Hard luck to our remaining Senior Fours team of Sarah, Lucy, Tricia* & Jean who lost out to the North London girls who beat our other senior fours.
After a nip and tuck game all the way through, they went into the final end all square and lost by one shot. Galling especially when the shot bowl approached the head as a ‘pineapple’!
We’ve probably all done one at some point but not usually to win a match!
*Apologies to Tricia on original post, I thought it was Nadine in the four
Anyway, we’ll done to North London in beating both our teams. We wish them well in the semi- final against Bush Hill Park who beat us last year.
The CP ladies are out in force again on Saturday morning away at Ashford in the National Top Club competition.
Returning to pineapples and cocktails, will you be celebrating HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a street party or the like? Please let us know.
What a fantastic effort by Sam Ryder last night. He was the top act voted the the professional jury and came second overall. A great result! The first time for many years that we haven’t ended up with 0 points!
Winning Eurovision is a great achievement allowing that country to host the following year’s competition. It’ll be a hard task for Ukraine.
Well done to our Sam Ryder. I hope he has much more music inside him which the world can enjoy.
Are you a fan? I think it was more interesting in the days with Terry Wogan’s wonderful commentary (how could we forget that?!);, less entries; and when Colin Berry appeared to be announcing the British results from the middle of the Thames! Of course that is probably 30-40 years ago
The whole contest has changed somewhat since then but its popularity is still strong and no doubt there will be several parties across the country tonight.
We wish Sam Ryder with Spaceman well. He is high in the bookie states. Anyone put a bet on?
Ukraine seems to be all out favourite, not just because of their entry.
OJ Borg was chatting to Katrina (of the waves fame, who won Eurovision 25 years ago) and she and her partner have a basket of socks ready. If there’s a song they don’t like, they throw socks at the tv! What a great idea and not just for song contests!
Enjoy your evening whatever you’re watching. My son is in Big Fish with Gloc Musical Theatre at Questors so I’ll be heading off there tonight.
See some of you later on or around the green when we play Ashford in the R&B league this afternoon at the Club.
Down in Eastbourne St Patrick’s Day was fairly quiet, although some of us were away in the land of nod by the time the party-goers returned!
Another win for the tourists by 15 shots although 3-3 in rinks. Top Rink of the day belonged to Steve G and team, with his no.3 Jacquie Quin taking Lady Player of the Week. Mike Horder from Bush Hill(?) took the top Man Player.
Back nearer to home there are competition matches this afternoon, tomorrow and Sunday morning, so did pop in and watch.
On Sunday afternoon, we take on Ember in a Mixed Friendly under Ann B’s captaincy.
Have a good Friday everyone. Hope there are plenty of roller-uppers this morning who can enjoy their post bowl pint out in the sunshine.
Have you caught up with these? Make a cup of tea/coffee ….
1. Hierarchy of road users
The introduction section of The Highway Code has been updated to include 3 new rules about the new ‘hierarchy of road users’.
The hierarchy places those road users most at risk in the event of a collision at the top of the hierarchy. It does not remove the need for everyone to behave responsibly.
It’s important that all road users:
are aware of The Highway Code
are considerate to other road users
understand their responsibility for the safety of others
2. People crossing the road at junctions
The updated code clarifies that:
when people are crossing or waiting to cross at a junction, other traffic should give way
if people have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, the people crossing have priority and the traffic should give way
people driving, riding a motorcycle or cycling must give way to people on a zebra crossing and people walking and cycling on a parallel crossing
A parallel crossing is similar to a zebra crossing, but includes a cycle route alongside the black and white stripes.
3. Walking, cycling or riding in shared spaces
There is new guidance in the code about routes and spaces which are shared by people walking, cycling and riding horses.
People cycling, riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle should respect the safety of people walking in these spaces, but people walking should also take care not to obstruct or endanger them.
People cycling are asked to:
not pass people walking, riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle closely or at high speed, particularly from behind
slow down when necessary and let people walking know they are there (for example, by ringing their bell)
remember that people walking may be deaf, blind or partially sighted
not pass a horse on the horse’s left
4. Positioning in the road when cycling
There is updated guidance for people cycling about positioning themselves which includes:
riding in the centre of their lane on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions or road narrowings keeping at least 0.5 metres (just over 1.5 feet) away from the kerb edge (and further where it is safer) when riding on busy roads with vehicles moving faster than them People cycling in groups The updated code explains that people cycling in groups:
should be considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups can ride 2 abreast – and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders People cycling are asked to be aware of people driving behind them and allow them to overtake (for example, by moving into single file or stopping) when it’s safe to do so.
