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NEWS:
- Teams 2026 Update (Click Here)
- Insider Information 4th December 2025 (Click Here)
- 2025 Annual General Meeting on 28th November 2025 (Click Here)
- Brown: End of 2025 Season Green Maintenance Update by Ian Wilson (Click Here)
- Early End of Season Green Closure at 5:00pm on Friday 26th September 2025 (Click Here)
- Prior Notice of Green Closure from Wednesday Evening 16th to Midday on 19th July 2025 (Click Here)
- Ladies County & Inter League Vets by Ian – July 2025 (Click Here)
- Mark’s Time by Ian – June 2025 (Click Here)
- Cups Ahoy: by Ian – June 2025 (Click Here)
- Nearly Time for the Green Opening at 1:00pm on 15th March 2025 by Ian (Click Here)
- Newsy McNewsface: Winter Update January 2025 by Ian (Click Here)
- Keeping Trim in Winter December 2024 (Click Here)
- Llandudno Firework Display 2024 (Click Here)
- Message from Marina Roberts, President NWC League 2024 (Click Here)
- The Longest Yarn: 80th Anniversary of D-Day (Click Here)
- Dressed to Fly October 2024 (Click Here)
NEWS 2025
Teams 2026 Update
The Club captains for 2026 met following their election at the AGM. Their main concern was a slight drop in numbers of those members wishing to play in teams for the coming season. The number of withdrawals had exceeded the number of new arrivals and, as we ran on a fairly tight squad size last season, we felt it necessary to determine how many teams it was viable to enter in the 2026 season. Admittedly, there were some members who were still yet to decide, and whilst there was no change on certain days, Wednesday Colwyn & Llandudno League was a problem.
With 43-members registered last season we were able to enter a ‘C’ team for the first time on Wednesday evenings. Despite 4-additions for the new season our current total is 31people which is too few for us to consider 3 teams. However, there may be a couple of alternative options for anyone who will not have a competitive game on a Wednesday due to the loss of the ‘C’ Team.
Firstly, there is a possibility that a Ladies ‘B’ team may be formed for regular Wednesday Ladies League bowling and, secondly, there is also the possibility of joining the Thursday evening team in the Clwyd league, which starts 30-minutes earlier than the Wednesday evening teams in the Colwyn & Llandudno league. With the earlier start it means that it also ends that bit earlier than the Wednesday evening matches.
If you think you might be affected by the loss of the Wednesday night ‘C’ Team, then please contact me via email or text or via the website’s “Contact Us” page to let me know if you’d be interested in either of the two alternatives mentioned above. Thank you.
Ian Wilson
Insider Information 4th December 2025
WHY WE SEEK VOLUNTEERS
Our maintenance tasks more than doubled when the lease on the Club was renewed recently. As in many other cases, the Council suddenly withdrew responsibility in 2024 for several of the tasks they once completed. As a result, our biggest burden is now the cutting of the Leylandii which the Council previously kept to a reasonable height with an annual cut. Despite a grant of £1,000, the total cost amounted to £5,000 for a local firm to take the height down initially but the Club could not afford similar costs on an annual basis.
This has become the major job for the past 18-months. As the Club is now investigating the costs of installing an irrigation system for the green, more demolition of shrubbery would be required to create a suitable, level site for the water tank to feed the system.
In previous winters, we have been fortunate to have the backing of our sponsors MKM to supply materials for various bigger projects, such as: the east wall being boarded; a new kitchen installed; and, an outside servery created. The volunteers responsible for most of that work are now unfortunately no longer members of the Club. Keith Newman’s brilliant craftsmanship and Tommy’s relentless contribution to all tasks might never be replaced. Steve Rayner, who took a quiet responsibility for trimming the hedges in the far left-hand corner of the green is another loss to our team. Fortunately, John Probyn is still on board, and a few more volunteers have contributed to recent tasks to fill the void or contribute in a major way to keep on top of all necessary tasks. Dave Leech has been heavily involved in everything since Day 1; John Barrington has played another major part in all maintenance tasks; and, Nigel Day (+ chainsaw) and John Farman have already contributed their time and energy. We have also been grateful to several members for their involvement when major work on the green is required, and of course to all volunteers who respond when we have a pre-season tidy-up of the grounds and clubhouse.
