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NEWS:
BETWS-YN-RHOS BOWLING CLUB LAYS A NEW SURFACE – JUST IN TIME FOR THE WINTER LEAGUE
The following sequence of photographs shows the main stages involved in last week’s work to lay a new bowling surface. after the removal of the old one and repairs to the foundations:
ADDITIONAL DIARY DATES IN 2022:
| By end of September 2022 | Add your name to league lists in clubhouse if you want to play in one or more of the leagues next year. |
| Anytime | If you would like to offer your help with the green or general maintenance then please have a word with Ian, David L or Tommy. |
| By end of September 2022 | If you want to take a more active role in the club, get someone to nominate you and add your names to the list in the clubhouse. See what options are available on the noticeboard. Voting at AGM in November. |
| 23rd September 2022 | Ensure you have submitted your club survey comments by today to Ian W (circulated in August). |
| 23rd September 2022 | Final of Clwydian League Pairs Competition at Abergele. |
| 29th September 2022 | Finals at Vardre Deganwy of both the Alpha Cup (Sean v Gwyneth) and the Hornby Cup (Ian W v Diane) (internal competitions). Plus the Closing Fours Final if not completed on 22nd September. |
| 5th October 2022 | ‘End of Season Lunch’ at Maesdu Golf Club 12.30pm £16.50pp. If you would like to go please put your name on the list on the noticeboard asap. |
| 7th October 2022 | Clwydian League Merit Qualifying round/s (greens to be confirmed). |
| 9th October 2022 | Vardre Deganwy green closes for the winter today at 5:00pm. |
| 11th October 2022 | Clwydian League President’s Day 11:00am at Highbury Prestatyn. |
| 25th November 2022 | Annual General Meeting. Llandudno Junction Community Club, off Victoria Drive. All details to follow. |
| Sometime prior to 25th December 2022 | Club Christmas Luncheon Party (you have been warned!) |
WEEKLY BOARD OF EVENTS AT VARDRE DEGANWY
| DAY | EVENT | HELP NEEDED |
| Friday 23rd September 2022 | ||
| Saturday 24th September 2022 | ||
| Sunday 25th September 2022 | ||
| Monday 26th September 2022 | ||
| Tuesday 27th September 2022 | 2:15pm Vardre Deganwy ‘A’ Team versus Trefnant ‘A’ HOME | |
| Tuesday (continued) | 2:15pm Vardre Deganwy ‘B’ Team versus Penrhyn New Hall ‘C’ AWAY | |
| Wednesday 28th September 2022 | ||
| Thursday 29th September 2022 | Finals at Vardre Deganwy of both the Alpha Cup (Sean v Gwyneth) and the Hornby Cup (Ian W v Diane) (internal competitions). (The Closing Fours Competition was cancelled last Thursday but a new date might be forthcoming. Watch the Weekly Board). |
It’s a Case of Mower Gets More
Many of you have probably never heard of Joe Morgan. You may have seen a plaque on one of our benches or heard that some of his ashes were spread on our newly created Memorial Garden after he sadly passed away last year.
Joe was an excellent bowls player and was well known by many bowlers far-and-wide because of it. He left our club on health grounds some years ago and our long-standing members will have stories to tell about him, some good and maybe some not so good as Joe did not suffer fools lightly. However, now, because of our new relationship with his family, they have helped us recently and saved us a considerable amount of money.
We heard at the last Committee Meeting that the roof of the shed that houses the mowers was leaking badly and needed repairs. Because Joe’s daughter Tracy had offered help with building materials if they were needed, a phone call to her resulted in immediate action. How lucky are we that Tracy’s husband Konrad is Manager at MKM Building Supplies, Llandudno Junction (formerly Richard Williams). Within a few days Konrad came around and, on behalf of his company, has donated all the galvanised roof panels and fixings we need to complete the whole roof. Everything will be delivered shortly. To finish off our good fortune, MKM wants to put up an advertisement banner at the green next season.
A great result. Massive thanks to the Morgan family and to MKM Building Supplies.
