Hours of meticulous preparation and organisation came to nought when the weather turned against us. A dry morning allowed the Ladygate staff to prepare the green, but at about 12.30pm, the heavens opened and stayed that way for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening. After consultation it was decided that the game could not proceed. The caterers having agreed to bring the time of the dinner forward all the participants graciously agreed to stay on. There was a very friendly atmosphere in spite of everything and it did not feel that the day was entirely wasted. The President was particularly gratified with the co-operation and tolerance shown by all. He was especially delighted that there was such a generous response to his charity appeal, the contributions to the "spider" (cancelled, but no call for refunds) and the raffle bringing in £304.

It was agreed that invitations would go out to the same clubs and associations so we look forward to seeing Chesham, Iver Heath, Wokingham, London Irish, London Scottish, London Welsh, and of course Ladygate, on a sunny August day in 2012.


10 August 2011 District 54 shots -  Ladygate 52 shots

This was a three rink Bannerette game requested by the President’s home club, played over 18 ends. In the interests of neutrality he had intended to rest, and accordingly Vice President Mike Waterford was asked to take the game as Captain of the day (even though in the event Barrie was brought in as the last available reserve!).
It was very friendly, if somewhat noisy, on the green and the close result in the District’s favour a satisfactory conclusion. Ladygate already have a framed bannerette from the past so no complaints at not getting another. The host club put on a splendid buffet supper to round off a very pleasant evening.
Top rink was Len Bartlett, Jim Price, Ray Phillips (All Associates) and Tony Covey (Ladygate).

7 August 2011 District 145 shots -  Arundel 132 shots

Despite the threat of rain on the way down we enjoyed a bright, if windy, day in this historic town. We were welcomed with a selection of rolls and coffee/tea or something stronger from the bar all at reasonable prices. They had had heavy rain in the morning of the match and consequently the green was rather soggy and a bit slow. Nevertheless we enjoyed a friendly game and a good dinner afterwards. It was also another win for the District. The President, thanking Arundel for lending us three players, presented a Bannerette to the opposing Captain in recognition of hosting a fine fixture. Tony Waller (Ladygate), skipped the top rink for the District, with Jim Price (Associate), guest player Graham and Bob Dennis (Century).

3 August 2011 District 43 shots -  Royal Hospital Chelsea 72 shots

From a bowling point of view this was a disaster. Either by misinformation or misunderstanding, the President understood that we would be faced by elderly gentlemen scarcely able to walk the length of the green. Accordingly he gave instructions on the coach to avoid long jacks or firing into the head. In the event despite their modest claim to always finish in the top two, the sprightly warriors of the RHC played as well as many of our opponents and gave us something of a drubbing. The top rink (obviously disobeying orders) was Mike Taylor (Harrow Weald, skip), Chris Attree (Lady Companion), Corisande Mason (?) and Alan Cushnir (Woodcock Park)


31 July 2011 District  147 shots - Worthing Pavilion 142 shots

After a last minute withdrawal we managed to take seven mixed rinks to fulfil this already reduced fixture. It was close fellowship in the 32 seater but the journey was trouble free and quick and at least the coach could get into the club car park. In the hot, cloudless conditions the greens played very fast- there was a view that they were faster than Herga indoors! It was no surprise, perhaps, then to see several District rinks well behind for the first few ends. However a bit of concentration and a determined come back ensured success.Len Bartlett (Associate) skipped the top rink with Alan Young (Eastcote), Eunice Chater (Lady Companion) and Tony Covey (Ladygate).

23 July 2011 District 111 shots -  Stoke Poges 123 shots.

With Apologies to Lindsay Weller for the delay in reproducing on line.

This was an enjoyable visit to a small but friendly club which makes the most of limited facilities to ensure teams are well looked after. The only drawback, one over which the club has no control, is the outrageous price at the bar in the adjacent Polish club. The weather was perfect and though the green was a bit tricky it all made for a good afternoon’s bowling. Apart from the score that is, but the margin was low and only one rink suffered a double-digit loss with two winning their games.
Due to a no-show we were obliged to borrow a player from the home side but perhaps (?) this helped the top rink skipped by Rod Fraser (Wealdstone), Ann Bell (L.C.), LINDSAY WELLER (Wealdstone) and Charlie (guest substitute). 
 
