We win “The Scarborough Tour“ triple (at last).

This report of a very enjoyable tour was kindly provided by Gary Preston.

"Once again, an enthusiastic group from Harrogate Bowling Club descended on Scarborough for our annual tour.  This year proved to be our most successful on record.

Friday 4th July at Scalby and Newby BC.

Friday 4th July saw us win against Scalby and Newby by only 1 shot overall, 98-97. A very close match! 

The teams assemble for the official photograph.

Speeches and the raffle.

We always get a very warm welcome at Scalby and will look forward to renewing friendships next year.

Ska, our tour monkey, was awarded to the Harrogate rink that lost by the biggest margin, this time it went to Phil Devall, Christine McWee, Mary Smith and Roy Barton.

Ska and skip.

It was then a quick drive to our hotel which was a change from last year.  Frank Devaney had picked out a very good hotel overlooking North Bay. 

The food was great, and the entertainment entertaining, but not as entertaining as the car park! 

Can you remember the TV programme ‘Butterflies’, with Wendy Craig and a very young Nicholas Lyndhurst.  That was us, coming and going with our cars in the tightly packed hotel car park. 

The funniest moment was when Roy and Sheila Barton were shown to their small single room, with a single bed, while Pauline Barton was luxuriating in their executive suite!  A mix up that was soon sorted out by Frank.

The first to the bar.

Phil recovers from his Skarring.

An opportunity for friends to get together.

Saturday 5^th July at Scarborough South Cliff BC.

Saturday was a glorious day of sunshine, with a game against Scarborough South Cliff in the afternoon.

But first, we had the morning to enjoy Scarborough. 

We needed to be at Scarborough South Cliff BC at 1.30 p.m. for a 2.00 p.m. start.

And we were.

Intense pre-match preparation.

Getting the afternoon underway.

Like last year, we managed to win all six rinks.

Time for tea, chat and speeches.

The gallant winners of Ska the Monkey were the team of Mick Metson, Margaret Speedie, Mike Peters, and Cynthia Bates. 

Our "Captain of the Afternoon" presents Ska to himself,

whilst trying to maintain a brave face.

 South Cliff are always very good hosts and we enjoyed our tea and ice creams. Then, back to the hotel for dinner and an early evening stroll for some...

and dancing until late in the evening…

The last dance.

Sunday 6^th July at Filey Southdene BC.

Sunday 6th started with a persistent light drizzle. After breakfast and the car park shenanigans we were off to Filey for a damp walk and a coffee wherever we could find space in a tea room. 

As a club we have never beaten Filey who are a strong club within the county. 

It's a very "friendly" match but, as you'd expect, both clubs want to win

Whilst the teams fight it out new friendships are formed.

So it is with great pleasure that we can report a first win overall for HBC, winning on four rinks and drawing on the other two. 

The Best Team of the Match

Ska was awarded to our worst rink which in this case was Ian Brickley, Janet Preston, Mike Peters, and Cynthia Bates. 

Ian was heard to be threatening an enquiry as his team were no worse than the other drawing team. But having scored fewer shots, Ska the Monkey was gleefully awarded to Ian by last year’s winner, John Russell.

The dark glasses fail to provide an effective disguise.

On the way home, many of us stopped for dinner at Thompsons Fish and Chip diner. 

What a great choice, the menu was extensive, and the portions were more than plentiful.

Our thanks go to…

Derek Chappel for organising the bowling and to Frank Devaney for finding the hotel.

Unfortunately, Derek couldn’t be with us on The Tour. I’m sure we all wish him a speedy recovery.

Also, thanks go to our two “Tour” Captains – Mick Metson and my good self!

Many thanks to all three clubs that hosted us so well, and we look forward to seeing them again next year."

Gary Preston

Photographs/Captions: Jeff Jaycock