Did you play any other sports before taking up bowls?
In Senior School I was in the school netball team, and hockey team, but in hockey, I was placed in the position of goalkeeper, but preferred netball.  After school I played a little squash, but did not play any other sport, until taking up golf, which I play badly, but enjoy the walk.  Now I have found bowls, I am loving the sport, and learning every game.
 
How did you find bowls then?
Steve and I had played short mat bowls in Spain when we were there over the winter months, and in 2024, Steve saw the Bowls England advert for their ‘have a try sessions’. We came to Ottery St Mary, and as they say the rest is still a story to be told.
 
How long have you been playing and what do you enjoy most about the game?
I started in May 2024, and enjoy learning in every game I play, meeting other players from other teams and chatting about how long they have played.  Plus, I have learnt to listen to the skip, they know a lot more that I do!
 
Were you offered any coaching when you joined the club?
On our first visit we met John and Terri Ward, Sharon Kenny and they tried to coach me, I honestly did listen, but I am still learning. 
 
Have you set yourself any targets to achieve in the game?
The only target I have at present is to enjoy the game, and play my best each time I play, its still baby steps.  I have enjoyed playing in the Ottery Blue ladies league this year, and although we have gone down, maybe next season will be better, fingers crossed.
 
What’s your favourite format?
I enjoy triples, but either rinks or triples, it doesn’t matter as I just enjoy the game!
 
 Looking beyond the game what else do you get involved I at the club?
At the beginning of the 2025 season I was asked if I would like to take on the role of Match Catering, I have had a great mentor in Sharon Kenny who has guided me through the season, ensuring that members and visitors have a nice cup of tea, and biscuits, and I have enjoyed the tours, and catering for them.  Whether it is a Cream Tea, or a hot meal, planning and preparation are the key words.  I am learning communication is key especially with the tours, making sure there is open communication with the lead of the tour, ensuring we have the right food for players, any dietary requirements. We hope to encourage more tours to Ottery St Mary and increase the revenue to the Club.
 
What would you say to someone who asked if they might try out the game of bowls?
Go along with an open mind, and enjoy, there are always people to talk to you, and you will find a friendly bunch of people willing to help you. All skill levels are catered for, and we can all have a bad day!
 
Now that the season is over how do you plan to spend your time?
Steve and I are not going to Spain this winter, so a programme of buying jumpers has already started, and I have some jobs at home to undertake. Plus helping to plan a programme of winter activities, helping to run these, as we have a new initiative in the club to raise money for Renewable Energy Fund.  Looking forward to other events, Whist afternoons, that Jill Pond is arranging, love a game of cards.  Short Mat bowls, helping keep my bowling up, but I do feel that the small block of wood in the middle of the short mat game is very unnecessary.

When and how did you get into the sport of bowling?
After my divorce in 2021 I moved back to my hometown of Ottery St Mary and a year later gave up work and was feeling quite lonely and with too much time on my hands.  It was suggested that I tried a new sport and as the Bowling Club was within walking distance of my new home I thought I’d give it a go!  I joined in July 2022 and have never looked back.
 

What other sports have you participated in?  
I played hockey for the British Polytechnics team back in the 1980s and for Devon County. I also played tennis and netball at Junior County level and tennis and hockey for the police (in the days when we got ‘time off’ to play police sport!). I was selected to play ladies cricket for Devon too, and I opened the batting and kept wicket. I’ve also played golf, squash and badminton – any sport with a ball, I’ll give it a go!  

What is the appeal of bowling to you? 
I’ve always enjoyed competitive sport, so that appealed, and learning something new has been so much fun, but also challenging.  I’ve had such helpful coaches since being at Ottery, John and Terri Ward started me off, and more recently Gail Hawke has really helped my game progress. There are a lot of variables in bowls (eg: the weather, each rink, length of the jack, your opponents) so your brain is constantly working to try and produce the best delivery for each situation.  It's also a team game, I have always enjoyed being part of a team, supporting each other and enjoying shared successes.

Do you have a favourite format and position to play?
I am still very new to the sport and probably enjoy playing number ‘2’ in Triples most – that ‘extra’ bowl is often needed!  But I am starting to enjoy singles and pairs more and I will happily play any position I am put in, just so I can get a game. Recently I’ve started playing ‘skip’ in friendlies, which reinforces to me how much I still have to learn!  

Is there one game in your bowls career to date that stands out?
My career has been very short, but winning the Fred Burgess trophy in 2024 stands out. It was my final year of competing in that competition and I felt a lot of pressure on me as I was more experienced than most of the other players.  Also, I’d had a close family bereavement a few days before and my emotions were all over the place.  So I’m quite proud of the fact I got myself under control and played well enough to win.   

You are also the club’s General Secretary. What does that entail? 
I’m still not sure how I end up volunteering for that – it must have been one too many glasses of red wine that evening! Luckily, I’ve had a lot of mentoring and advice from Gail and Terri, the two previous Secretaries.  Apart from taking minutes at the Management Committee meetings I am responsible for membership and applications and affiliating all playing members with Devon Bowls (otherwise they are not insured to play and also cannot play in competitions).  I deal with the premises insurances, I am the Bar Licensee for the Club, and I am the deputy safeguarding officer. I make sure the defibrillator equipment is kept up to date, and order any bowling supplies needed. We are lucky to have a fantastic Committee who all pull together to make the Club function.  

