Melvin Trayhurn Profile

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!