1st August 2011 - District 123 Bucks HCVPBA 108 - played at Iver Heath BC

The start was briefly delayed because of lost bowlers, this time belonging to the opposition! To fill the waiting time a spider was arranged, the prize brought from the host club and the net proceeds going to the Presidents Charity. No arrangements had been made for a raffle due to a mix up over which Association was the Home team, H&D as it turned out, and Alan behind the bar made all the arrangements at a very acceptable price bringing a further generous donation to the Charity. It was a particular pleasure to see the host club President, although not playing, remain through out the whole proceedings. Iver Heath is a well run and hospitable club, the weather was good and the green in perfect condition. All told it felt like a special match. The icing on the cake was a win for the district. Top rink was Arthur Charlwood (Stanmore), Robbie Anderson (Mill), Eric Whittington (Century) and Carol Bartlett (Lady Comppanion)

17th July 2011 - District 112 - Princes Risborough 109 - played at Risborough

A shortage of lady applicants meant that the format had to be changed, with the agreement of the opposing Captain, from 4+2 rinks to 6 mixed rinks. Even then we had to borrow a player from the home side. Perhaps this local knowledge helped towards a 4th win of the season. Recent visits to Risborough have been memorable for tremendous rain storms and it seemed before the start time that this would again spoil the day. However, only one brief stoppage interupted play and the green quite easily coped with the conditions. The District also adapted well and maintained their game to win in a very close finish. Top rink was Arthur Charlwood (Stanmore), Steve Skinner (Ladygate), Brian Goodley (Associate) and Marjorie Cox (Lady Companion)

13th July 2011 - District 112 - Chalfont St Giles 94 - played at Chalfont.

It must be the long distance travel, which brings on the tiredness and dropped shots towards the end of the game? Today a short hop over the Buckinghamshire boundary and the momentum was maintained through out the game leading to yet another victory. The Chalfont green is tucked away on the edge of town giving it a quiet, peaceful atmosphere with a splendid clubhouse, a reasonable green and hospitable membership. Even the weather stayed kind. Top triple for the district was John Jackson (Ladygate) with Patrcia Blanchard (Lady Companions) and Alan Cook (Northwood)

9th July 2011 - District 112 - Wendover 127 - played at Wendover

The fixture Secretary needed to bring in nine players in order to make the full 6 mixed rinks for this match. Surely it can be better supported than that for the remainder of the season, and perhaps beyond. Please advise Alan Shaw of availabilty, even if it is after the selection date as he would love to be able to select from a pool of available resources. On the day the weather was good, the green played well and the game made for an enjoyable afternoon. Pity therefore that we lost, even if it was by only a small margin. The only consolation was that the District's players made a clean sweep of the raffle prizes! We had 3 winning rinks, the best of which was skipped by Albie Moore (Associate) with David Poole (Ladygate), Patricia Blanchard (Lady Companion) and Frank Luxton (West Harrow)

4th July 2011 - District 108 - Chesham 118 (adjusted) - played at Chesham

Two factors may have influenced the outcome of this game which halted our 2 game winning streak. The first was that the home side played a triple against our rink and the 25% rule may not have been sufficient punishment but more likely was that one rink suffered (or should that be surrendered?) an 8 shot hot shot loss - and still ended up winning. The names of the full house droppers are not being disclosed but news will no doubt spread! William (call me Clem) Bradley (Ladygate) was playing his first game for the district and it was also the first apperance for the Lady Companions of Yvonne Bradley and Ann Taylor. Our top rink was again skipped by Peter Brockett (Ladygate) with Yvonne Bradley, Eric Whittington (Pinner) and Mike Waterford (West Harrow) 

2nd July 2011 - District 121 - Wokingham 105 - played at Wokingham

Back to back wins for the district to mark this brand new fixture. Travelling time of less than an hour, an impressive club house, good green and a very welcoming membership should make this a popular venue. A last minute health related withdrawal meant that we had to borrow one of Wokingham's lady players, who as it turned out was previously at Ladygate and knew a number of our players. The district lost on only two rinks, winning the other 4 with the best being Len Bartlett (Associate), Steve Skinner (Ladygate), Alan Young (Eastcote) and Mrs Pat Roberts (Associate).

28th June 2011 - District Men 121 - District Ladies 95 - Played at Ladygate for the Bill Cole Memorial Trophy

Heavy rain, thunder and lightning greeted the District's Mens and Ladies teams who, from the comfort of the club watched the President cum greenkeeper lay out the protective sheets! The game went ahead without to much delay and the weather improved to be a pleasant, if occasionally threatening, warm afternoon. It was, as usual, a keenly contested game, WON, yes WON by the men to reclaim rights to the Trophy surrendered in the Indoor leg in March. Playing his first game for the district was Mike Taylor of Harrow Weald. Top rink for the men was Peter Brockett (Ladygate), Ken Fletcher (Associate), Mike Waterford (West Harrow) and Bob Parsons (Harrow).

