Category: General News

We had a full house with several visitors, after the session ended and all was cleared away we had our usual nibbles, many thanks to those who supplied them.

As usual Harris Hogg was there with his reindeers and suitable Christmas accruements ! We also had our annual photograph with many members attired in suitable festive clothes, even that elf turned up again, this could be his last appearance, thank goodness.

We also had the first draw of our 50;50 club that helps raise money for good causes, in the year 2024/25 we donated £300 to the Air Ambulance and £300 to Calne Welfare Charities. The winner of the draw was Ro Smith with Peter Robert’s as runner-up.

It was a great afternoon, enjoyed by all.

Many thanks to all our members who have supported the club this year and contributed to such a good atmosphere in which to play Short Mat Bowls.

As this is the last posting for 2025, may we wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy 2026 and to say thank you to all the staff at Beversbrook Sports and Community Facility for all their help over the year it is much appreciated.

Finally the photos

The above game which was due to be played on November 28th has now been rearranged to be played on Wednesday February 4th at 7-30pm.

At our evening session some members dressed up and there was ‘spooky’ food at the end. Even Harris Hogg brought sausage rolls and managed to get on a chair for the phot.

We also had the 12th and last draw of the 50/50 club, the draws will start again in December 2025 once members have purchased their number for the next 12 months.

The winner was Angie Fish (1) with the runner up being Martha Mason (38)

In September Harris Hogg initiated an Alzheimer’s awareness fortnight at the Club, in support of Alzheimer’s Awareness month.

With the support of the members a total of £125 was raised, after discussion it was agreed that this should be donated to Beyond Dementia (formerly Alzheimer’s Support) in Devizes. They were chosen as several people from Calne attend their sessions and it was a local group that provides activities for members who fall within their remit.

As a result I recently visited them me up with members and watch a music activity taking place, I met Becci the manager and Janet, chair of the trustees. There is no doubt that our donation was well received and will go towards funding activities of their members.
Now a photograph, for once including yours truly.

It was a very enjoyable evening with the game being played on diagonal mats for a change, in an effort to improve the run of the woods. It did appear to work as both teams coped better with our difficult floor, however one game did produce an end with no bowls on the mat with both teams scratching their heads wondering how that happened.
The final result was 33-31 to Calne, earning the bonus point (3pts – 6pts).

Scores;

Pat, with Carol and Nick 16 – 8 and 6 – 7

Les, with Esther and Angie 5 – 7 and 6 – 9.

Whilst both teams bowled well, it was one of the best performances produced by Calne and they were unlucky to not to get a better result.

For comparison – last year we lost 19-35.

Now for the photo

Last night we had our first game in the Winter League. We travelled to Crudwell with high hopes, unfortunately it was not our evening and whilst we played well we were well beaten in the end by a very good Crudwell team 22-53 (0pts-9pts), we now look forward to the return game in February next year at Beversbrook.

Here is a phtograph of the happy band of players, taken at half time.

We took part in the above event and had an enjoyable time, well done to Beccy and Barbara for having a go at boxing and to Erin for winning the Target competition with a score of 10, an achievement on a mat that had a mind of its own on the day. We also managed to raise some money for the Calne Welfare Charity. In addition Harris Hogg had an outing in his summer holiday gear.

The winner was Mike Lewis (5) and the runner up Phil Milham (40), well done the next draw is on the 23rd July 2025

Well today we celebrated our session organisers Diamond Wedding Anniversary, although it’s not until the 27th March and they are away enjoying a return to the place they spent their honeymoon.

The club members had for the last 2 weeks arranging a collection and signing a suitable card, in secret, not easy as Ann and John are the backbone of the club and without their organisational skills, the sessions would not run as smoothly as they do. They have been with the club since it started in 2018, and are very appreciated by all the members. They were presented with the results of the collection in cash, so that they can decide on something they need.

Many thanks to Carol for arranging the card and collection, to Maureen for the Brownies from The Best Ever Brownie Company and to Pip for putting the spread together that the members enjoyed.

So when you look at the photographs you will understand why they look a little stunned!!

Pictures can be found at 24th March 2025 Ann and Johns Anniversary session

At our session today we had the next draw and the winner was Pat Watson and the Runner-up was John Edwards.

Well done to you both, the next draw is on the 23rd April 2025.

Ann, John, Phil M and myself attended the above celebration of the people who make Calne a great town.

We were very grateful to receive a Certificate of Achievement in recognition of our clubs outstanding voluntary contribution to the Community of Calne.

We accepted this award on behalf of the members who contribute so much to making Calne S.M.B.C. such a great club to be connected with.

Well done to all.

Many thanks to Gill Howard for decorating the Clubs entry to the above, excellently done

Here is Courtney (Beversbrook) accepting the ‘bunny’ from Gill.