We are extremely happy that Derek Lowe, Ian Eardley, Wynne Evans, Gary Jones, Diane Lea, Carol Barrington, Hazel Leech and Shan Eccles have all expressed an interest in assisting with maintenance, and some of them ,with the help of other lady members, took responsibility for the borders and plants part way through the year.
Having a set day and time during the winter months is generally intended to bring the team together. Whilst some prefer to just get on with it and work alone, mixing with others develops a camaraderie, sense of teamwork and time for a chat and catch-up out of the bowling season. We may have to look at 2-sessions per month through until late March in the New Year to complete current tasks.
So, if you have not already committed, there are still vacancies. We would like to form a rota for certain tasks so that the responsibility does not fall on one member. For example, Dave and I have cut the green for years but, if one of us is away or unfit, it puts added pressure on the other. Also, with a rota on grass cutting, our job could be once a month, as opposed to every week.
TYPICAL MAINTENANCE TASKS (during and out of season):
GREEN: Cutting; Aerating; Scarifying; Trimming edges; Cleaning gutters; Swishing.
GENERAL: Trees; Weeding paths; Painting; Repairing Banners.
GARDENING: Pots; Hedges; Borders; Weeding; Watering.
UPCOMING PROJECTS UNDER CONSIDERATION:
- We have received one quote for an irrigation system for the green. The process will need to go through planning and funding sources investigated before any preparatory work commences.
- The possible purchase of a slitter to help aeration of the green.
- Repair of the awnings.
- Extra shelter facilities.
- Seating conversion in the away shelter.
- ‘See through’ fencing in front of the clubhouse.
The above are all projects being considered by the current team. Your contributions to the “Easyfundraising” scheme, some voluntary expertise and a team effort, will help us achieve some of these targets.
Report by Ian Wilson
2025 Annual General Meeting on 28th November
Photos from Friday’s AGM. Just click on the photos to enlarge them all to see each picture in full:
Here is Ian Wilson’s poem in full for your delictation:
2025 was not just another of those seasons
That fades in the memory for various reasons.
Four heatwaves by June made conditions so hot,
No rainfall predicted and the green going to pot.
It's of no home advantage, all began to mutter,
As wood after wood trickled slowly to the gutter.Whilst we had problems with the marks we know and play,
Visitors couldn't fathom why their woods went another way.
And yet, despite the handicap of an unplayable green,
In various League matches success was being seen.
No titles as such to boast about this year
But 3 runners-up spots gave us plenty to cheer.
Our Ladies and Highbury fought a proper title race.
We didn't quite match them but a gallant 2nd place.
So tight was the Clwyd League that, in the very last game,
Our squad leapt 3-places to achieve just the same.
And finally, the Seniors now well past their best,
With Rhos Park excepted, we beat all the rest.
A wonderful achievement so our spirits were up
As a fortnight earlier we'd won the A Division Cup.
Commiserations to Carol, and the B team squad she takes
Losing out twice just at the death, giving everyone heartaches.
A mention too for Tommy and our D team captain Sue
Rallying our new bowlers as best as they can do.
So pleasing to witness the progress that's been made
Not too long now, till they put us in the shade.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays we also proved quite able
To more than hold our own, finishing comfortably mid-table.
So thanks to other captains - Shan, Marina and Elaine
As finding nominations can often be a pain.
I'm sure we'll all continue, knowing exactly what's in store
But new blood's very welcome, and it's not too great a chore.
We will be losing Tommy, who has given up his post
And it's not just his captaincy this Club will miss the most.
No-one could really argue what he's contributed to our Club
Gardening, building, mending - treating his teams to the pub.
So way back last December when captains regularly met,
To include all the new players which caused some to fret,
Forming two extra teams to cope with increased demand
I believe now there's proof, so with cap held in hand
I can honestly say "this year's been a huge success",
Despite some minor problems, and our green in a mess!
