Yorkshire Day.

Yorkshire Day is a great reason to get together and enjoy ourselves. But what is it really all about? We turn to AI for an explanation:

"Yorkshire Day, celebrated annually on August 1st, originated in 1975 as a protest against local government reforms that altered Yorkshire's historic boundaries. The Yorkshire Ridings Society spearheaded the first celebration, aiming to preserve the region's unique identity. The date was chosen to coincide with the Battle of Minden (1759), where Yorkshire soldiers wore white roses, and also the anniversary of William Wilberforce's campaign against slavery. Over time, it has evolved into a broader celebration of Yorkshire's culture and heritage."

We celebrated on Sunday 3rd August. Contrary to all the forecasts, the day turned out to be hot and sunny as over 40 members arrived, many bearing gifts of food and raffle prizes, for which we were extremely grateful.

A modest sum buys a lot of fun.

The day kicked off with the chaos of "The Spider" - won by Dorothy.

And then it was the main event, a "fun" bowling competition consisting of two wood triples, organised by Derek. There were three rounds of six ends each. Players played in teams of three but scored as individuals. So it was everyone for themselves!!! Unlike normal bowling competitions, the six woods nearest the jack all counted. The nearest scored six points and the sixth one point Therefore, the maximum one player could score on one end was 11 points. Overall, there was likely to be a great deal of measuring.

The rules are explained...

Flat caps and waistcoats were prominent.

Woods are launched.

Bowls are lined up as the count begins.

We even had a Yorkshire Terrier playing.

What do we do now?

It looks like a long way to the jack.

Is that a tail we can see?

Making sense of the score card.

Our Gentlemen's Captain demonstrates the classic delivery.

Woods lined up in count order. Someone's scored the 11 maximum.

Lots of measuring.

Supporters (shouldn't one of these ladies be playing?).

Yes, it's a fun day but fun days are also competitive.

Bowling into the sun is tricky...

It's that Yorkshire Terrier again.

As the competition draws to a close a player tries to demonstrate

he can fold up a groundsheet single handed!

A celebrity appearance from "The Yorkshire Tea Lady".

And another celebrity appearance from two other tea ladies.

We all retreated into the clubhouse for "A Grand Yorkshire Tea". The quality and variety of the food on offer were outstanding and aided by Richard and Ann (who once again were on hand to see that everyone stayed hydrated).

Everyone's keen to get to the tea.

We then had our traditional “House” competition. Everyone present had a number and if your number was drawn you were given a key that may or may not unlock the door of the “House”. After a lot of "nots" we had a very happy winner.

Time to recognise the lady and gentleman winners of our bowling competition. Five ladies tied for second position, each with a score of 77 but there was a clear winner...

"The Yorkshire Tea Lady" with a score of 81.

As for the gentlemen, two managed to tie and the winner was settled by determining which had scored the most “maximum 11s”.

The Gentlemen’s Winner - also with a score of 81.

There was then a surprise prize for the player whose score matched or came closest to a score that was determined randomly. Barbara came closest.

Barbara was heard to say "I've no idea how I've won this".

During all these proceedings everyone somehow also managed to do a table quiz about Yorkshire while we chatted.

To round off the day there was a bumper raffle for the president's charity.

All in all, a most enjoyable day, and thanks go to everyone who came along to support the club.

Our thanks go to Sue Russell, Derek Chappel, Judith Chappell, the “kitchen” ladies and to all the members who provided such a fantastic spread.

And, of course, to everyone there who made it such a great occasion.

AND LAST BUT FAR FROM LEAST WE CAN CONFIRM THAT WE RAISED £126 FROM THE RAFFLE FOR THE MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT FUND.

Words: Sue Russell/Jeff Jaycock

Photographs: Jeff Jaycock