People cycling passing parked vehicles The updated code explains that people cycling should:
take care when passing parked vehicles, leaving enough room (a door’s width or 1 metre) to avoid being hit if a car door is opened watch out for people walking into their path
5. Overtaking when driving or cycling
You may cross a double-white line if necessary (provided the road is clear) to overtake someone cycling or riding a horse if they are travelling at 10 mph or less (Rule 129).
There is updated guidance on safe passing distances and speeds for people driving or riding a motorcycle when overtaking vulnerable road users, including:
leaving at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and giving them more space when overtaking at higher speeds
passing people riding horses or driving horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space
allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space and keeping to a low speed when passing people walking in the road (for example, where there’s no pavement)
Wait behind them and do not overtake if it’s unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances.
People cycling passing slower-moving or stationary traffic
The updated code confirms that people cycling may pass slower-moving or stationary traffic on their right or left.
They should proceed with caution as people driving may not be able to see them. This is particularly important:
on the approach to junctions
when deciding whether it is safe to pass lorries or other large vehicles
6. People cycling at junctions
The code has been updated to clarify that when turning into or out of a side road, people cycling should give way to people walking who are crossing or waiting to cross.
There is new advice about new special cycle facilities at some junctions.
Some junctions now include small cycle traffic lights at eye-level height, which may allow cyclists to move separately from or before other traffic. People cycling are encouraged to use these facilities where they make their journey safer and easier.
There is also new guidance for people cycling at junctions with no separate facilities.
The code recommends that people cycling should proceed as if they were driving a vehicle where there are no separate cyclist facilities. This includes positioning themselves in the centre of their chosen lane, where they feel able to do this safely. This is to:
make them as visible as possible
avoid being overtaken where this would be dangerous
People cycling turning right
The code now includes advice for people cycling using junctions where signs and markings tell them to turn right in 2 stages. These are:
stage 1 – when the traffic lights turn green, go straight ahead to the location marked by a cycle symbol and turn arrow on the road, and then stop and wait
stage 2 – when the traffic lights on the far side of the junction (now facing the people cycling) turn green, complete the manoeuvre
People cycling have priority when going straight ahead at junctions
The code clarifies that when people cycling are going straight ahead at a junction, they have priority over traffic waiting to turn into or out of a side road, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise.
People cycling are asked to watch out for people driving intending to turn across their path, as people driving ahead may not be able to see them.
7. People cycling, riding a horse and driving horse-drawn vehicles on roundabouts
The code has been updated to clarify that people driving or riding a motorcycle should give priority to people cycling on roundabouts. The new guidance will say people driving and or riding a motorcycle should:
not attempt to overtake people cycling within that person’s lane
allow people cycling to move across their path as they travel around the roundabout
The code already explained that people cycling, riding a horse and driving a horse-drawn vehicle may stay in the left-hand lane of a roundabout when they intend to continue across or around the roundabout.
Guidance has been added to explain that people driving should take extra care when entering a roundabout to make sure they do not cut across people cycling, riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle who are continuing around the roundabout in the left-hand lane.
8. Parking, charging and leaving vehicles
The code recommends a new technique when leaving vehicles. It’s sometimes called the ‘Dutch Reach’.
Where people driving or passengers in a vehicle are able to do so, they should open the door using their hand on the opposite side to the door they are opening. For example, using their left hand to open a door on their right-hand side.
This will make them turn their head to look over their shoulder behind them. They’re then less likely to cause injury to:
people cycling or riding a motorcycle passing on the road
people on the pavement
Using an electric vehicle charge point
For the first time, the code includes guidance about using electric vehicle charging points.
When using one, people should:
park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard for people walking from trailing cables
display a warning sign if you can
return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to other people and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users
There was a very comfortable win v London Civil Service yesterday afternoon. Good bowls and banter all round. Thanks to Kevin L and Gordon who stepped in to fill the LCS team vacancies. Thanks to Kevin for organising and to Jane on the bar. The mixed friendlies are good fun and there will be more next year.
Peter J & Gym had a walking-on-water game v Laurence & Peter T yesterday morning in the 2020 Club Pairs. It didn’t matter how close Laurence & Peter got to the jack because Peter or Gym just sneaked in with an even better shot! Well done to them and also to Tricia & Teresa who outbowled Tina & Dawn in the National Ladies Pairs. We held them for a while then dropped a 7 – not sure how that happened as our bowls had nudged some of theirs – obviously in the wrong direction! Goodluck to them in the next round – another Egham opponent.
