The club are long standing supporters of the charity event that takes place at St Marys Church in Ottery. This year, it was new members Ray & Alison Hart (with help from a few others) who stepped up and decorated 'our tree' - as you can see, it looked fabulous and they should be very proud of their efforts.

After the festival has finished, it will make the long journey back to the bowling club (road closures are not expected!) where it will sit proudly on display so that other members can appreciate their work close up. 

It is a general assumption that when the summer season is over and bowling ceases as an activity, that the club automatically shuts down.

Not so, as during the winter, there is still the green to be maintained and the club-house to be cleaned, but also social events continue to run keeping the unity of the club intact. This winter it has been necessary for several fund raising events to be held as the management committee have realised that nearly half of the annual subscriptions received is spent on electricity.

Recognising that this state of affairs cannot continue, it was decided that there is a need to future-proof the club by installing solar panels. Led by club chairman, Carl Gilleard, a programme of social events has been arranged, ranging from whist drives to murder mystery evenings together with regular club meals (foodie Fridays). Within a very short time at least a quarter of the total required to purchase the solar panels has been raised.

Ottery St Mary Bowling Club prides itself on being inclusive and actively supports Devon Disability Bowls with every opportunity for the disabled to enjoy playing this game.

Club member, Kevin Vernon, who was awarded his England shirt through this charity, wanted to play his part in fundraising, so he decided, that he would swim 10,000 metres (six and a quarter miles in proper money).

He duly accomplished this feat with the cooperation and assistance of the staff at Sidmouth Swimming Pool, raising nearly £400.00 through sponsorship.

The club is very grateful to Kevin for his contribution. He specifically asked that the management and staff (especially the lifeguards!) of Sidmouth Swimming Pool be thanked for enabling him to complete this challenge.

Did you spot 'whodunnit' before all was revealed?

Special thanks for a great evening go to Andy Padmore who was the driving force behind the production, Carl Gilleard / Pete Parnell for their efforts in securing prizes for the silent auction, those who generously provided items for the auction, Anita and her team for delivering yet another fantastic meal that was enjoyed by the cast and crew alike.

​Thanks to Sharon, Emma, Carol, Steve and Tony for taking themselves out of their comfort zone and thrusting themselves into the spotlight - true thespians and luvvies.

Most importantly, to those who attended the event and bid for the auction items, your generosity raised a considerable sum of money on the evening and that will go straight into the REF fund 

A fabulous evening was had by one and all at the Jack in the Green where the food, wine and company all excelled!

Sadly, our Chairman, Carl Gilleard, wasn't able to attend the event but in his absence, Club Captain, Gail and President, Sharon did a magnificent job in 'running the show' in his absence.

Special thanks to Carol for helping to organise the event, Grant & Jo for organising the competitions and lastly, to Gerard for stepping in at the last minute to take the photos.

The pictures shown above are the survivors as there were a number of discards for reasons including, eyes closed | squinting | gurning - I think that Gerard did a fabulous job and he must be a very strong contender to continue in the role for 2026 ;-)