Looking forward, how would you like your game to progress?
I am known by my friends as being a perfectionist, but as I’ve got older I am now also a realist. At the moment I am just focusing on consistency, getting the line and length right and hoping for a bit of luck too (the three ‘Ls’)!  What I’ve learnt from Gail, and from watching players like Marion and Shirley (who I lost to last year in the club singles final) is that it takes years to be a really good bowler, and I need to be patient (not one of my attributes!).  This season I am pleased that I seem to be adapting to the speed and line of a new rink much more quickly – it used to take at least 6 ends (a third of the match!).   

If there was one thing about the game that you would change, what would it be?
That’s a hard question with only two full years’ experience, I’m not sure I can think of anything.  It’s a game that can be played at all ages, with metal ‘bowling arms’ for those who can’t bend fully anymore and other equipment that makes it a sport for everyone, it’s competitive, sociable and fun. So I am not sure I’d change anything!  

If you were asked to sell the game to others, what would you say? 
It has been a lifeline for me, not only learning the sport of bowls, but the friendship and kindness of people at the Club at a time when I really needed it (though they wouldn’t have known that).  It’s a community of people who all have different backgrounds and back stories, with the sport of bowls that unites everyone.   

Finally, can you share one tip that you think has improved your game? 
Probably foot placement on the mat which Gail got me thinking about last year. I see some players just stride up to the mat and plonk their foot on it without giving a thought to where the bowl needs to go.  I’m getting more confident in moving my foot placement on the mat so I can keep my actual delivery the same but change the direction of the bowl – if that makes sense?!  If it doesn’t then ask Gail to explain…!

Melvin Trayhurn, and his wife Margaret, are both very active members of the club. For our latest player profile we asked Melvin a wide range of questions.

Can we start Melvin by asking you when and how you first became interested in the sport of green bowls?
We moved back to England didn't know anyone in Ottery, and talking to the neighbours they persuaded us to try out bowling.

What 4 words would you use to describe your love of the game?
Meeting like minded people!

In 2023 you had the honour of being appointed club captain. Can you describe what that meant to you on a personal level? And did you enjoy it?
Yes I did enjoy it, although it needed total commitment. Even so, I'm really glad to have had the experience and I wouldn't have missed it for the world .

For those not in the know, what does a club captain have to do?
Be available at all times to be a problem solver. Make decisions that are sometimes not very popular. Also get used to having to telephone around at the last minute to find players. Be prepared to meet and greet.

You are currently our Maintenance Manager. What does that entail?
With the age of the clubhouse there is always something to do, mend or repair. Plus new ideas that people have to improve the club. Organizing working parties to keep the club looking it's best.

How important is it to have a group of volunteers like yourself taking on non-playing roles within the club?
Very important as without volunteers the club could not survive.

You and Margaret share a love of the game. Would you recommend bowls as a game that both partners can play?
Definitely! The enjoyment is being able to do something together as a couple.

Looking back over the years you have played the game, has it changed much and, if so, in what ways?
People come and go but the game stays the same.

If bowls was suddenly banned by the government, what would you do instead with your time?
I think it would be very difficult for us to find a sport and recreation that we would both enjoy

What would you say to someone who has never played the game to encourage them to try it?
Come along on a Friday night and give it a go You may be surprised. Our club is known for its friendly atmosphere.

Is there a particular highlight of your playing career that you can share with us?
Yes, when I'm captain of the day, the weather is good, everyone turns up wearing the right clothes and the correct number of bowls and on time.

And, finally, having mentioned the fun element of the game can you recount a particularly funny incident that you witnessed, perhaps were even involved it?
When we were on our way to play an away match and saw the opposition coming down the motorway in the opposite direction, both arriving at different destinations. After frantic telephone conversations we managed to settle on a compromise and eventually got together to play the game!

Bowls is a game that attracts both women and men. At our club we have lots of couples, some play together when they can, others prefer not to! In this profile we ask a fairly recent couple of recruits for their thoughts on the game of bowls and the club, JANE AND STEVE BISHOP.
 
How did the two of you get involved in bowls?
We used to play golf with Brian Hammond, a member at the bowls club. We kept in touch after we all gave up golf. Brian suggested we tried bowls so we both came down one Friday night and really enjoyed the game and the company and were made to feel very welcome by everyone .

Did you join Ottery St Mary Bowls Club at the same time?
Yes, we did. It was so nice to do something together which hadn’t happened since we gave up golf.

Would you recommend couples to join together? How about actually playing together or against each other?
Bowls is a brilliant couple’s game. To share an interest in a sport is special; supporting each other, sharing the pride in a good shot, winning a game and mutual understanding of the frustrations when you have not played well are emotions best shared!

What are the advantages of you both sharing an interest in bowls?
That’s easily answered! Just spending time together and with like-minded friends. Also being able to talk to each other about games, the people you meet and the places you visit.

