Pimms, strawberries, bowling and a spider. Yes, it's The President's Charity Day.

The following report of the President's Day was kindly provided by Derek Chappel - our Club President!

"President’s Day arrived, the shopping was done, strawberries prepared and prizes bought, all that remained was the weather.

The flag was hoisted, the green prepared. the sun was in the sky.

12.40 The rain decided to show its hand, my heart sank.

12.50 We started the spider and everyone prepared to win the gin. 48 bowls went down the green, Gary aimed for a quiet spot, someone hit the jack and it ended up in the same space. That’s what coaching does for you.

The spider in progress AND the winner in the same photo. 😀

1.0 Rain disappears, there is hope at last. But the groundsheets are needed...

Where did this chap come from?

1.30 The Whistle Stop begins.

Two potential new members watch from Valley Gardens.

Two signal three.

Another one in the count.

Changing ends.

Looks like a great line, Lee.

2.00 First match finished 15 secs early, no whistle.

2.30 Second match finished 5 secs early with one of our coaches just making it on time.

3.00 Third match same result, same player just does it again.

Sometimes having fun can be a serious matter.

Admin work.

Time for the last push.

3.30 Fourth match again finishes with 5 secs to go. l am disappointed not to be able to blow the whistle, must do better in future.

All bowls have been bowled. Time for the handshake...

and to pack the groundsheets away.

Our congratulations go to the winning team.

And congratulations also to our best newcomer.

Sun now beaming down and time for strawberries and cream with a Pimms. The raffle is drawn and because of the generosity of members it takes a while to complete.

This was followed by "The House" drawn by Ian who constantly selects members who can’t draw the right key.

Then with just two keys left Mick is drawn. Mick designed and built the house - would he remember the key? Of course he did, winning the £20 and also revealing the envelope with the £50 in for the 100 squares. It went to one of our senior members, Eric Smith, with number 64.

The bids for the vouchers and hamper were revealed with the largest bid taking the voucher.

This is the second year of running the silent auction, a wonderful idea from Lynn Devall whose hard work has provided a great success for the President’s charity.

This year the Alzheimer’s Society received £828 from the day and £365 of this from the successful bidders.

Thanks to you all - we can be proud of our club."

Derek

£1098.00 raised to-date. 👏👏👏

Since The President's Charity Day members who could not

attend have donated a further £270 which has increased our

total to £1098.00, a fantastic amount for our small club.

Our thanks go to our Club President, Derek Chappel and to all the helpers, players and spectators who made this such an enjoyable event.

Photography: Jeff Jaycock