Author: Dawn Slaughter

News from Jane

Very sadly Jane’s Dad passed away peacefully yesterday morning at home with Jane and her Mum by his side.
Jane said the texts of support she has received from so many members since she has been up with her parents has been very gratefully appreciated and helping her to cope.
It’s very difficult with world around you carrying on as normal whilst yours is nowhere near normal.  So many of us have experienced the same situation.

Jane said to blow kisses to all of you and to thank you for your kindness, which has been wonderful.

Morning Campers …. and Others!

A mixed day yesterday. Kevin, Maureen, Scott & George as well as Ann H, Terry P, Gary & Dave P being the only 2 winning rinks in the morning.
With the rest of the day to ourselves, we sorted out other activities with Laurence and several assistants trying work out the draws for the CP Table Tennis, Table Football & Kerling. What happened to all those ready reckoners that use to accompany handbooks in the old days? We had to resort to modern technology and Google! His next job is trying to find a suitable time when all 44 kerling players can get in the Sports Hall without Potters putting on Welly Wanging or Pickleball or Segway!

A few of our bowlers took themselves upstairs for coaching with Greg Harlow and Andy Thompson.  Ann B was told she should try extending her backswing but not as much as Dave P!  Did they tell him to shorten his backswing I wonder?

Our 17:05 afternoon league gave us much better results with 6 winning rinks, one draw and 4 losses  Yippee!

No wins on the Bingo on Monday, nor, I believe last night

The show last night was amazing  “Simply The Best” with songs and dances from all the previous Potters Shows including Nessum Dorma, Barcelona, Mamma Mia, Les Miserables, We Will Rock You, Riverdance, James Bond Themes and a wealth of other productions too. Brilliant!

Tonight it’s Variety Night

To set you up for the day, a sunrise and approaching sunset from yesterday so you have idea of our outdoor surroundings

 

Hi-De-Hi!

Morning Campers .. and our other bowlers!

A grey and mizzy day in Norfolk yesterday but it was very cheery indoors with Christmas trees suspended from the ceiling and festive music in the background. The mulled wine and pies on arrival went down a treat.
Several of us took to the green after arrival to check out the pace and the length which must be 5 yards longer than Cambridge Park. Almost need binoculars for a full length jack!

It’s a relatively early start this morning with all eleven of our teams playing at 09:20 in our first league match. Kempston also have a large amount of teams as usual and they are our first opponents.
We then have a break until lunch and another gap before returning to the rinks at 17:05. This gives us plenty of time to try out the various other activities available on resort although, by the sound of the weather outside, pitch & putt and crazy golf won’t be on today’s agenda
More news later.

The Tourists are Off

We have quite a few driving today. Safe journey. Jacqui L is going in the train – it’s a good and relatively quick journey. The rest of us set off from Cambridge Park. Wry promptly at 09:31.
One of our merry band on the coach is Ann Macey, celebrating her birthday today and Brian Noel is celebrating his belated birthday from Friday.
We will ensure they have a nice day and week! The drinks are on us … well Potters actually as it’s all-inclusive!

So, there are over 50 on tour to Potters Resort in Hopton-on-Sea in Norfolk. There is a bowls tournament (leagues for 4 matches, then last 16 upwards is knock out); there are quizzes galore; ten pin bowling, curling (not on ice); Segway, rock climbing, crazy and pitch& Pitt golf; rifle shooting, archery, clay pigeon shooting, swimming, spa, and to top it off, there is mega bingo every night and fantastic cabaret and shows also every night followed by late night comedy or music acts in the bar finishing with the midnight feast – if you can stay awake that long! The standard of shows is amazing – west end/broadway quality.
Three meals a day with multiple choices on the menus and very comfortable accommodation in the hotel and bungalows. For the last couple of years, Alcoholic & soft drinks, teas and coffees are all included.
Elasticated waist garments come into their own for a week!

Obviously not every club member can get 5 days away at this time of year but we know those of you bowling at the club will also be having a good time as Christmas preparations get under way.
I’ll keep the website updated with any news.

Laurence organises table football, table tennis, curling and sometimes crazy golf competitions between the CP group. It turns out we are not just competitive on the bowls green!
John D has unfortunately broken a bone in his hand but will try and secure his place in the table tennis final for the umpteenth consecutive year but playing with his right hand. Dave P is hoping he’ll be on the other side of the table again but Maureen K, Kevin K and Laurence will also be aiming to go one further than the semis this time

It’s not all fun and games for everyone as we know some of our members or their family members are under the weather so we wish them well. Out of sight but not out of mind. An assortment of beverages in various receptacles will be raised to them  Stay safe and strong

 

Sunday 26th November- Mixed Friendly v London Civil Service

We’re looking forward to playing our friends from London Civil Service this afternoon starting at 2:00 pm

Also a reminder that the Club will be closed around 7:00 pm, so if you need to drop anything off, please do so before then!

There are no leagues this coming week as 50 or so of us are off on tour to Potters. However the morning and afternoon roll ups will run as usual but there will be lots of times when rinks are free to book, so grab a friend or two and have a bit of fun trying out new shots or just improving consistency.
Our rink yesterday were beaten (just) by a team of chaps who played more consistently overall than we did. We played some great shots, but a consistent base is a very good place to start when it comes to bowls. Aim to get your first bowl just behind the jack, not a yard short. I’m probably not the only person who can put my hand up for being a yard short in a first bowl!

Mixed Pairs Win!

Congratulations to Mike & Tina who won their National Mixed Pairs yesterday v Dave B & Kathleen from Century.
They now face Dave P & Joyce, who put out firstly Peter T & Dawn then Barry & Teresa in the earlier rounds. Both of us only lost by 3 points so we are hoping that Mike & Tina can reverse the scoreline when they play.

Dave B & Kathleen & Co are now familiar CP opponents as they beat Mike, Tina, Peter & Dawn in the Mixed Fours and now play Kevin K & Co in the next round

At 10:00 today, the Mason trophy match v Hounslow takes place with one rink at home and one away. The over 60’s ‘girls’ would love your support at either venue. Good luck!

When you’re at the Club, don’t forget to sign up for the Elvis night in aid of Cancer Research on Sat 9th December and the Club Christmas Lunch on Saturday 16th December.