What do you find most appealing about playing the game?
Meeting all kinds of people, from all walks of life who enjoy the same thing you enjoy – a love of bowls. The laughter and support is priceless  and the game is very addictive!

You have both represented the club in external matches? Do you recall how it felt when you first got involved in playing against other clubs?
Terror! Not really but it was nerve racking, yet also enjoyable and the support we got from our teammates was brilliant. It was an eye-opener to discover that anyone can have a bad game no matter how long they have been playing. All of which makes you feel better about getting the weight and line wrong!

What about the social side of being a member of the club? Was it easy to get involved?
Very, very easy. Brian and his wife Jane were so good at making us feel at home right from the start. The coaches, Gail, John, Terri and Sharon helped so much teaching  us, week by week, the rights and wrongs of bowls . All the members were brilliant, friendly  and welcoming.

Can you identify one particular match that stands out for you so far?
Jane first: I recall the quarter finals of the Jubilee Trophy, held at Crediton. I was playing with Margaret, Shirley and Jill against Newton Abbot, a game we won. Victory was all the more satisfying because they were seriously tough and competitive opponents. I won’t talk about the semi-final but at least I played in one within my first year!

Steve next: I think just getting to the final of the Fred Burgess trophy competition and the general feeling of constantly trying to improve with each game I played.

​Finally, what are your bowling ambitions for the future?
As we both work, putting our names down for matches can be a bit difficult and frustrating as we would both like to play more to improve our skills. We will keep playing as often as possible and hopefully in our own way support the club both at home and away.

Next year Gerry Beighton and his wife Maggie will celebrate 25 years of membership of our bowling club so we thought it would be interesting to ask Gerry to reflect on his experiences over the past quarter of a century by answering a few questions. 
 
 In 2000, having lived in Ottery for three years, Maggie and I discovered that Ottery had a bowling club and we decided to join. It proved to be of great value to us as a centre of our social life. 

I first became involved in club affairs when I was asked by the Chairman for advice because the club membership had dropped to a low level. I gave a presentation to the committee and guess what? I was asked to become the first Recruitment Officer. A big effort was made by all and membership increased to the target of 100 ever the next few years. 

I have been asked what contributions I have made to the club. Well, in it’s earlier years the club was mainly male orientated with just a couple of ladies achieving senior management positions. This changed when I was Chairman. I recruited Gail Hawke as our Club Secretary. Sharon Kenny became Club Vice Captain, and later, Club Captain. Dot Luff became our first Social Fund Raiser. These three ladies have all made outstanding contributions to the club and I have the temerity to claim some reflected glory.
 
Is being married to another bowler a good thing? Yes, to have any mutual interest holds the two together and helps to integrate your social calendar. Maggie and I were both Vice Captain and Captains at the same time and this meant  that club time was concentrated.   

Thinking back over the years, can I think of any matches that I played in that stood out? Oh yes indeed, but there are far, far too many to just select one or two here, I’m afraid.  

After two and a half decades do I still enjoy playing bowls? Gosh, yes I do. Having fractured my femur in March, bowling has been my main motivation for walking again. 

What is special about our club? Well, it was always the friendliest club before it had any reputation as a competitive one. Now it has a great reputation but has managed to retain that friendly, welcoming spirit. What would I say to someone thinking of joining? Well, how often have members said “If only I had known about this earlier!” ​

​PLAYER PROFILE
Gerard McCarthy, our Men’s Secretary, has kindly agreed to be our first victim for this new feature providing an insight into connection with the great game of Bowls. We will add profiles to the library each month.
 
Thanks for agreeing to be the first player at the club to share your bowling experiences with us Gerard. How long have you been playing bowls? Since 2015 when by chance I spotted an ‘Open Day’ sign at Budleigh Salterton Bowls Club which led me to sign up for their indoor season.
 
What do you find special about the game? It’s a competitive sport but at it’s core there’s a strong emphasis placed on sportsmanship and respect.
 
What’s your favourite format? Triples is my preferred game. The third wood makes such a difference and whatever position (1,2 or skip) you have the opportunity to put your mark on the game.
 
How is this season going? Early days, I’m getting better but I need to be more consistent.
 
What has been your highest achievement to date? Winning the Otter Trophy Singles last summer. I beat four good bowlers to get there. Yes, luck did give me a helping hand, but it was a good indicator that I am going in the right direction.
 
Does a particular game stand out in your memory? I will go for two very contrasting locations. Firstly, playing at the Falls Road Bowling Club in Belfast and later at the Jersey Bowling Club against a President’s selected team drawn from four clubs across the island including international players. Modesty prevents me from going into too much detail but we won 23-15 on our rink!
 
Away from bowls what do you get up to? Family and friends. I recently retired so I’m enjoying the art of ‘pottering around’.
 
Is there anything you don’t like about bowls? In two words, heavy greens!
 
Are you involved in other activities at the club? I am currently the Men’s Secretary so I sit on the Management Committee. I am also the club’s representative at the Section 3 meetings of Bowls Devon.

​Finally, can you sum up the attractions of Bowls in three words?  COMPETITION, COMMUNITY , FRIENDSHIP!