It may be christmas week but work continues on the green regardless and will continue right up to the opening of the green in April.
Mid Devon Bowls League Presentations
On Saturday 11th November the MDBL held their Annual General Meeting at Newton Abbot Bowls Club. As part of the AGM the current President of the MDBL, Mr. Colin Whiley presented certificates and cups to the champions of the five divsions. As you can see, Abbrook Park were present to receive two of the five awards. On hand to receive the presentations on behalf of Abbrook Park were the team captains, Lionel Wheeler accepting the trophy on behalf of the “B” team for winning Division Four, and Rob Horrell accepting the trophy on behalf of the “A” team for winning Division One.
Club presentation evening, Saturday 4th November 2023
Club Secretary Phil Stanley wrote;
“I think it is fair to say that the turnout for the Presentation Evening was much greater than last year with 48 in attendance, filling the club and providing a great atmosphere. The evening started with the buffet, organised by Rob, provided by Kelly's, proved to be popular, followed by the equally popular apple pie and cream. Beer, wine and spirits were dispensed by Wendy in her normal smiley and proficient manner.
The mystery entertainment was provided by Maddie, Pauline and Rob's granddaughter, who at only 14 years old must surely have a future as a singer.
Our new President, Gordon Clark, presented the awards to the following members, accompanied by Chairman Tom.
Outstanding Plate: Jean Stanley.
Volvo Salver - Mixed Fours: Claire Lloyd, Mike Meathrell, Jeff Sharland, Tom Archer.
Tom Brook Salver - Mixed Triples: Liz Rollason, Dave Schooling, Tom Archer.
Drum Sports Sheild - Ladies Triples: Lin Sharland, Julia Hearne, Lesley Brooks.
Hunt Cup - Men's Triples: Phil Stanley, Phil Irish, Mike Meathrel.
Vander Cup - Mixed Pairs: Lin Sharland, Jeff Sharland.
Hodge Cup - Ladies Pairs: Jill McCord, Lin Sharland.
Churchward Cup - Men's Pairs: Kevin Taylor, Phil Irish.
Gale Cup - Ladies Two Wood: Lin Sharland.
Bunclark Cup - Men's Two Wood: Phil Irish.
Powsland Cup - Ladies Champion: Jill McCord.
Rose Bowl - Men's Champion: Tom Archer.
Dave Schooling organised a session of Play Your Cards Right and despite many opportunities to win the £100 cash prize it remained unclaimed. The next session will see the cash prize raised to £150!
Maddie closed the evening, receiving much applause from an appreciative audience.
Thank you to all who provided raffle prizes, the organisers, helpers and all who attended and made it a successful evening”.
Phil
SDL Presentation Evening, Friday 27h October 2023
At Forde House, Newton Abbot the SDL presentarions took place. Several Abbrook Park ladies were in attendance, to witness the acceptance of the Division Two trophy and certificate.
Monday 2nd October 2023
No sooner has the dust settled on the season than the green was deep thined and re-seeded in preparation for next year. The ditches around the green were also cleared of the mats which were power hosed and moss and weeds removed.
Charity presentation and the closing of the green - Saturday 30th September 2023
The Secretary writes;
“What a grand day to finish the season and close the Green. The weather was warm and dry and with around 50 members in attendance, either playing on the Green or just visiting and socialising, it created a wonderful atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
The Green Closing Day began with the presentation of a cheque for £2,150 by Tom Archer, Chairman of Abbrook Park Bowling Club, to Soo Panayi, Volunteer Director, on behalf of Kingsteignton Swimming Pool.
Soo expressed her grateful thanks to everyone for their hard work and assured that it would be put to good use in keeping the swimming pool operating. Tom expressed his thanks to everyone who had given their time, effort and support in making the Charity Day such a success.
The Closing Day bowling began with a 'Spider' for a bottle of wine, which was won by Jim Yeoman, followed by all six rinks being used to play 3 wood pairs or triples over 16 ends. The competition was close and the banter constant with the bar kept busy both during and after the games.
Many thanks to all who helped on the day, from setting out the rinks, clearing away afterwards and serving in the bar. It all made for an enjoyable Closing of the Green.
If you are playing indoors during the winter, may you have good bowling and good luck.”
Phil, on behalf of the Management Committee.
Men’s South Devon Over 55 Triples League Finals Day
Wednesday 13th September 2023
On a lovely late summers day the Over 55 finals were held at Abbrook Park BC. The winners of the four respective leagues competed for the position of champion of champions in this year’s league. The semi-finals played in the morning were followed by an excellent lunch provided by the ladies of Abbrook. The afternoon session put Dawlish Marina up against Torquay for the third place play-off with Brixham vying with Shaldon for the overall champion.
The day ended with presentations to all four teams for winning their leagues, and cups presented to the day’s winners Brixham and runners-up Shaldon. Dawlish Marina beat Torquay to take third place.
