Much more than the sum of its parts...

This report was kindly provided by Derek Chappel, one of the Tour organisers. The other organiser being Frank Devaney. Our thanks and appreciation go to both of them for all the time and effort involved in organising such a great event.

“Harrogate Bowls Club started the Scarborough tours in 2009. This year was our 14th tour, missing out in the COVID years and in 2022 when the hotel group went into administration.

Over the years we have visited many clubs but latterly we have concentrated on the same three clubs.

For the second year we all stayed at the Norbreck Hotel.

...with its 5-star views.

Day 1: Scalby and Newby Bowling Club

For some the tour started with lunch at Daisy’s cafe in Scalby. Then onto Scalby and Newby BC at which we were well received as usual.

We had our photo taken as a group before the match started.

Serious action now took place on all rinks although we found time to enjoy the water delivered by the ladies to each rink.

The green was very fast and we Tourists found it difficult to manage.

We won 4-2 rinks and the captains informed us it was a victory to Harrogate by just two points.

Everyone acknowledges it was a great afternoon of bowling.

The support given by the Tourists who weren't playing on the first day was much appreciated.

The Scalby & Newby bowlers on the best winning rink were each given a token which was possibly worth millions (lottery ticket).

But the best winning rink also defines the best (worst) losing rink. So Ska (our noble monkey) was awarded to David Lamb’s team.

Received in the right spirit...

but where's the rest of the team?

A raffle was held and our Captain of the day managed to win first prize!

One of the lucky winners.

Tea was enjoyed with speeches before a Formula 1 sprint to the hotel to find the Holy Grail - a parking place.

Day 2: Scarborough South Cliff Bowling Club

The second day we went to South Cliff BC and were amazed that they now have a parking field adjacent to the green. We certainly will remember this for next year - a pity they didn’t tell us this year.

Players go through their pre-match warm up exercises.

Following which the rinks were announced.

This wouldn’t be Scarborough without rain and for 5 minutes it poured down. Once again there was keen competition on the rinks with Harrogate winning by a small margin.

Assessing the line?

An excellent wood is delivered to a long jack.

Our club gents' captain has denied claims that

he was trying to distract the opposition.

Strong shadows suggest a hot sun.

The match is drawing to a close. Just one rink left in play.

It's looking good for Harrogate.

The match is over.

The handshake that exemplifies our sport.

The players enjoy their rest and

wait to hear from the Captains of the Day

Harrogate presents its "In Friendship" pennant to the South Cliff Captain.

The Scarborough South Cliff players on the best winning rink were awarded their lottery tickets (and could be millionaires) and the skip of our losing rink was (of course) presented with Ska.

The skip (right) with moral support provided by one of his team members.

However, the skip is taking the decision to the Court of Arbitration as Captain Mick refused to adopt the appropriate Bowls England amendment that applies when playing a triples team. Watch this space...

Our winning rink players each received a South Cliff pen.

The raffle gets underway...

Frank with his win. Marylin is hoping he'll ask for two glasses.

And once again after tea and speeches a sprint back to find parking places."

However, the day wasn't yet over.

Frank and Derek had some news for everyone. At the beginning of the evening meal at the Norbreck Frank stood up...

and explained that he and Derek were standing down as the joint organisers of the Scarborough Tour but they both sincerely hoped that it would continue well into the future "under new management" (volunteers please step forward).

Mick Metson spoke on behalf of everyone present and offered our sincere thanks to them both for everything they had done over a number of years and re-affirmed the hope the Scarborough Tour would continue to flourish. This was met by a very appreciative firm round of applause.

As a further gesture of appreciation those present contributed to a collection, the result of which was presented to Frank and Derek later that evening.

"We were amazed at the generosity of the Tourists in expressing their appreciation of our efforts and thank them all.”

Day 3: Filey Southdene Bowling Club

"The last day it was off to Filey Southdene BC and we all enjoyed the 'finding parking spaces' game again. Having found a space some of us drifted to the cafe down from the bandstand, good food but slow service.

However, we all managed to get to Filey Southdene Bowling Club at the appointed time.

Two of our ladies waiting for proceedings to get underway.

The Official Welcome

Rinks are allocated.

And the final match of the 2026 Scarborough Tour gets underway.

Phil rises to the occasion.

Whilst John continues to deliver.

Both teams appear to believe they are two down!

Mistake corrected.

And even in the heat of the moment...

...it's all about enjoying ourselves.

As the Filey clubhouse is quite small tea was taken mid match and in two sections. The “supporters“ were also well looked and were provided with tea and cakes by the Filey ladies.

Focus - deliver.

Ends are decided by millimetres.

An opportunity for rest during play.

Harrogate is under pressure.

Our VIP hosts relax in the shade of the clubhouse verandah.

One aim in mind.

Every match reaches a conclusion. Well played everyone.

The match finished with their captain saying we had won three rinks each . Captain Gary declaring a draw but being corrected by their captain who announced a win for them by 5 points.

The Filey Captain receives the "In Friendship" pennant with thanks.

Our winning rink was given a prize and once again we could have made the members of Filey’s winning rink millionaires. But one rink also gets Ska...

Team 5 with SKA, looking rather stretched.

Captain Gary draws a raffle ticket.

And guess who's number came up?

Not a formula one sprint this time as we headed for Thompsons restaurant. Parking was challenging but eventually everyone got a place and we enjoyed our meal together.

I would also like to thank the captains of the day and our photographer Jeff Jaycock for their contributions.

Derek Chappel,

Joint Organiser,

The Scarborough Tour