Saturday 23rd July was Presidents Day at the club. This is an opportunity when all the volunteers who help the club so assiduously throughout the year, are thanked. This year’s president, Norman Lawrence, decided that he wanted to treat all the members to a meal, so he involved all his family and with help from club members Ann House and Russ Brockington, they prepared a wonderful two course meal that was enjoyed by all the members at the half way point in the afternoons bowling.

Because it was an afternoon of bowls rather than an actual match, the players were organised into teams and a round robin format was used. At the end of the day, the winners with the best score advantage proved to be Jo Hawes, Gerard McCarthy and Steve Hall (not forgetting Graham Ward for winning the Spider prize)

Over the years we have enjoyed some really great President Days at Ottery, and Saturday was to be counted in with the best! Normans family did a fantastic job with the catering, it all felt so professional. No fuss, everyone had a seat, everything to hand and the clearing up as if by magic!  

The whole day seemed to fly by! After the meal, while the bowlers were completing the remaining ends, the club house was put back in order, ready for drinks, the raffle and the presentation.

Thanks to the generosity of Norman and everyone else who donated raffle prizes! Including bar takings, we raised over £450, which will go towards the upkeep of the Green.  

Congratulations to Tony Bushell, Richard Bland, Chris Hawke and Kevin Vernon for all reaching 30 points enabling them to get their County badges.

Tony will collect his badge on the 16th June at South Petherton, playing for Devon against Somerset while Richard, Chris and Kevin will collect theirs next year...

Well done all! 

Suddenly it was Platinum Jubilee weekend when the whole of the country joined in the festivities to celebrate 70 years of the Queen’s reign... not to be outdone, we decided to forsake the traditional whites and club colours and change the dress code. After much discussion, it was agreed that Red, White and Blue would be suitable!. As can be seen from the pictures everyone entered into the spirit of the day. It was a special treat to enjoy the company of our oldest club member, Ken Pollitt, who is now 99. Although his playing days are long over, it was a real pleasure for him to come out, be treated like royalty, and to meet old friends.

A round robin tournament was well organised by Mike and Marion, new playing conditions were introduced which produced no end of confusion and hilarity! Over 40 members took part in the day, and they were treated to a high tea at half time. The efforts of the catering team were greatly appreciated to the extent, that no-one wanted to return to the green for the second half! Perhaps the words of a small child who ate too much at a Sunday School Tea Party resonate when he was heard to say ”Pick me up or put me down, but don’t bend I!”

Eventually the matches finished and the winners proved to be Tony and Dot Luff, together with Ron Spedding. The Queen was duly toasted by all the players, and everyone agreed that the festivities had been thoroughly enjoyed, but the real winner on the day was the game of bowls.

Easter Sunday 2022 was a day to remember, because after what seemed an endless winter of rain and restrictions, that was the day that the new bowling season started. As most of you are aware, during the winter the club did not hibernate, regular Friday night skittles sessions took place in the clubhouse and during the day, short mat bowls could be played in the main social area. Other social activities included quizzes, and a bring and buy sale in aid of the Ukraine fund raising campaign was held in April where over £350.00 was raised by the members.

However, nothing compares to actually being out on the well tended green and playing the first match of the season. The new Club President Norman Lawrence duly performed the 'opening' honours.

Over 40 members enjoyed the sunshine by playing a series of friendly games. As usual, the laughter and banter could probably be heard from the cricket ground as old friendships were renewed and the ever present friendly rivalry was revived. The winners of the day proved to be a selection of the young, the not so young and a senior statesman, as Ryan Seers, Carl Gilleard and Tony Luff came out as top team.

Now that the season has started, the club nights will be recommencing on Friday 22nd April at 6.30pm, when anyone can come along to try out the game, assisted by qualified coaches, In addition the club will be holding an open day on Friday 6th May from 2.00pm until 8.00pm. Everyone is welcome, but we do ask that you bring a pair of flat shoes with you.