Brown: End of 2025 Season Green Maintenance Update by Ian Wilson
The Autumn work on the green started on Monday, thankfully the weather was favourable following the green closure on September 26th. This ensured the surface was best suited to a deep scarify without any watering required over the weekend. In fact, Dave had even managed to sorrel roll the surface in preparation. Whilst Dave and myself started with the verticutter, the 2 Johns’ – Barrington and Farman – began moving 40-bags of top-dressing around the perimeter. As is customary, the top-dressing had been delivered before schedule but, fortunately, Dave & John B were present at the green last Friday to move the delivery off Vardre Avenue and inside the gate. Tommy and Derek were kept busy swishing off the loose thatch as we cut, whilst Bobby had to collect the hired tining machine from a firm in the Junction. As we completed moving the thatch off the green with 2 wheelbarrows, Bobby followed on solid tining the surface to release compaction, and then proceeded to spread the seed into the damaged surface.
Shan & Eddie arrived to offer their customary assistance, then our only problem of the day occurred. As Bobby had ordered a more substantial type of dressing with added nutrients, etc. we found it was too thick to pass through the only spreader we had at our disposal. The only solution was to move the 40-bags the 2 Johns’ had painstakingly placed around the edges, and re-locate them actually on the green. This was an added task not envisaged but all volunteers got involved in. Once opened, Bobby (bless him) virtually spread the entire ton of dressing using his much-loved lute. Ian (Eardley) who had apologised for his late arrival in advance, arrived as the group finished off the sausage baps that Cath had prepared and brought to the green. An excellent day’s work from 9am to just before 2pm, but thankfully we had the numbers present for the more strenuous tasks early in the day, only proving the theory “many hands make light work”.
It only remains for us to get some rain to help germinate the seed and disperse the dressing, Bobby will fertilise with a granular feed early next week.
As a follow-up, and to map out the maintenance tasks over the winter months, we have decided to meet next MONDAY 6th October – just 9-30am to midday – and then regularly perhaps every first Monday of the month for a couple of hours or so each time. If interested in helping in any way, contact John B, Dave L or myself or just turn up. I cannot guarantee the same quality of buffet each session, but hot drinks, biscuits, a chat and a laugh are quite common.
HUGE THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS ON MONDAY, especially from Bobby. Ian Wilson
Early end of season closure of green at 5:00pm on Friday 26th September 2025
EARLY CLOSURE OF GREEN: Due to the current poor state of the green, the Maintenance team and consultant Bobby, have confirmed with our Club Committee, that the closure of the green for the 2025 season be brought forward two weeks to 5pm on FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER. Our last home League matches are scheduled for Tuesday 23 September, and the internal Club Cup competitions’ Finals for Thursday 25 September, so immediately following any further commitments we may have.
The hot, dry Spring and Summer months have taken their toll on the green, the constant foot traffic and clay-based soil aggravating the situation, and regular watering having only a limited effect. Some major repairs are required prior to the usual application of top dressing and seed, and the sooner this work is completed, the time for germination is extended and likely to be more advantageous. The green will be flooded (if needs be) over the weekend (27-28) in preparation for some deep slitting and scarifying of the surface w/c Sept 29th. There is likely to be added costs of hiring specialist machinery and extra dressing/seed in the hope that we have an improved surface for the start of the 2026 season.
If anyone is available to assist with the tasks during this period, please contact Dave L, John B or myself. Note that some tasks require heavy lifting. THANK YOU. Ian Wilson
Prior Notice of Green Closure from evening 16th to 19th July 2025 by Ian Wilson
Green maintenance this season so far has been extremely unseasonal. I cannot ever recall having to water a green in April, and mower blades are being lifted rather than lowered as cutting is being reduced from 2-3 times a week to once a fortnight. As we approach the THIRD prospective heatwave of the bowling season (although temperatures are not quite as high here) the green is suffering and requires MORE attention. The long, dry, hotter periods of weather have not only subdued growth, but also meant that our green consultant, Bobby, has been unable to administer treatments to the surface as regularly as possible, as conditions have been unfavourable. Added to this is the fact that the green is experiencing more “traffic” through the creation of extra teams and a very healthy membership, that finding a time to even cut the green is difficult.
