Greenkeeper & Hon. Secretary.
Competition results so far
The latest round of the competitions are now complete and the draws have been updated.
Click here for the Mens Coronation Cup
here for the Men's Jubilee Handicap Cup
here for the Men's Walker Cup
here for the Men's Taylor Cup
here for the Men's Victory Pairs Cup
here for the Michael Jones Cup
and here for the Warwick Cup
Please don't forget that the quarter finals of all competitions need to have been played by the 24th July.
The updated draws will be put on the notice board in the clubhouse soon.
- Hits: 297
Home Page Updated
We have updated the Home Page so please take some time to scroll down and check out Our Values which have been added.
- Hits: 99
Purser Cup 2019
There are a few pictures from this years Purser Cup in the Photo Gallery.
In the final Chris Shannon, Tony Adamson and Jane Kimber beat Dave Holland, Jill Brooks and Janet Shannon.
- Hits: 122
Bar Rota July-August 2019
This is now in the members only area so that we can include everyones phone number and everything is in one place. You will therefore need to login to see it.
Not registered yet? Go to the contact us button near the top of the page, send us a message and we'll get back to you.
- Hits: 98
Friday Evening League Results - 14th June
Results and league standings can be found here :-
https://www.thamebowlsclub.co.uk/index.php/friday-evening-league
- Hits: 126
Friday League Starts Tonight - 14th June
The Friday League begins tonight at 6:15pm so even if you're not playing why not come down to the club for a drink and a sausage or bacon roll.
- Hits: 122
Purser Cup - Sunday 23rd June
The Purser Cup Competition Sunday 23rd June
This is an annual triples competition for Club Members only that is held on our green.
We arrive on the day and teams are drawn there and then to balance the teams as much as possible to ensure an enjoyable and friendly contest.
Please indicate you wish to play by putting your name on the Noticeboard - again if you want me to put your name up for you please let me know.
Arrival time at the Clubhouse by 1:15pm
Dress code Whites.
No organised food is being provided but feel free to bring your own snacks if you wish.
Thanks
John Walker
01844 351036
- Hits: 153
Post Code Challenge Match 10 June 2.30pm
Unfortunately, the Gloucester Trip has been cancelled due to lack of players.
In it’s place we are organising a Post Code Challenge Match starting at 2.30pm.
The Thame Townie’s: Captained by Maire and Ron Duncan
will play
The Village Peasant’s: Captained by Jane Kimber and John Walker
Who do you play for?
All members living within the OX9 post code will play for the Townie’s.
All member living in ANY other post code will play for the Peasant’s.
Dress code: Club Shirt with Grey: Match Fee £3 to include Pizza’s after the match.
Format will be decided when number of players are known.
Please sign your name on the Noticeboard in the Clubhouse if you wish to play.
- Hits: 144
May Midweek Cup Week 3 - Final Results
Final Results
Team A comprising Barry Green, Val Sawyer, Jill Brooks and Leonard Grimshaw win the May midweek Cup.
Team A Team B
Barry Green Virginia Williams
Val Sawyer Mike Sawyer
Jill Brooks Barbara Waters
Leonard Grimshaw (C) Gordon Taylor (C)
Team C Team D
Mike Zak Vic Webb
Roger Blackburn Phil Reed
Frances Goodyear Marion Keal
Sandy Webb (C) John Hurley (C)
Result Result
May 14th Team A v Team D 12-5 Team B v Team C 5-12
May 21st Team A v Team C 8-9 Team B v Team D 5-12
May 28th Team A v Team B 9-6 Team C v Team D 5-10
Scoring is 1 point for each end won and 2 points for the winning team.
Scores will be totalled week by week and the team with the highest overall points total will be deemed the winners.
Final points totals (as at 28th May) :-
Team A 31
Team D 29
Team C 26
Team B 16
- Hits: 236
Whitsun Trophy
Whitsun Trophy Sunday 26th May
Format – Rinks 12 ends
Four teams in total, each team consisting of four players. The first round of the competition will be drawn and the two winning teams from the first matches will play one another in the final, the two losing teams will play off for third place.