Dave H, Club Secretary, Winter 2021/2022
2022 EVENTS:
- Ladies Rose Bowl Competition 19th August 2022 – annual competition between individual entrants from the Oval, Craig-y-Don, Penrhyn New Hall and Vardre Deganwy clubs.
- Cup Final Competition 17th August 2022 – Our ‘B’ Team played Min y Don at Rhos Park.
- Vardre Deganwy participation in the Conwy County Bowls Festival 2022 – we welcome bowlers from all over the country.
- Friendly Mixed Doubles at Home versus Rhos-on-Sea on 28th July 2022.
- Bees (B’s) Buzzing Saturday 5th June 2022 – Ian’s Viewpoint
- Trooping the Colour Day and 70th Platinum Jubilee Friendly held on 2nd June 2022 – in photos.
- Criss-Cross Chaos Competition held on Sunday 22nd May 2022 – photos awaited.
- WCGBA Senior Men’s Merits Qualifying held on 21st May 2022 – in photos.
- Opening Foursomes Competition 2022 – in photos.
- Easter Pairs Handicap Competition held on the Queen’s Birthday – 21st April 2022
- Opening Day of the 2022 Season on 19th March 2022 – in photos
Ladies Rose Bowl Competition 19th August 2022
The first group of photos demo the dramatic story of the final end of the Final
The following photos include Semi-finalists and Spectators:
Cup Final Competition 17th August 2022
Congratulations to our ‘B’ Team in the Colwyn and Llandudno League ‘C’ Division Cup Competition Final. Everyone put up a strong fight against their opponents, Division leaders, but were eventually defeated. Well played everyone.
Vardre Deganwy’s Participation in the Conwy County Bowling Festival 2022
The Vardre’s interest in this festival ended yesterday evening when we hosted the final stages of the Alun Jones Memorial Trophy, the culmination of 3 consecutive days of competition on our green. All future finals are to be staged at the Craig y Don green, and they are well worth a watch if you have time on Friday 5th August.
It is so encouraging to report that the club received so many complimentary comments (from visiting and local bowlers) regarding the facilities and the floral displays, the hospitality, and the general organisation off the green. So huge thanks to our volunteers (some of whom were present on all 3-days) and to others who contributed to the success by baking/providing refreshments. To Bob and our ladies in the kitchen area – Bunty, Gay, Sylvia, Hazel, Mary, Shan, Doreen, Carol, Linda, Jenny – our measuring/furniture team of John B, John P, Alan, Tom C, Gary, Steve, Dave L – to Tommy on reception duties (and others) and to Diane for media coverage. Our treasurer, Dave, also ran a football card at yesterday’s finals evening, which raised a further £20 towards Club funds. Apologies if I have omitted anyone, we did have other members who supported the event.
In total over the 3 sessions, approximately £200 may have been taken, but perhaps the good reputation of VARDRE (DEGANWY) BC extending beyond the boundaries of North Wales and across the border, is equally rewarding. THANK YOU for your commitment over the past 3 days. IAN
Friendly Mixed Doubles versus Rhos-on-Sea held on 28th July 2022
A very enjoyable afternoon on the green in lovely weather conditions.
Bees (B’s) Buzzing on 5th June 2022
The warm-up of a round of “BOLF” (bowls-golf) seemed to go down well. With few adopting the scoring method, ends ended promptly and there was little waiting around before trios moved on to the next hole/target. Perhaps this format may be used again – as one member suggested, sending 1 wood on finger, the other on thumb – more confusion!!! However, the purpose of the exercise is to make our members more familiar with their own green, which of course is so beneficial in matches. It can be adapted, I know, to include difficult marks/changes of length/changes of direction and include progression (through scoring) to finals etc.