Therefore, following our evening game on WEDNESDAY 16TH JULY the green will be closed for 48+ hours until our next scheduled match on SATURDAY 19TH JULY. The Friendly fixture versus Rhos-on-Sea on Thursday 17th July has been switched to their green, with THANKS to our organisers and Rhos-on-Sea for their cooperation. Recent spraying treatments have not been as successful as anticipated, due mainly to the weather conditions, and any aeration work is impossible due to the compactness of the surface. So, hopefully weather-permitting, a granular feed and wetting agent will be applied which may need some watering in, and certainly time before traffic resumes. We are all aware of the speed generated to the green from dry, windy conditions but you may also notice that extremely dry, bumpy areas are also appearing, and weather again disrupting attempts to re-seed these areas. We still have another 3-months of bowling remaining, so any preventative work is necessary in order for us to continue bowling on a reasonable playing surface.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION ON THIS MATTER. Green Maintenance team
Ladies County & Inter League Vets by Ian (July 2025)
Having recently commented on the selection of Mark Ball for the Welsh Veterans team, it would be remiss of me not to mention the success of our ladies. TWO recent recruits to our Vardre Deganwy Club, MIRIAM FORDER and ANN BANKS were both involved in the recent Ladies County Veterans Competition in the Shrewsbury area, also representing the Welsh team. The format of this competition was similar to the Club competition our Ladies team played in at Fleetwood in March: four teams in four groups on different greens playing a round robin format of 15-up. The Welsh team did qualify for the Final stage of 4-teams, but lost in the semi-final. It must have been a long, tiring day… extra congratulations to Ann, who I believe WON all 3 of the qualifying games.
AND it does not end there…. For the second of 3 Vets Inter League matches, both Miriam and Diane have been selected as reserves for the Clwydian League squad travelling to Wrexham, and the Garden Village Club green. They will accompany Mark, who is in the team of 12 players. Mark won his first game in this season’s competition, beating the Deeside no.12 (21-10) on the Min y Don green, in the first of 3-matches played every year. Two teams of 12-players compete each month, on a HOME and AWAY basis. The final team (Gwynedd) play Deeside on the same day, Mon July 7th. Incidentally, the HOME venue for this match is Llandudno, so if you are at a loose end next Monday, pop across to the Oval to see how the competition is played (1:30pm start).
Perhaps, for the final match of this season, all 3-Vardre members might be selected for the HOME side and, if so, not too far to travel to support them. Mind you it’s versus Gwynedd, so both venues may be fairly close!!!
By Ian
Mark’s Time or Should It Be “Where does he find the time?”
If you are at a loose end this Sunday (22nd June), then pop over to Caernarfon to watch the last 32 competitors in the Gwyn Morris Senior Merit Finals. Be there at the start at 10:30am, for representing VARDRE (Deganwy) B.C. in the very first game is Mark Ball, who plays Nicky Jones (Craig y Don). Since joining the Club this season, Mark has shown how competent and consistent he has been playing Club League bowls, leading our averages in Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday teams, but also when entering WCGBA competitions where he is qualifying for final rounds on a regular basis.
Having recently played in the Veterans Finals in Wrexham on June 11th, he also qualified for this Sunday’s Final rounds back in mid-May. As well as his personal achievement from a very successful season to date, Mark is also carrying the name of Vardre to new heights, our Club being listed as his “parent” club, since his move from Rhos Park B.C.
He is also to be congratulated as his achievements thus far have resulted in his selection for the Welsh Veterans team, who play in the County Bowls Championships on July 10 at Dilhorne B.C. WELL DONE Mark and I feel sure you will be familiar with this venue, being in the Stoke area where your bowls career began.
The quotation “Where does he find the time?” is relevant, as apart from entering WCGBA competitions, he is often present supporting local Club competitions, on the odd occasions he has a spare date in his calendar. Last Sunday he partnered Geraint Booth in a Doubles Competition in Holyhead. Tuesday evenings he has been heavily involved in the recovery of Conwy B.C. in the “Super” league, being one of several new players, but also instrumental in the arrival of others. He also plays for a team in the Frodsham area on Friday evenings, and his form for them means inclusion in the Mid-Cheshire squad in the Federation League, with monthly matches on Sundays throughout the summer. One wonders if he completes more miles travelling in his car to various greens, or walking on them in the course of his many matches over a season. Whatever the answer, we hope you do plenty of walking over the Caernarfon green on Sunday, and progress to the later rounds…. and then of course qualification for the BCGBA finals… and MORE miles to negotiate.