Teams are as follows :-
Team A Team B Team C Team D
Mike Zak Ann Ashfield Kevin Sharman Janet Shannon
Jane Kimber Marion Keal Frances Goodyear Maire Duncan
Jill Brooks Ron Duncan John Hurley Mike Ralls
Chris Shannon (C) Ray Plested (C) John Walker (C) John Ashfield (C)
Graham Watson – Competitions Secretary
- Hits: 170
2019 Competitions Notice
COMPETITIONS 2019
Please note that the first named in the Draw is the CHALLENGER
The CHALLENGER is responsible for:
-
Providing their opponent with 3 dates (preferably including a weekend)
-
Providing dates as early as possible to enable the tie to be played well before the ‘to be played by’ date on the Chart
-
Booking a Rink
-
Arranging a Marker – preferably not a family member unless agreed by your opponent
For more Competition Information see the Members Handbook
- Hits: 191
Competition Draws
This seasons competition draws can be found here
They will be updated with results once the play by dates are past.
- Hits: 218
New Bowlers
The new bowlers program is now underway with a roll-up every Tuesday evening between 6 and 7 at which there will be qualified instructors. If you know anyone who might be interested please give Mike Ralls a shout.
There are a few photos from the first Tuesday in the photo gallery. You need to login to see them. If you haven't registered then please do it is free and there are more enhancements on the way.
If you're not sure how to do any of the above please email Phil or Ian at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll sort you out.
- Hits: 215
SODC Learn to Bowl initiative and our first Recruitment Day 20th April
The Committee were recently approached by the SODC Go Active Gold Team to work in partnership with them on their Learn to Bowl beginners course initiative that is taking place at a few clubs across South Oxfordshire.
This free course is designed to provide beginners with a pressure free environment where anyone can Learn to Bowl.
The course will start on Tuesday 7th May from 6pm and will continue weekly through the season.
SODC have been advertising the course with posters (see below) and in the media, and you may have seen this recent article in the Thame Gazette.
This is a perfect opportunity to invite friends and family down to the club to learn the sport, so please spread the word and get them down to give it a try - our recently qualified coaches will be running the course.
There is obviously an appetite for the game locally because, at our first Club Recruitment Day on Saturday 20th April we had all 6 rinks in use when 16 new people turned up - luckily the day was supported by around 10 club members who were there to help!
- Hits: 207
Setting up the Green – Saturday 6th April 2019
We had an excellent turnout of members this Saturday 6th April to set up the Green and the surroundings ready for the New Season, which commences this coming weekend with an in-house friendly. Although because of the clash with Spring Holidays quite a few regular helpers had informed me they would be unable to attend, around 35 members turned up to help, which enabled us to quickly achieve all the tasks we had planned. Thank you to everyone who was involved and it augurs well for another good season of friendship and participation throughout the Club.
There are a couple of photos in the gallery.
Chris Shannon
Hon Secretary and Green Keeper
- Hits: 262
Pre Season Dinner Photos
Check the Photo Gallery for a few pictures of the pre season dinner.
- Hits: 266
Jim Tite, Will Hawes, Marjorie Spencer
It is with great sadness to report that Jim Tite passed away on Monday afternoon 25th March. Jim was a great club man and enjoyed his bowls even when in poor health in recent years. Jim’s funeral will take place at St. Mary’s Church, Thame at 11am on Friday 5th April.
Will Hawes, who passed away recently, will be cremated at Oxford Crematorium on Monday 8th April at 2pm. Will was very enthusiastic when playing bowls, reading the head with great knowledge and understanding, and his love of the game was there for all to see.
Marjorie Spencer, who also passed away recently, was a stalwart of Thame Bowls Club in years gone by. Photographs of her can be seen on the clubhouse wall and by reputation she didn’t suffer fools gladly on the green. Marjorie would have been 104 years old this April and many of you might remember we celebrated her 100th birthday at the Club. There will be a remembrance service for her.
Bill Giles OBE
Chairman
Thame Bowls Club
- Hits: 283
Green Update - Friday 29th March
Avonmore visited yesterday and completed the latest Spring maintenance routines. The Green was Verticut twice and solid tined to aerate and promote root growth. The green was then over-seeded and spiked rolled to help promote new growth on the remaining bare patches. They will return in the next ten days to fertilize with a product that stays active for 8 to 10 weeks encouraging growth in the early part of the season.
We will continue brushing every day there is heavy dew, because the current weather conditions make us still very susceptible to a further attack of fusarium which would create fresh bare patches and the necessity for the application of more chemicals to control the disease spread.