26th June 2011 - District  104 - Windsor Great Park 127 - played at the Great Park

This relatively near fixture (assuming you can find the park gate!) is in beautiful surroundings and with the chance of seeing the quality passing by, should attract a strong level of support. However with a number of cry offs for health reasons it was neccesary to accept two guest players offered by the host club. The weather and the opposition proved to be to hot for the District to handle, going down by 23 shots. The top rink was skipped by Alan Shaw (Associate) with Geoff Roberts (Associate), Chris Attree (Lady Companion) and Ray Phillips (Associate)

19th June 2011 - District 95 - Thame 109 - The Les Peake and Kath Lester Trophy game played at Thame BC

This is one of the more pleasant clubs to visit despite having to cross the County borders yet again. Due to sickness we had to reduce this match to five mixed rinks. After the heavy rain of the previous day this match was played in warm sunshine, on a good but challenging green and with friendly opponents. Unfortunately this friendship did not extend onto the green although the close result, with 2 winning rinks and one only beaten by a single shot was a creditable even if it did extend your Presidents 100% losing start! Top rink for the district was John Hammond (Wealdstone), Ken Fletcher and Stuart Phillips (Associates) and Peggy Charlwood (Lady Companion).

16th June 2011 - District 108 - MCHVPBA 136 - trophy game played at Ladygate BC

It rained for 4 hours during the morning but thankfully it had cleared by the 1400 start. Conditions underfoot were a little bit soggy but improved as the match was played in the pleasantly warm weather. Despite fielding a relatively strong side the District could not cope with the overall quality of the Vice Presidents winning on only 2 of the 6 rinks. The top rink for the district, on count back was skipped by Albie Moore (Associate), with Alan Newman and Barrie Purdy (Ladygate) and Ray Phillips (Associate)

11th June 2011 - District 110 - Windsor and Eton 111 - played at Windsor and Eton

NEARLY! Even the opposing Captain was surprised when the cards for the 6 mixed rinks were totalled. It would be unfair to put the blame on any one rink as a careless moment at any time can give away a single shot. Hence no names etc for those who dropped a 5 on the last end!. Apart from the final score the district had a much better game winning on three rinks and drawing on one (the aforementioned droppers of a 5!) Top rink, all Ladygate members, were Peter Lavender, Steve Skinner, Audrey Lavender and President Barrie Purdy.

7th June 2011 - District 76 - Waddesdon Manner 120 - played at Waddesdon Manor

It is a fair distance to travel but this green is situated in a lovely park adjoining the manor. Perhaps the rigours of the journey and the idyllic setting distracted our players from the job of winning. True to form the Waddeson rain came on full force at the end but only a couple of rinks were still playing and there seemed to be little sympathy for their slow play! Of the 5 mixed rinks we had success on only 1 which was Tony Waller, Anesia Skinner, Barrie Purdy (all Ladygate) and Ray Phillips (Associate) who won 21-15.

5th June 2011 - District 79 - Harrow 121 - Played at Harrow for the Mayor's trophy.

This was not a good day to challenge for the trophy as representatives of the Mayor of Harrow, and perhaps it is no bad thing if the rumours are true and the fixture is being phased out. On a difficult green and in indifferent weather the district were no match for the host side, losing on 5 of the 6 mixed triples with the other being tied. It did not help that over the last 3 ends the district in aggregate dropped 28 shots. The best rink for us was Bryn Grewcock (Lupton), Kris Beejay and Mike Waterford (West Harrow / Senior Deputy) who draw 17 all.

31st May 2011 -District 81 - Ladygate 107 - played at Ladygate

It is unusual to see that a District side included only one Ladygate player - the President! We won on 2 of the 5 mixed rinks and given the strength in depth of the opposition, playing on their own patch, the overall result was not to disappointing. As usual the friendly atmosphere amongst the players who know each other only to well, plus the bar and dinner afterwards made for a very enjoyable day. Top rink for the District was Brenda Connor (lady Companion), Alan Brumham (Northwood) Eric Whittington (Century) and Mike Waterford (West Harrow / Senior Deputy) who won 27-10.

21st May 2011 - District 102 - Iver Heath 144 - played at Iver Heath for the challenge trophy.