By Ian Wilson
Cups Ahoy: by Ian (June 2025)
After a busy period of Cup games being played alongside an already hectic programme of League matches, our success rate in these competitions is currently just over 50%. Let’s take the Colwyn & Llandudno midweek League first. Our A team was drawn in the only preliminary round game in this division back in late April. We lost by just 3-points to Conwy A at Llanfairfechan. A month later our C team in this League beat Abergele D by 41-points at Kinmel Bay. June 2nd and our B team travelled to the neutral green at Llanfairfechan, only to lose to a strong Penmaenmawr B team by 37-points. Consequently, only our C team has progressed to the semi-final stage, where they are due to meet a very strong Min y Don B squad on WED 16 JULY on the artificial surface at Betws yn Rhos!!
In the Clwydian Senior Citizens Cup games played on Friday 13th June, our B and D teams both received Byes. This competition is handicapped this year and our A team played Denbigh A at Abergele with a +20 aggregate already on the scoresheet. In a match where we gained 6-winners, we won 180-175, the handicap then increasing our score resulting in a 25-point margin of victory. The C team travelled to Dyserth to play Meliden A with a +10 handicap on our opponents. Again, this was not needed as our C squad won by a 55-point margin without the assistance of the handicap. Our opponent’s plight was not helped by being 2-players short!
So, ALL FOUR teams progress to a very busy afternoon on FRIDAY 11 JULY, when 40+ members will be travelling along the coast to their various venues to compete in the next round (Quarter- Finals). Put the date in your diary NOW, as fielding FOUR teams on a Friday afternoon could prove a headache for our captains, but surely that’s what success brings…..
by Ian
Nearly Time for the Green Opening 2025
Weather and green conditions allowing, the 2025 season will be opened by our President SHAN ECCLES at 1:00pm on SATURDAY MARCH 15.
Members can use the green from 1pm – 5pm that afternoon and, anticipating a good turn-out, we have limited the time on the green to 45-minute slots (4-blocks per slot to avoid overcrowding). However, members may return to play for a second/third time if there is space. Whilst you wait there will be light refreshments available, time for a good chat and catch-up, and there will be plenty to view on the notice-board. Most officers and captains are likely to be present if you have anything that you want to discuss with them.
HELP IS NEEDED AT THE CLUB ON FRIDAY 14TH MARCH FROM 10AM-12 NOON TO PREPARE THE CLUB FOR THE OPENING DAY THE FOLLOWING DAY. EVEN IF YOU CAN ONLY SPARE HALF-AN-HOUR, PLEASE COME ALONG AND HELP. THANK YOU.
Cheers. Ian
Newsy McNewsface: Winter Update January 2025 by Ian
Association and League AGMs are now underway (a good sign that the bowling season is only 3 months away) and our first Committee Meeting since our own AGM is scheduled for the end of the month. Quite a bit has happened since our gathering at Craig y Don late November, some that requires approval from our NEW full Committee on the 31st January. Maintenance-wise our tree-fellers (2 really, Dave L & John B -sorry old Irish joke) have made the green more visible from the road. They have done an excellent job in reducing the height of the conifer hedge, so that future work is kept to a minimum. Our neighbours are happy, there is more light being brought into their homes, and a view of Conwy Castle from their upstairs rooms has added value to their properties. Tommy has continued to prepare for next year’s floral display as well as completing some minor repairs around the green, and the green itself is recovering well with regular swishing, a cut to 10mm almost monthly with a spray of iron/seaweed to minimise moss growth, and an occasional deep slit.
On the Social side, apart from our well-attended Christmas lunch last month, the “Knit & Natter” (sorry, Craft Group) re-commence their weekly meetings 10am Friday mornings on Jan 10, after a break over the holiday period. The newly-formed Darts & Dominoes (5s & 3s) Tuesday afternoon sessions at 2pm are also restarting, and have been well-attended prior to the Xmas break. We may not produce a budding Luke Littler (as age is against us) but the prospect of a rare 180, or a high “DOUBLE” finish are becoming more likely.
