The much delayed Spring Walk finally took place on Wed 27th March.

After a fix of caffeine and fortified by the thought of a hot lunch to return to, sixteen intrepid walkers and two equally brave dogs set out amid the snow flurries to explore the footpaths and lanes south of Bransgore. Happily the cold easterly wind that had been forecast did not materialise and the sun even tried to poke its head through the cloud as we wended our way along the sylvan lanes bordered with scattered clumps of snowdrops finally fading from their past glories. Such was the cheerful mood of the group as we neared our return point at the picturesque ford at Waterditch that we agreed to extend our walk to ensure our appetites were at their maximum. We were not disappointed by the quantity and quality of the food waiting for us back at the Carpenter's Arms and some even succumbed to tempting puddings. A fitting way to welcome the new bowling season only weeks away!

Roy

We were delighted to welcome the Half- Eight Harmony Group to entertain us at our Spring Social as a warm up to the New Bowls Season. In spite of the inclement and most un-Spring like weather, with a view of a flooded green, the atmosphere inside the Club House was one of Summer. We were first treated to a delicious meal cooked and served by Lola, Babs and Jean, with our grateful thanks. The singing group then entertained us with their own style of humour and harmony singing. The group was greatly appreciated and the chance to join in with hand jives and chorus singing was eagerly taken. Paul held a raffle on behalf of the President, Roger Owen, for the Brain Tumour Trust and raised over £70. Many thanks also to Bob and Sue for managing the bar.

An Event First was the excellent Hog Roast and bowls afternoon organised by our President Dave Banks to mark his President's Day on 20th July.

The club-house and grounds were well decked out with bunting and the flag was flying to mark this popular annual event.

The afternoon started with a heavily contested 18 end game of bowls pitting the wits of the President's team against the the Vice President's. A narrow victory for Roger Owen's Vice President's team ensured some gentle ribbing!

This was followed by a well earned high-tech Hog Roast with salad and followed by strawberries and cream on a meringue nest.

Natasha Jones from the leukemia charity LEAF brought her Olympic torch for view and our generous club members raised a good sum towards her charity through the raffle and taking photographs with the torch. A great effort and many thanks to the president and the team of helpers.

Roy Trayler

To celebrate the Olympic Torch passing through Branksome on 13th July the club held a 'Support Team G.B.' evening. Bowling was restricted to 3 rinks due to the wet ground but random teams were soon organised and all those wishing to bowl were accommodated in a pervading good spirit at some time during the evening. All this was just a prelude to a superb supper organised by the ladies on the social committee. A sausage casserole with mashed potato and peas followed by sherry trifle was a very tasty and British way to celebrate the passing of the olympic torch and a toast to all the G.B. competitors taking part.

Many thanks ladies for all your hard work and a great evening.

Roy Trayler   

Sunday 3rd June marked the Club's celebration for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The green and Clubhouse looked resplendent with red, white and blue flags and bunting and Jubilee memorabelia.

A Round Robin Bowls competition of 3 x 6 ends of random teams resulted in Lynn Jenkins as the overall winner. He was presented with a Jubilee Celebration tin of biscuits and the runners up were given Jubilee mugs.  

Our President, David Banks kindly donated red, white and blue sparkling wine and proposed the loyal toast. Over 70 members and guests then sat down to a splendid cream tea supplied by Lola and her team.

A well supported raffle with the proceeds going to 'LEAF', the President's chosen Charity was drawn after tea. Amongst the prizes were 2 Jubilee Celebration cakes baked by Babs Shand.

This proved to be a popular and well supported event and grateful thanks to all those involved.

Roy Trayler

Thanks to our valued band of helpers the Clubhouse has been transformed into a Christmas Wonderland in order to host the Christmas Social events.  The Draw Evening on Dec 7th was well attended with people anxious to claim their prizes. The photo shows what a splendid display of prizes there were and I am sure everbody enjoyed the evening. Many thanks to all those involved.

Roy