The main competition was 3 rounds of triples, but only 6 ends (with each player setting the mark once in each game) The major problem I honestly had not foreseen, in that the order of sending woods after that, caused such confusion. Anyhow Round 1 was A 19:B 22 but I had decided on a handicap of +1 for each B team player, so a great start for B’s 34-19 (with the +12 overall). Round 2 saw a change of opponents and the A’s certainly recovered A 31:B 14 (which became 26 with handicap included). The running total going in to the Final round was A 50:B 60 BUT…Round 3 had the “bonus bowl” ….drum roll… No handicap in this round as a +3 of making the bonus bowl count, could be skilful, tactical or just luck. The bonus was gained just once in a total of 24 ends, by the A team – but they still lost the total score of the round 18-19. Therefore, CONGRATULATIONS B squad, overall winners by 79:68 on aggregate. (Was I too lenient on handicap?). No, well done “BEES” you all played well. The A team trios actually won more individual games, but the margins of victory were not big enough. The B team had a 9-1 and 8-1 win among their successes. Well done to the Shan/Gwyn/Rhona trio combination who won all 3 of their games.
SPECIAL THANKS to Claire and Cledwen for marking cards all afternoon, and to Bunty for washing-up and clearing away after refreshments. Going to bed now, I fear another head ache coming on… Cath, pour me a large whisky!!! IAN
Trooping the Colour Day and 70th Platinum Jubilee Friendly on 2nd June 2022
Criss-Cross Chaos on Sunday 22nd May 2022 – Chaos Curtailed (for now anyway)
Following 3 hours of panic and confusion involving 26 members, the final of the Fun afternoon fittingly went to a deciding end in front of the Clubhouse. The winning trio of Team Tommy (Tommy, John B and Bunty) finishing with a flourish scoring 4 at the last end to defeat Team Dave 14-10. EIGHT teams had contested the event, where 2 target jacks had to be negotiated over 8 ends in the first 2 rounds. Teams managed to discover the road/land to the jack in quick time, it was deciding which mat to deliver from was the problem, and when we moved to 3 target blocks in the play-offs (and 2 woods at each target rather than 3) that the trouble increased. At least I will know how to simplify matters in future, the concept of the game proved quite popular, and the seeding of the teams according to handicap made for some good even games.
Well back to the drawing board, THANKS to all who took part for your patience and understanding. The aim was to keep all involved, but with 24 on the green there was bound to be some delay, and perhaps the event did not run as quickly as expected. I did see some fun and laughter amongst the confusion, and hopefully it was beneficial to all in helping to understand and read the dips and slopes of the Vardre green.
It’s either TRIPLES WITH A TWIST next, or perhaps CROWN GREEN GOLF. Maybe a trial run will help me decide. Karen was winner of the Football card and, after deducting her winnings, £38 was raised towards Club funds. THANK YOU ALL, and especially to those members who voluntarily helped with refreshments and clearing up afterwards. Ian Wilson
Opening Foursomes Competition 2022
Seven matches were played and that included one of the semi-finals. The second semi-final and the Final will be played later in the Season (date to be confirmed). It was very well organised by Dave H and Gay.
Easter Pairs Handicap Competition – April 2022
Just under 30 members (23 playing) attended the green for the first social event of the season. In fine and bright weather almost throughout, members had the option of selecting their own partner, or being allocated a partner if entering individually. Handicaps for 2022 were used for the first time, and calculated by totalling individual handicaps, and halving (in view of the shortened games) 19 games in total were completed in just over 3 hours play.
FINAL: John C/Dave H – 14 versus Rhona/Clarice – 2.
CONGRATULATIONS to the winners and many thanks to all who took part and who assisted and tidied afterwards, despite playing for almost 2 hours. Quite fittingly our Treasurer, Dave Leech won the £10 football card prize, and £32-50 was raised for Club funds. THANK YOU ALL. Ian
OPENING DAY OF THE 2022 SEASON IN PICTURES
WCGBA Senior Men’s Merits Qualifying Day at Vardre Deganwy Green
Congratulations and well-played to all the 16-entrants in the qualifying round held here on 21st May 2022. Three other equivalent events were held at other venues and the 4-winners from each event will participate in the Tournament Final on the 26th June 2022. The Competition is run by the Welsh Crown Green Bowling Association (WCGBA) Link opens in a new Tab. Just a few photographs from the event:
2021 EVENTS:
- Thursday Friendlies From 2021 to 2022
- Final Friendly of the Season 14th October 2021 – photos
- Fun & Friendly 7th October 2021 – photos
- Fun & Friendlies 2021 Report from Dave P
- Bowls Competition – about event held on Thursday 23rd September 2021
- Walled Towns Competition 2021 – about the event in September 2021
- Wales in Bloom Award 2021 – about the award in 2021
THURSDAY FRIENDLIES FROM 2021 TO 2022
Report from David P
Because of Covid, the green was closed for competitions at the start of the 2021 Season. However, the rules were relaxed in May and I was able to arrange a total of 10 matches against: Penrhyn New Hall; Allanson Road; and, Old Colwyn. The other Clubs remained closed to non-members.