So with the Clwyd Evening League AGM (thanks Sue) and the Gwynedd Association AGM (myself) already attended, priority switches to our other commitments in the near future – Coast League (possibly 25 Jan) Senior Citz (31 Jan) Ladies (10 Feb) WCGBA (15 Feb) and Colwyn League (19 Feb). As previously mentioned our own Club full Committee meets on 31 January, with a Captains’ Meeting scheduled for early February when more details of the new season should be at our disposal. I would imagine our Social group are considering a meeting also, so that dates and events relevant to the new season are under discussion.
So a busy time for our officers and captains, and hopefully even more to report back to our members next month. Ian, January 2025
NEWS 2024
Keeping Trim in Winter December 2024
Dave L, John B & Ian have been hard at work to get the hedge around our green to a more manageable level.
Llandudno Fireworks Display 2024
NWCBL President’s Day 2024 held at Vardre Deganwy
Dear Members, On 5th October we held the NWCBL President’s Day. It was a tremendous success. Indeed, I was overwhelmed with your support. Even the weather smiled on us! Please accept my very sincere gratitude for your contributions to the raffles, food, helping with the organisation and practical assistance on the day.
We’ve received many complimentary comments from others, including non-Vardre Deganwy members. The success is due to our members working together as a “well-oiled machine”. Well done all concerned.
Diolch yn fawr iawn, Marina Roberts, NWCBL President 2024
The Longest Yarn: 80th Anniversary of D-Day
This marvellous display can be seen at Trinity Church in Llandudno until 27th October. It is ” a unique commemorative event marking the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. It is an 80-metre 3D wool artwork depicting scenes from the Normandy invasion and the 80-day march to Paris.” Produced by over 1,000 contributors from around the world, it would otherwise have taken one person over 11 years to produce on their own. Currently on a tour of France, Britain and the USA, here are a few photos of snippets from some of the scenes that are all knitted:
Dressed to Fly October 2024
Bobby our professional greenkeeper supported by Ian and the team, laid top dressing on the green on Monday. Well, they tried to but, as you will see in some of the photos, the dryness of the top dressing had other ideas:
British Crown Green Referees Society’s (BCGRS) Annual General Meeting December 2023: Smart Watches
Arthur Peake, Referee, reported back from the BCGRS’s AGM about the BCGBA Laws of the Game that relates to smart-watches:
“As we play all our league games in accordance with BCGBA Laws of the Game then the rule does apply to all our league matches.”
“Please see below clarification and interpretation as at BCGRS’s AGM in December 2023:
Law 10.1 Electronic Devices
Law 10.1 was designed to stop the distraction caused by phones/smart-watches etc. being in active mode or being activated during a game. More and more players are using smart watches/ devices as a means of checking their health status or as a reminder to take necessary medication. If used for health check purposes and the player’s opponent, and the referee, are informed
prior to the game commencing that a player has such a device in active mode on their person, then as long as the player only uses it for that purpose then Law 10.1 on the use of devices should not be invoked.” Arthur Peake, Referee
CLASSIFIED
FOR SALE: Check back here as items may be for sale from time to time.
2025 EVENTS
Christmas Lunch 2025
It was a good weather day for the Christmas lunch with the sun shining on everyone. The sun was so bright and low in the sky that some of the party were issued with yellow sunglasses to combat the glare. Here are some photos from the event:
Clwydian League President’s Day 2025
Quite a haul of prizes for our Club at this event on 30th September:-
Winner of the ‘A’ Division Individual Merits: Mark Ball of Vardre Deganwy.
Semi-finalist of the ‘A’ Division Individual Merits: Vince Toms of Vardre Deganwy.
Semi-finalist of the ‘C’ Division Individual Merits: John Probyn of Vardre Deganwy.
Winners of the Clwydian Cup Competition ‘A’ Division: ‘A’ Team Vardre Deganwy.
Runners-Up of the Clwydian Cup Comp ‘B’ Division: ‘B’ Team Vardre Deganwy.
Here are some photographs from the event. Just click on a group to enlarge them all:
The Spring Pairs Competition 2025
The Semi-Finals and Final of this competition were played on Thursday 18th September. Both semi-finals were well contested with Deb & Phil versus Bob & Maureen in the Final which was won by Deb & Phil.