9th September 2023, Mid-Devon Bowls League Finals 2023
MDBL Singles Winner, Jamie Phillips (Marldon) and Runner-Up Bob Bushell (Paignton)
MDBL Pairs Winners, B Smith, T Leach (Paignton) and Runners-Up, D Farley, J Richardson (Brixham)
MDBL Triples Winners, Rob Horrell, Ron Milne and Tony Sandelance (Abbrook Park)
and Runners-Up, J Heard, G Budge, S Coll (Brixham St. Mary)
MDBL Mid-Devon Cup Winners, D Andrews, M Kelly, R Levy, B Bond (Babbacombe)
and Officers Cup Winners, D Schooling, N Coombes, A Wilkinson, N Wilson (Abbrook Park)
MDBL Competiton Finalists 2023
The days umpire Colin Mills
Saturday 2nd September/Sunday 3rd September 2023 - Club Finals week-end
Mens and Ladies Four Wood Singles, Winners and Runners-Up
Mens and Ladies Two Wood Singles, Winners and Runners-Up
Ladies Pairs - Winners and Runners-Up
Thursday 24th August 2023
Post match coviviality with our friends from Starcross and District Bowls Club
Johns Trophy 2023 - Winners, Devon
Sunday 30th July 2023 - Charity Day
Sunday 30th July 2023 saw this our charity day take place. This years charity was Kingsteignton’s outdoor swimming pool. Three of the trustees of the swimming pool were at the day and gave a presentation on the poularity of the pool, and outlined the current difficulties they were experiencing. On the day a total of £1400.00 was raised through our sponsors RD Johns and the Cleaning Doctor as well as members of the club. On the day, the members competed for the George Bourne Trophy which was won by N Coombes and D Wyatt. There followed an auction to raise funds for the charity and a barbecue which was enjoyed by all. A big THANK YOU to all those involved.
The trustees of Kingsteignton open air swimming pool
Some of our club members in attendance on the day
Friday 30th July 2023 - MDL versus Old Devon Presidents Day
A convivial afternoon with many familiar faces.
New Kingsteignton Community Link…
On Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 June a total of 56 year 5 pupils from Rydon Primary School attended a taster session of Lawn Bowls at Abbrook Park Bowling Club.
Guided by Gilly Ainsley, Bowls Devon Coach Coordinator and experienced members of the bowling club, the pupils were introduced to the sport of lawn bowls with some warming-up exercises and gradual movements into how to release a bowl to a target and the effect of the bias on the bowl.
The pupils were then divided into red and green teams and in a series of fun sessions took it in turns to score points for their team. This created a great deal of enthusiasm, teamwork and competition from both sides with future bowlers showing potential.
The feedback from Deputy Head, Tina Rootham, stated: “Thank you so much for the wonderful sessions you organised for our Year 5 children. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were buzzing when they returned to school (as were the staff...). I will pass on the club's details to the parents and hopefully there will be a few extra members for you in the future!
I hope this is the start of a great link between Rydon and your club - it would be great to repeat it again next year”.
Abbrook Park Bowling Club is very active club and is always looking to make new members welcome, whether experienced or new to the game. The club is keen to start a Junior section with coaching on a Saturday morning. Contact details are available on the club website: www.abbrookparkbowlingclub.com or the Club Secretary, Phil Stanley on 01626 362236.
Sunday 21st May 2023 - Featherstone Cup
Abbrook Park played their annual challenge match away against Bitton Park for the Featherstone Cup on Sunday 21st May with six mixed rinks taking part.
This is a challenge which came about back in 1988 between the two clubs at alternate grounds year on year.
Abbrook have now held the cup for the past four meetings and were playing to retain it. It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon enjoyed by all and played in a jovial spirit as always. Twenty-one ends played with a break at half way for tea and biscuits and of course a catch up at the end with a drinks and chat.
The result at the end of a great afternoon was Abbrook Park 131 shots to Bitton Park's 101 shots. The cup was presented by Bitton's captain of the day, Dave to Abbrook's stalwart and founder member Gordon Clark. Gordon was one of a few workers from the clay works Watts Blake & Bearne now known as Silbeco who got together with members from Bitton Park back in 1982. This was through the workers at the docks in Teignmouth whist recievening the clay lorries from the Kingsteignton works. They challenged them to a game on their green. This gave the bug of green bowling and Abbrook Park Bowls Club came about. In 1988 the Featherstone brothers from Bitton Park put up the trophy as an annual challenge between the two clubs.
Pictures below left; Captain Rob with Gordon, right, Gordon with the Featherstone Cup
County Badge Presentation 15th May 2023
This afternoon saw the presentation of county badges to two of our ladies, Barbara and Carolyn. Well done ladies!
Our badged ladies present today sporting their Bowls Devon colours
Barbara and Carolyn with Bowls Devon President Sandra Andrews
Sunday 30th April 2023
Abbrook Park Ladies v Devon Ladies pre match photograph
Saturday 15th April 2023 - Opening of the green
A sunny afternoon and an immaculate green were the backdrop for the opening of the green. The obligatory pre-season club photograph. President Ron delivers the first wood of the season. Dave Woods winner of the “spider” with Chairman Tom.
Kev Taylor, Lesley and Ian Brooks and Frank Carter were our first success story of 2023 with a “Hot Shot” at Dawlish Marina Indoor Bowls Club. This achievement follows on from last years “Hot Shot” at the same venue by Dave Wood, Mags Sumner, Jean Stevens and Brian Rowe. We obviously like the mat at Dawlish however this cannot be said for all from Abbrook as apparently the opponents on the receiving end of this “Hot Shot” were another Abbrook team who shall remain nameless!