Devizes Bowls Club

Saturday 13th May 2023

Development – Two Wood Practice Session 

We had a very successful 2 Wood practice session today.  We had 12 competitors supported by some of our Club markers to make the game feel more like a genuine competition.  

Each competitor played 10 ends against an opponent chosen randomly from a ‘lucky dip’ and then a further 10 ends where the Development Team matched up members with similar bowling abilities.  We were surprised at some of the results and I think the members were too!

There will be another 2 Wood practice on Saturday 27th May from 12.00 – 2.00pm.

DBC Development Team

On Monday evening, Pam and I hosted a group of ladies and gentlemen from our twin town of Tornio, which is in Finnish Lapland, just 50 miles south of the Arctic Circle! Our thanks go to the Management Committee for permission to use the club, to Ricky who kindly opened the bar and to Ian and Simon for helping to run the session after their 3 rink match at Chippenham was called off.

Due to the inclement (rather English) weather, we opted to play Short Mat Bowls. I think some were anticipating a form of 10 pin bowling as they have nothing at all like this in Finland – but they weren’t disappointed! We played for about 2 hours, and I have to say the Finns absolutely loved it!

We gave some basic instructions (mostly about the bias) and let the fun begin. As you might imagine, language was a little challenging at times… but certainly not a barrier! Among the group there were 2 or 3 naturals… it’s a pity Lapland is so far away!!

By Kelvin Nash

Coaching got underway today for members of the public who signed up on Open Day.

At the Annual General Meeting in March this year I was fortunate to receive your vote to become your president for 2023 which in one sense was a great honour, but in another, looking back at the record of my predecessor Rosemary Bradbury, gave me food for thought. What an act to follow, just look at the board in the club and see her record of being President for ten years and carrying out the duties with such presence, fortitude and grace. If you were to elect me for the next ten years you would have a 95-year-old official at the head of the club!!!

In my acceptance speech I used one word to illustrate what I would like to see happen during my tenure and I repeat it here in this message and that word is “UNITY”. Even though we are fortunate enough to have two greens we are one club and should be unified across the board in everything we do.

Enough of the lecturing PLEASE have a wonderful season, full of joy, hopefully very dry and very successful in all competitions at whatever level you bowl at.

I shall endeavour, during the year, to visit as many games as I can both at home and away and certainly at any major competitions in which you reach the final stages.

Dave Greenwood

March 2023

We had a very successful Open Day on Saturday 29th April.

Members of the public were greeted by the Club President David Greenwood and after signing in, were taken onto the greens by a team of volunteers for a 15-20 minute taster session.

There was tea, coffee, bacon and sausage butties available, thanks to Rosemary, Marie, Alison Brooks and her team and drinks available over the bar thanks to Sheila, Terry and Ricky.

We had 32 people sign up for coaching.

If you missed this opportunity you can always contact the club for details of how you might join us.

Ellen

Coaching & Development

On Sunday 30 April, Devizes secured its first Friendly win of the season…

beating Broughton Gifford 63 points to 55

It was an excellent game, played in very good spirit, and in good weather!

Alpha v Chippenham Town