It was also a silver medal for Steve G, Norman, Laurie & Mike C in the L&SC Single Rink v Herts. Hard luck chaps.
Despite winning the Potters tournament last week, all four of us couldn’t duplicate wins yesterday. That’s bowls!
The next round of the London & Southern Counties Challenge Shield is on Saturday 18th December v Watford – 2 rinks home, 2 away starting at 10.00 am.
An early night for most of the tourists as they geared themselves up for this morning’s game.
More tight games which went down to the final end so anyone’s chance is still on.
Post bowls, the tourists have been flocking to the table tennis area.
Last year’s winner Dave P put out John D last year’s runner up in the quarters and then beat Carole K in the semifinals. Ange put out Laurence in the first round and a former contender Kevin K in the quarter finals. She is now taking on Birthday Boy Brian in the semis. What a battle!
She just took it 21-17 with Brian covering more steps behind the table than on the bowls green!
Final Dave v Ange A battle of minds as much as skills!
Dave swept Ange into runner up place with a dynamic forehand drive!
Well done to Laurence for herding cats into the sports arena and keeping the competition flowing!
With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spririt of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.
Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.
There went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
There were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.
They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep behyond England’s foam.
But where our desires are and our hopes profound
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known the Night;
As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkenss,
To the end, to the end, they remain.
Fields of Mud, Seeds of Hope
Composed using battlefield mud from Flanders and earth taken from a Great War military camp in the U.K the work starts thoroughly soaked. As the wet mud dries and cracks the five battle weary silhouettes gradually appear, trudging home their backs to the past and facing the future.
Deep within the mud millions of ungerminated poppy seeds lay dormant.
From John Harriyott – Vice Presdient – London & Southern Counties Bowling Association
Prior to the pandemic we at London & Southern Counties Bowling Association were building up our Indoor range of competitions.
The aim being to bring then up to the quantity and quality of our renowned Outdoor competitions.
Those of you that have been involved will know that our current President, Tony Plater, has been the driving force behind its growth.
However Tony’s health is such that this seasons competition may well be the last that he will be able to organise.
To put it bluntly, we need a man or woman that is keen on competitive Indoor bowls, to step forward and join us.
We do have an established framework for the competitions. We already have many clubs entering the competitions.
We also have active executives that work well together and do help each other.
What we do need is someone to take on the running of the Indoor competitions and develop them for the future.
It could be you be a person within your club
London & Southern Counties Bowling Association have been around for over 125 years and we want to extend our Indoor bowls competitions up to the lofty heights of our Outdoor competitions.
Please do what you can to help us succeed.
Thanks
John Harriyott
Vice President London & Southern Counties Bowling Association.
Interested, want to take the next step, good, then email or call me :
The sun broke through mid morning (which it doesn’t like it will do today) and we had a good afternoon with the players from Chertsey, some of whom were new to indoor bowling.
Lots of banter on the Staples v Twells rink, not only that, they had some very close heads with both skips having to pull out many stops to wrestle the jack away from the opposition!
Gym’s rink had a slow start but after about 6 ends, they found their turbo jet and shot off into the lead with their opposition bravely chasing and reducing the shot difference over the last few ends. Ann’s rink started well, then promptly dropped a 5 then a 4 (oops) and slipped behind. We gave ourselves a good talking to in our heads and made our way back into the lead – thanks to Ann on quite a few ends – and ended up with top rink.
George’s team were bringing up the rear for the whole game on rink 2 and were 3 down going into the last end. Someone shouted across “You only need 4 this end! Ha, ha!” Eileen B, Steve P, Joan O’N saw that challenge and raised it by one to score 5, thereby winning 20-18. The morale of the story … Never give up!
This morning, Peter T’s Mixed Four of Kevin K, Di and Ange take on Dawn’s Mixed Four of Laurence, Tina & Mke at 10.00 am. If you’re reading this at the club right now – you’ve forgotten to put your clocks back. We’ll be there in just under the hour!
Good to see Reg joining Bernard, Terry and Ann and later Steve and Norman in the spectator ranks along with Peter T’s brother and supporter.
Thanks to Jane for running bar all afternoon. We’ll be doing it all again v Shopland Select at 2.00 pm today.