On most of the remaining free Thursdays, we held Club Competitions which proved to be very popular with between 18 and 30 Members taking part each week. It was gratifying to see so many new Members wanting to gain match experience, and Bob and I tried to partner each one with an experienced bowler.
This Season, I hope things will be back to normal with 8 to 10 Clubs each playing home and away. There will still be quite a few free Thursdays for Fun Days and Members Only Competitions such as The Opening Season Pairs, The Closing Pairs and the Ladies versus Gentlemen Shield won last year by the Gentlemen.
Myself and Bob will not be running the Friendlies this Season but I hope you will continue to give your full support to whoever takes on the role.
David P, 11th March 2022
FINAL FRIENDLY OF THE SEASON 14TH OCTOBER 2021
FUN & FRIENDLIES 2021
REPORT BY DAVE P
After a late start to the season most of the clubs I contacted, with the exception of Penrhyn New Hall, Allanson Road and Old Colwyn, were not prepared to open their Greens to visitors because of Covid. Almost every game we played, home or away, was well attended with upwards of 20 wishing to take part. We are fortunate to have so many new members who are competitive and keen to learn, most having joined after taking part in the Monday morning ‘U3A introduction to bowling’ sessions and will, I am sure, be playing in next season’s league games.
On Thursday 30th September, with 28 members wanting to play we reinstated the ‘Ladies v Gentlemen’ Competition, last played officially in 2016. After some exciting and noisy games the gentlemen were 4 games to 3 winners and their team captain Roger S was presented with the Challenge Shield which will be engraved and put on display in the clubhouse. Watch out gentlemen, next year the ladies have sworn to take revenge!
Most of our members just turn up and play, and that’s fine, but remember the club does not run itself and your help is necessary. From putting out seat cushions, opening and closing the shutters, helping in the kitchen, keeping the clubhouse clean and tidy, etc. Keen gardeners could help Tommy maintain the wonderful displays he works so hard to create.
Despite everything the Friendlies and Fun Day Thursdays have been very successful, enjoyable and overall better attended than in previous years. As of today, 6th October, we have two more fun days before winter closure. On the 7th we will repeat the popular Teams of Four Competition with a prize for the top ladies and gents winners. The format for the final Thursday will be advised shortly.
Finally, we should thank Bob Mason for providing delicious home made refreshments and organising the kitchen, and I would also like to give my thanks to Dave Holland for his invaluable help in running the members’ only competitions and for organising this year’s Christmas lunch.
FUN FRIENDLY 7TH OCTOBER 2021
Just a few photos from the event. Hopefully, next time there will be more photos.
BOWLS COMPETITION FUN EVENT
The bowls competition was held on Thursday 23rd September 2021.
THE WALLED TOWNS COMPETITION 2021
The Competition took place at Vardre Deganwy Bowling Green on Sunday 12th September 2021: starring teams from Vardre Deganwy, Denbigh, Beaumaris and Caernarfon Bowling Clubs. Here are a few words from Dave H about the event:
The Mayor of Conwy County Borough Council, Cllr. Collette Ryan, with the Team Captains (Upper Left picture) and with the Team Captain and the whole Beaumaris Team (Upper Right and Lower pictures) that won the Walled Towns Competition Cup. Congratulations for an excellent win.
WALES IN BLOOM COMPETITION 2021
Tommy Roberts and Dave Holland attended the Wales in Bloom presentation evening event on 10th September and returned home having been presented with a Certificate for promotion to the “Outstanding” Category.
“It’s Your Neighbourhood” Award
Level 5 – Outstanding
Read or download the full report from the Wales in Bloom Judges:
Vardre Deganwy Crown Green Bowling Club 