We celebrate "Victory for Europe Day" with Anchor UK.

Thursday 8th May 2025 marked 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe, when the guns fell silent and people took to the streets to celebrate peace and mourn those who would not return home.

 Our Head Green Keeper and Club President raise the Union Jack.

The following report of the events of the afternoon was kindly provided by Lynn Devall, our Sponsorship Co-ordinator.

“On Monday 5th May we were delighted to hold The Manor House Challenge and proud to celebrate Victory in Europe Day. We had a Forties theme to reflect this very special occasion for us all. 

Getting into the spirit of things.

Great to have someone representing the Nursing Corps.

 We were delighted to welcome Rachel Dodd-Smith Care Marketing Manager of Anchor UK, with her husband Martyn, who were able to join us for this event. Rachel kindly presented the prizes to the winners on behalf of The Manor House. 

 We are extremely grateful for the continuing support Anchor UK gives our club which is very much appreciated. 

The weather, which up till Monday had been very warm, suddenly decided to change dramatically and many of our wonderful Forties outfits were hidden by layers of warm clothing as all the players struggled to keep warm.  

Our grateful thanks go to Gary and Margaret, our wonderful Club Captains, who devised a fun format for the 48 players taking part. Players were split into two groups - red and blue - with teams playing 20 ends over 5 rounds against each other. The winners of each group to play in the final.

Bowling with Valley Gardens in the background.

Trying to warm up.

Planning the line.

How have we done?

A good result.

A new approach. Try overarm!

I'm worried, I've treated three cases of hypothermia and I'm not a real nurse...

Back to some serious bowling.

Passers-by find it impossible to pass by.

Great style. Well done "C".

We need six. Just take the jack through.

Awaiting the arrival of the next bowl.

The last wood of the end takes it.

We must be getting close to break time.

Yes, the first half is coming to an end.

And tea is served.

The highest scoring team from each group then played a 4 end final...

They're off.

An excellent wood hides the jack from sight!

The beginning of the final end.

And it ends with a measure.

The winning team is confirmed and the match

ends in accordance with bowling etiquette.

Our congratulations go to Douglas McWee, Margaret Speedie, Alastair Williams and George Wise.

And everyone retired to the welcoming warmth of the

clubhouse for scones, strawberries and cream...

There were a number of people who contributed to the organisation on the day:

Frank who decorated the clubhouse, Pat  and her team who provided the catering, Anne and Richard who opened the bar for us all, John for the wonderfully sentimental Forties music we all enjoyed and finally our photographer Jeff who gives us a precious lasting record of our club events. A wonderful team effort…

Thank you to everyone who attended and for helping to make it such a lovely day for us all…here’s hoping the weather next year might be a little warmer!"