No excuses this time about a difficult green when we visited this first class club. A shortage of lady applicants meant that their two rinks had to be supplemented with male players and both suffered only narrow losses. Despite trying to put out a balanced team the opposition were too strong all round and although we did win on 2 rinks, two others had a particularly bad time which made the overall score look worse than perhaps we deserved.
Regrettably we had to surrender the challenge Trophy as we only had a narrow 5 shot lead to defend from the Indoor leg. Top rink was Arthur Charlwood (Stanmore), Bryn Grewcock (Lupton), Frank Luxton (West Harrow) and David Poole (Ladygate)

14th May 2011 - District 87 - Long Crendon 159 - played at Long Crendon

Not a good start to the campaign in this lovely rural setting. Perhaps it was too early in the season for the District's players to adapt to a difficult green and the result was, unusually, a loss on all 6 rinks. The rain that fell during the last few ends was perhaps a fitting conclusion to the game.
Our closest rink was Alan Shaw (Associate / Match Sec), Mary Jutsum and Don Cull (Ladygate) and Alan Brumham (Northwood)

13th April - District 81 - Oxford City and County 175 - played at City and County

The Indoor season ended on what had become a usual low note in recent matches. District players were not in-spired by their visit to the dreaming city and once again enthusiasm and effort were not sufficient to complete against a strong Indoor club. This was a 4 rinks men and 2 rinks ladies game but the men fared no better than the ladies and all 6 rinks lost, the first time we have not succeded on at least one rink this season. The closest finish, with minus 7 shots, was skipped by Dennis Parker, with Bryn grewcock, Brian Lawes and Anisea Skinner.

The President has, more or  less, enjoyed the challenges of the Indoor season and is grateful to all those who have turned out to represent the Association. We can now enjoy a brief interlude and hopefllu then embark on a more successful Outdoor season which starts on May 14th with a visit to Long Crendon. The Match Secretary, Alan Shaw, would welcome more applications for games, even late requests help as they create a reserves list which more often than not is required!

30th March 2011 - District 82 - Foxhill 153 - played at Foxhill.

Despite a quick return to Aylesbury for this mixed game the Dsitrict had clearly not learned enough about the relatively slow green to benefit against a strong club side. The pattern was similar to the earlier game and the result pretty much the same. With, again, only one winning rink, but with this time only one other rink within touching distance, came the inevitable heavy defeat.

The winning rink, by one shot, was Celia Shaw, Brenda Peake, Brian Clarke and Mike Hulbert.

Fortunately Harrow and District players are a cheerful lot and take their losses in a good spirit and despite inevitable changes to the original selections, we manage to find sufficient numbers to fulfil our commitments. Our final game of the Indoor season is at Oxford on Sunday April 10th, can we finish on a high?

27th March 2011 - District 87 - London Irish 152 - played at Foxhill IBC

A very dismal picture as the poor run of results continued in the second of our "international" matches. Again it seemed at one time in the game that the district would at least go down to an honourable defeat, but the Irsh were determined to press home every advantage. Although we had only 1 winning rink, three others were quite close, despite the Irish running out easy winners on total shots.

The winning rink for the district was Dennis Parker at Skip, Rex Cox, Don Cull and Mike Waterford who won 18-15.

20th March 2011 - District 102 - London Scottish 120 - played at Herts IBC

There was a delayed start due to having to wait for the Herts County finals programme to be completed, with the subsequent time pressure to get the game finished. The District with, as usual, changes to the original selection did well against a strong visiting team winning on three rinks and keeping the overall loss to a reasonable figure. At the tea break we were actually in the lead by one shot and kept within touching distance for a while until the position deteriorated in the final quarter of the game.

The top rink was skip Dennis Parker and David Poole (Ladygate), Lindsay Weller (Wealdstone) amd Brian Goodley (Associate) who won 27-15.

17th March 2011 - District 128 - H&DWBA 158 - played at Herga IBC

The President suggested that it was a noble gesture to allow defeat in the Indoor leg of the Bill Cole Trophy but in truth we were beatne by a stronger, and more determined side. At Various points in the game the deficit was in single figures but after the tea break the gap grew ever wider. The district must do better in the summer game!

Brian Goodley was playing his first match for the district and Reg Cook (Ruislip) was awarded his blazer badge having played in the requisite number of games. The top winning rink for us was skipped by Brian Johns (Associate) with Richard Graham (?), Barrie Purdy (Ladygate / President) and Bob Parsons (Harrow) who won 21-14

2nd March 2011 - District 105 - Herts County 154 - Played at Herts IBC on 26th Feb

The District faced a strong County side that included a number of players playing on their home green. As we broke off for tea, with a little under half the game completed, the scores stood at 51 shots each. However we lost concentration somewhat, gradually losing ground and although 4 rinks showed an aggregate deficit of only 3 shots, the other 2 were up against strong rinks and did well to hold on as close as they did.

Top rink was Arthur Charlwood at Skip, Alan Newman, Eric Whittington and David Poole. The District now have a short break before taking on the ladies in the Indoor half of the Bill Cole Challenge Trophy. 