From Monday 1st April we will commence cutting three times a week at 6ml, which although may not remove lots of grass at the moment, but will encourage the plant to put up more shoots from the roots as a natural defence to constantly getting the top of it’s new shoots cut off. This will thicken the cover of grass overall. What we need is a sustained period of warmer weather to increase the ground temperatures, but that is in the lap of the Gods – so we will do our best in the meanwhile.
Don't forget Saturday the 6th April to set up the Green and surrounding areas for opening on Wednesday the 10th April.
Chris Shannon
- Hits: 252
Pre Season Forum 13th March
The Pre-Season Forum was held at the clubhouse on 14th March starting at 7pm and was very well attended by so many.
The following people gave brief presentations on the following subjects:
Bill Giles -Welcome and introductions
Graham Watson - Overview of the evening and sponsorship
Chris Shannon - The Green, Membership List, League Applications
Mike Ralls - New member recruitment and development and Tuesday roll-ups
Ian Rutherford and Phil Reed - Website
Ian Rutherford - Re-build update
Graham Watson - Fixture booklet
Graham Watson - Competitions
John Walker - Weekend games
Jill Brooks - Ladies fixtures
Terry Emberson - Midweek fixtures
Ron Duncan - League games
Maire Duncan - Gloucester Trip 10th June
John Walker - Bar and staffing
Bill Giles - Friday League
Graham Watson - Pre-season event
Bill Giles - Volunteering and close
During the evening our Treasurer Ian Rutherford collected around 60 Membership Renewal Forms and money. This clearly reflects how full the clubhouse was for the event, especially when taking into account some people attending had already renewed their membership in advance.
- Hits: 285
New Bowler Recruitment
Please see the flyer below which is part of the 2019 recruitment drive. If you need any copies please contact a member of the development group.
- Hits: 338
Green Update - Tuesday 19th February
A message here from Chris Shannon, our Greenkeeper & Hon. Secretary.
Avonmore visited this morning and carried out a full programme of treatment. They cut and slit the green to aerate the roots and sprayed with tonics and herbicides then added lawn sand to kill off the moss that was starting to infiltrate the bare patches. There is some scarring from the fusarium problems we had before the cold spell hit us, but there is already some good new growth coming through on these bare patches.
We need to keep off the green entirely until after the weekend, then re-commence brushing from Monday onwards. It will be extremely beneficial to keep as much dew off the grass as the weather warms up again. The more we do that the better chance we have of keeping any further disease at bay. We will start cutting to 7mm from now on and we should see some increased growth if or as the weather warms up.
It is great to think this club has such a fantastic 'green team' whose work largely goes unseen when nobody else is about and who oversee the condition of our playing surface all year round. All club members appreciate their hard work.
- Hits: 315
Pre Season Dinner 23rd March
This year's Pre Season Dinner will be held in the Clubhouse on 23rd March at 6:30pm for 7:00pm.
Hopefully you will have had an email with menu and booking information from Ian Rutherford, but if not details of the menu choices and how to book are on Forms in the Clubhouse. If you are unable to get into the Clubhouse then please contact Ian by email or on 07860 318827.
The cost is just £10 per person including an entry in the evening's prize draw. Initially we suggest places only be open to Club members plus 1 and we will open it up to friends in a few weeks time depending on demand, but special requests always entertained.
Last year's event was immensely successful so I'm sure you will want to join us this time.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to come.
- Hits: 359
Pre Season Forum 13th March
This year's Pre Season Forum will be held on 13th March at the Clubhouse at 7:00pm.
As usual on this evening you will hear from various Committee Members what is planned for 2019.
Please come along, have a drink and learn what is on the agenda for the season to come.
- Hits: 336
Quiz Night 2nd Feb 2019
Our very first Quiz Night held on 2nd February was a highly successful event with 74 quizzers taking part.
Our thanks to everyone who came and made it such a great night out, but especially to Graham Watson for putting the questions together and for conducting the evening so well, to John Walker for providing snacks for the tables, Jane for the hot pizzas and Alfred for making sure the bar ticked over all evening.
Some photos from the evening are now in the Gallery.
- Hits: 320
Christmas Bingo 22nd December
John and Ruth Timms' Bingo Night just before Christmas was a spectactular success with around 60 people coming along to enjoy themselves.
One or two players seemed to have unbelieveable luck (or was it skill) to have multiple wins and many of us walked away with prizes as the evening went on.