WCGBA Beginners Merits Competition held on 31st August 2025
This event was the first time that the WCGBA had held a competition for Beginners, i.e. players who had registered with the BCGBA in 2024 and 2025. Four of our new members entered and all registered wins with one taking part in a semi-final but who just lost out on reaching the final. The four members were: Deb Rasmussen; Phil Rasmussen; Colin Burgess; and, Ian Eardley. Here are photographs from the event with a lot of support from other members of the Vardre Deganwy Club and others. As usual, just click on a collage below to englarge them all:
Alan & Geraint Jones Memorial Cup Competition 10th August 2025
This competition attracts many entrants each year and always takes place under a friendly, family atmosphere. The competition had top-notch players. The four semi-finalists: Mark Ball, Mike Pritchard, Steve Lawley & Francis Penlington. The final took place between Steve Lawley & Mike Pritchard with Mike Pritchard as the Winner of the Competition. Here are a few photos from the day:
Our Crafty Fundraisers
A very successful day was held on 6th July 2025 with our artistic members and top notch organisers demonstrated their artistic and fundraising talents. Congratulations to everyone involved in raising funds for the Wales Air Ambulance. Here are some photos from the event:
Lexus Eastbourne Open 2025
Photos below in 1st group: Dan Evans; Heather Watson and Mimi Xu; Desirae Krawczyk; Maya Joint; Zizou Bergs; Lulu Sun; Daria Kasitkina; Ons Jabeur.
Photos below in 2nd group: Harriet Dart; Dan Evans; Cam Norrie; Sonay Kartal; Joao Fonseca; Miomir Mecmanovic versus Dan Evans.
Measure for Measure April 2025
On 23rd April, National Referee Arthur Peake provided training in the art of measuring. Here are a few photos from the day:
The first group of photos shows how to measure between the jack and bowl when the tapes are not long enough so two tapes are used by nailing their pointers together:-
The next photos show how to do the same as above but where one of the measuring tapes is the yellow one:
The final pair of photos shows how to measure to a jack when a bowl obstructs the path for the tape measure and the other photo just shows use of calipers:
Opening Fours Competition 2025
The two doubles teams that have qualified to play in the final of this club competition are Elaine & Ann and Karen & Mark. To be played later in the season. In the meantime, here are a few photos from the day:
BCGBA Ladies Club Championship in Fleetwood
Our Ladies Team, having won the 1st Division Title in 2024, was invited by Judy Hughes from the League and WCGBA to represent Wales in this prestigious annual team championship. No previous club from Wales had entered, so the team headed off into the great unknown on 22nd March 2025. Heading up there in a few vehicles, all rendezvoused at Belmont Green on the seafront for the first stage of the competition. In total there were 16-teams with 4-teams playing at each one of 4-greens. The 4-teams played each other, so every player had 3-games. The overall winning team at each green then went on to play in the semi-finals and the final that was held later that afternoon and well into the evening.
Our team put up a good fight but the other teams from England and the Isle of Man had the upper hand for most of the day. We were pleased to note that we got our best points results against Springbank (Oldham) team that won the overall competition. Our thanks to Judy Hughes and our supporters who travelled all the way to the event, with some involvement in it too – Ian & Kath Wilson, Steve Bolton and John Farnham.
Well done all for your first attempt. Here are a few photos from the day:
Opening Day 15th March 2025
Here are some photos from this event. Just click on the first photo group to enlarge it and to run through each group in turn:
2024 EVENTS
President’s Day 2024 of the North Wales Coast League
The photographs from the President’s Day events follow here. Just click on each collage to see it in full:-
Here are the first set of photographs from this event held at Vardre Deganwy Bowling Green on Saturday 5th October 2024. Photos of the presentations to clubs and individuals below are courtesy of Roger Sandiford:
Fun Day 16th September 2024
Ian organised fun and games for the members and the weather on the day was perfect. Here are some photographs from the event. (Photographs courtesy of John Cartwright):
President’s Day 2024
Our President Shan Eccles presented prizes at this event for the Alpha Trophy, the Hornby Cup and the Closing Fours. (Photos of the day courtesy of Marina Roberts:-).
Ladies League ‘A’ Division Title & Ladies Merits
On 5th September 2024, Captain Carol B received the ‘A’ Division Title Trophy, won by the Team at its first attempt having won the ‘B’ Division Title the previous year, also at its first attempt. Representing the Team in the Merits competition, Shan and Diane won their way through to the day’s Quarter Finals, with Shan eventually losing out in the Final to the top player in the division aggregates. Here are some photos from the day.
