should ideally go in the marked recycling bins in the lounge area. Thank you.

Don’t forget to buy your tickets for the Cherry Reds and meal on 25th April. Make sure you keep checking the notice boards for details of what’s coming up – cribbage, Whist, Keezan, bingo, yoga. There’s plenty going on.

The club finals are on 18th and 19th April, followed by the AGM on Wednesday, 22nd and the Presentation evening on Friday, 24th.

Sadly our U18s lost the final overall against Lincolnshire. One rink won but the other lost quite heavily. However, they have all done extremely well. We are very proud of all of you and thanks must go to Simon Burke and the parents who both support and transport the players.

The U25s are playing the final in Nottingham this Saturday, 11th. Good luck team. We are all rooting for you.

Until next week, take care,

Linda.

Linda Watkin-Jones.

Director (PR & Marketing)

Is anyone interested in a set of size 2 bowls? Angus is selling his Drakes Pride Professionals in good condition, stamped 24 and is asking £240. For further details ring 07779 790271

NEWSLETTER 284

I mentioned that the U25s were playing last week-end. Great news, they’re through to the final in Nottingham! Some of them could have a very busy day in Nottingham since the U18s are through to the semis to be played on the same day. Should they win that one, they go on to play the final, again on the same day. They’re both talented and young enough to take it in their stride. Good luck everyone.

On Saturday, Les Howard chaired a very enjoyable and well-supported quiz. This afternoon the last of this year’s friendlies was played against Malvern.

Here is Cath’s report:

“Hi, scores for this week Mid Glos 110 – 86 Malvern. Again a lovely afternoon with lovely people. The last friendly of the season.

Thank you to every single player who attended to play. I hope you enjoyed the games. Also Many thanks to John Doody for arranging the fixtures. A very big thank you to Anne Hesling and all who helped with the bar, and to Jill Whiting and Chris Frusher and their team of volunteers for the catering services.

An awful lot goes into these friendlies and many people are involved for them to go ahead. The revenue it brings to the club and to the other clubs we visit to keep them in revenue too (we help each other stay afloat). As Club Captain I wholeheartedly wish to thank John Black for all of his support as Vice-Captain and to all who have played and supported both John and I throughout.

Good luck to all who are playing outdoors this summer.

Happy bowling.

Cath Black (Club Captain)

Whilst on the subject of finances, is there anybody out there with a history in finance? Six names have been entered to make up the new Board but none has any expertise in finance. It is vital that someone fills this role. Paul Havard will be a hard act to follow but he is stepping down this time. He will, of course, help initially but he has served his time and needs to move on.

The AGM is on Wednesday, 22nd April when, along with other matters, there will have to be a show of hands to vote for the Club Captain and Vice since there are two names proposed for each position. If you are unable to attend, there will be a proxy form in your AGM pack which goes out at the end of this week. Those forms must be received at reception by 21st April.

A reminder that Mark Royal of “Jack and Bowls” is at the club this Tuesday, 24th March from 12.00 until 7.00p.m. He will have anything bowls related with him.

Quite a few of us are off to Torquay this Friday until Monday. Ian (Noddy) Holder very kindly organises this tour each year. If you’ve never been, it’s great fun but it’s popular so you have to get your name down early to secure a place. There probably won’t be a newsletter next week since I certainly don’t intend writing it when I’m away. However, if there’s anything vital to communicate, there may be a short one. BUT, what goes on in Torquay stays in Torquay!

Another reminder, please come to support the club on Saturday 25th April when it’s the end of season “party”- music and dancing to The Cherry Reds … and a two course meal of sausage and mash with onion gravy followed by apple crumble and custard.

Finally, we received a lovely email from a new member, David Chaloner. (I’m not sure about that spelling but it’s the one I was given).

“ From the very first enquiry, made by telephone, I was struck by the welcome extended. This friendly welcome has continued through the three coaching sessions and onward to the practice sessions and also to the Friday evening umbrella. As a beginner, I have had much friendly encouragement and advice, all gratefully received.

Once again, thanks everyone for making me feel so welcome. I’m spreading the word!”

Wonderful praise for all concerned. So good to hear.

On that positive note, I’ll sign off.

Take care,

Linda.

Linda Watkin-Jones.

Director (PR & Marketing)

CALLING ALL BOWLERS

The Mark Royal Roadshow (Jack & Bowl) will be coming to MidGlos Indoor Bowls Club on Tuesday 24th March between 12pm until 7pm.
Don't miss your chance to catch up with the latest stock of bowls shoes, clothing, bags accessories and equipment. You can even try out the latest selection of bowls on our rinks (space permitting).