16th Feb 2011 - District 124 - Fassnidge BC 92 (played at Herts IBC) - Having made a good start the District held their advantage throughout the match, winning on 5 triples with only the President, in a generous mood, letting the side down. The top triple was Audrey Lavender, Robbie Anderson and Peter Lavender. Next week's match against Herts County could prove more difficult!

2nd Feb 2011 - District open year with win - District 142 - Desborough 123 - Our first fixture at this club, by coach, proved to be a good start to 2011. A good opening but a drop in form towards the half time tea break did not bode well for the district. However continuing the pattern of earlier matches, a strong recovery saw us safely through, thanks in particular to big wins on two rinks. Top rink was skipped by Len Glynn, with Brenda Connor, Robbie Anderson and Mike Fanning 

1st Feb 2011 - Missing Reports (First Batch, apologies for delay in posting)

16th December 2010 - District win Hamilton Cup - District 125 - MCHVPBA 117

This was the first trophy game of the Indoor season and the district regained the Hamilton Cup with a narrow but well deserved victory. It was the proverbial game of two halves, at one stage the District were 30 shots to the good but half a dozen ends later the scores were level. Never the less the recently seen resilience continured and a revival saw the district home. Ricahrd Graham was playing his first game for us. The top rink was skipped by Jim Price (again!) with Bob Dennis, Mike Hulbert and John Jackson.

11th Dec 2010 - Bad Day all Round - District 97 - Watford 112 (Match played at Herts) - A bad day at the Office for the President who arrived at the venue without the black case! Borrowed scorecards and a phone call home for the selection list resolved the position and the game got under way only slightly late after those who set out for Garston re programmed their Sat Nav's for the right destination.

After an even start the district fell way behind but recovered to finish only 15 shots adrift. Is this more evidence that we get stronger as the game progresses? If so perhaps 4 trial ends should be arranged. The top rink was skipped by Jim Price, with Mike Fanning, Christine Maghie and Ray Phillips. Ray's son Stuart played his first game for the district and seemed keen to play more. A pleasant afternoon's bowling was concluded with another good dinner served by the resident cook.

26th October 2010 - County end District run - District 100 - Middx County Indoor Bowling Association 116 - This was a match when some seemed to have travelling difficulties and coupled with selection problems the game was redcued to 6 triples. The County score was enhanced by a substitute, who had come to support the district, well done Robbie for your foresight! Considering the strength of the opposition this was a satisfactory result for us, winning on 2 rinks and not being overwhelmed on the others. Top triple was Mike Waterford, Eric Whittington and Tony Howard

23rd October 2010 - District at the double - District 125  - Iver Heath 120 (match played at Herts) - The final scorecards showed 125 shits each but the District just scraped a win by claiming the 25% deduction on the opposition rink playing with just 3 men. As this was the first leg of a double challenge game the President felt the need to carry even this small advantage into the return Outdoor game played on Iver Heaths home turf! Iver Heath very generously donated the proceeds of their raffle to the Presidents Charity, a lovely gesture. Top rink was Ray Phillips, Robbie Anderson, Jim Price and Alan Shaw.

17th October 2010 - District on the Board - District 117 - Wendover 102 (Played at Foxhill) - The green this week was more suited to the District who won on 4 rinks. Sick Notes seemed to be the order of the day as Wendover had to field 2 triples (the District score was still higher before their 25% deductions!) and the President had a frantic morning search for 2 substitutes. Welcome to Ted Fielder who played his first District game. Top Rink was Celia Shaw, Peter and Audrey Lavender and Bob Parsons.

28th Nov - The weather outside was distinctly chilly and the district made a disastrous start being 11 shots down after the first end and 19 down at 5. However, once warmed up we clawed our way back into the game. It was encouraging to see the momentum maintained to finish on top. The top rink was skipped by Peter Lavender, with David Poole, Pat Price and Bob Dennis and they finished 19 shots in front of their opponents.
Playing their first game for the district were Brian and Sue Lawes. Once again the host Captain generously allowed the District's President to collect for his charity in preference to his own.

9th October - Match Report Versus Egham
H&D 71 Egham 184. A warm welcome to the club but a roasting on the green, was not the most auspicious start for the New President Barrie Purdy. The only winning rink was that skipped by Peter Lavender, with Lindsay Weller and two players kindly loaned to us by Egham. The ladies in particular suffered at the hands of the top bowlers fielded by the host club.
An overall defeat at this stage of the season was perhaps not entirely unexpected against such a formidable club, although the margin was rather dispiriting.
Next up a trip to Foxhill to play Wendover on 17th October

                April 1st 2006

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