Walled Towns Competition 2024
The annual Walled Towns Competition was held at Vardre Deganwy this year. This competition is held between the four towns of: Denbigh, Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Vardre Deganwy for Conwy. There were 18-games with Beaumaris the eventual winners with 7-points; Vardre Deganwy with 5-points; Caernarfon and Denbigh both won 3-points each. Here are some photos from the day.
Mixing It Up
Some photographs of our own peeps, and some friends from the bowling fraternity, in the Welsh Crown Green Bowling Association (WCGBA) Mixed Pairs Merits 2024 held at Rhuddlan Bowling Green on 25th August.
Arts & Crafts Exhibition August 2024
The exhibition of Arts & Crafts displayed the many talents of many of our members, most of whom were a part of the Knit and Natter Group that meets regularly in the Clubhouse. Here are more photographs from the event:
The Knit and Natter Group involves: Clarice; Rhona; Sylvia; Hazel; Bunty; Gay; Kate; Marina; Kathy; Shan; Rita; John F; Sue S. The Arts & Crafts Exhibits were produced with love by: Sylvia (Jewellery); Sue S (Poppies); Bunty (Brooches); Jenny (Pictures & Xmas Cards); Rita (Felt work & Fairies); Shan (Paintings); Gay (Quilts; Toys; Knitted Items); Rhona (Baby Blankets); Everyone (Vardre Beanies).
Colwyn Bowls Festival 2024 – Vardre Perspective
The Colwyn Festival 2024, which ended last Friday evening (2nd August) with 2 local bowlers from Llanrwst competing in the final of the prestigious GEORGE DAVIES CUP, proved to be a very successful week. In all, well over 700 games were played on 8 different greens. There were morning, afternoon and evening sessions, and play was almost continuous from 9:30am each morning until after 10pm each night, often with all 8 clubs hosting one of the 10 different trophies up for contention at the same time. A remarkable achievement in terms of organisation and planning, especially when you consider any competitor, in correct age or gender, could enter up to 6 of the 10 competitions, and not clash with timings of sessions. He/she may have had to play at Mochdre, for example, in the morning in the Visitors Cup, pop across to Vardre for 1:30pm to play in the Over-60s Trophy, before making tracks for Rhos Park or Min y Don in the evening to contest the Mixed Pairs competition. If you have a good day on the green, and the stamina, that could be 8-9 games in a day – and remember we had an excellent week weather-wise also, with sunshine for long hours every day!!!
At Vardre we hosted Qualifying Rounds in 4 different competitions in 8 separate sessions Sunday through to Wednesday with around 100 bowlers in total, plus about 20 different dogs!! One of the early arrivals on Sunday was a couple from Shropshire, who, on my recommendation, took their dog up on the Vardre mountain for a walk prior to the gentleman playing in the Bill Hughes (men only) qualifying event. He returned to remark on the exceptional views he had witnessed. Next visitors, around 9am Sunday, were a young couple from Huddersfield, who had left Yorkshire at 6:30am. He stayed to play, but the lady had to drive over to Penrhyn New Hall to register and play in the Ladies Rose Bowl. The couple had booked a remote cottage in Llanfairfechan for the week. There were bowlers everywhere last week taking up quite a chunk of the holiday accommodation in the area and, according to initial feedback from those who attended, they will all be back next year and bringing colleagues.
A HUGE thank you to the Vardre members who assisted with hosting all the sessions from 9am on Sunday morning through to 2pm on Wednesday afternoon. There were complimentary comments from the organisers, local and visiting players, and spectators alike, remarking on our facilities, our friendliness and hospitality, the organisation of our kitchen, the quality and range of food on offer and the playing surface of the green. It was a great team effort with new and established members working together to create a comfortable environment for bowling. The weather was a bonus and almost 40-members were involved as VOLUNTEERS to ensure the VARDRE experience was a memorable one. We did make a good profit from refreshment sales and running a football card on 2 occasions, and it also brought our members together, giving visitors the impression of an organised, welcoming and friendly Club. THANK YOU. Ian Wilson
2024 Opening Day of the Season
Vardre Deganwy Crown Green Bowling Club 