We also had the Sports Club 200 Club Christmas draw with the year's major cash prizes to be won and Messrs Canfield and Reed took away the cheques - congratulations to them.
Special thanks go to John and Ruth for running the event.
- Hits: 259
Lightfoots Sleep Out Event 30th November
In support of our friends at Lightfoots, our Clubhouse will provide facilities overnight on Friday 30th November - 1st December from 7pm until after breakfast the next morning for a 'Sleep Out' in and around the Clubhouse.
The Sleep Out is a nationwide fundraising event with a view to helping to End Youth Homelessness, details of which are on the Lightfoots website here https://lightfoots.co.uk/mortgage-sleep-out/
Lightfoots are aiming to raise £1,000 to contribute towards the combined aim of raising £100,000 across the country. To find out more and contribute if you wish, please visit www.justgiving.com/lightfoots-solicitors
The plan, weather permitting, is for a number of Lightfoots' Partners and staff to build rudimentary shelters using cardboard or other materials outside the Clubhouse and, as the initiative suggests, sleep out overnight. If the weather is poor, they will sleep inside.
Prior to the actual Sleepout on Friday evening we will be opening the bar and Lightfoots hope to be able to get hold of a short video to be shown around 8.30pm about the fundraising initiative.
Bowls Club Members will be welcome during the evening if you wish to drop by.
For one week only, our usual Friday short mat session will be held on the Thursday evening 29th.
- Hits: 529
Table Tennis
Hi Everybody,
Just a note to say that we have resumed the Friday Table Tennis sessions from 2pm to 4pm. It's an opportunity to have a natter with your fellow Club members, have a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit - oh and we play some Table Tennis of a mixed and dubious standard - everyone is welcome! Not only do we provide the Table, but plenty of bats and balls as well - so come along and get some closed season exercise with a bit of fun included.
Chris Shannon
Secretary
Thame Bowls Club.
- Hits: 513
A Year in the Life of Thame Bowls Club
Check this out in the Members Only Area. It is a fascinating insight behind the scenes.
- Hits: 537
Photo Gallery latest and 2018 AGM Agenda & Propositions for Consideration and Vote
Dear Bowls Club Members, to see all the photos uploaded over the last couple of months, please log in with your User Name and Password and click on the Gallery link in the Club Member Menu that will then appear on the left. There are photos of the recent Sponsors Evening, Finals Weekend, Blind Bowlers Competition Day, Town Council match and our Club's Presentation Evening.
Please also note that the AGM Agenda and detail of the Propositions for Consideration and Vote at the AGM have now been transferred to the Members Only area.
- Hits: 572
Club Finals Weekend 8th & 9th Sept - schedule of play and winners
This weekend is Club Finals Weekend - the schedule of play (and winners) was as follows:
Saturday 8th September
11am Victory Pairs
Les Canfield and Leonard Grimshaw v Ian Rutherford and Chris Shannon (winners)
11am Warwick Cup
Thomas Tisbury and Doreen Penn (winners) v Shirley Foster and John Ashfield
1pm Ladies 2 Wood Singles
Ann Ashfield v Maxine Plested (winner)
1pm Walker Cup
Robin Jenner (winner) v Paul Costin
3pm Jubilee Handicap Cup
Bill Giles (winner) v Chris Shannon
3pm Honour Cup
Janet Shannon v Frances Goodyear (winner)
Sunday 9th September
11am Josey Cup (Married Pairs)
Doreen and Graham Penn (winners) v Janet and Chris Shannon
11am Ford Cup
Shirley Foster and Frances Goodyear (winners) v Jill Brooks and Ann Ashfield
11am Taylor Cup
Paul Costin (winner) v John Sear
1pm Michael Jones Cup
Chris Shannon v Paul Costin (winner)
3pm Pomeroy Cup
Doreen Penn v Maxine Plested (winner)
3pm Coronation Cup
Graham Watson (winner) v Bill Giles
- Hits: 686
The Paul Heafey Memorial Cup Final
The final of the Paul Heafey Memorial Cup was held on Tuesday 7 August and was well attended by a number of spectators.
The final result was as follows : -
Team D beat Team A by 8 points to 3 and Team B beat Team C by 5 points to 4.
This combined with the scores from the previous two rounds evenings meant an overall Cup win for Team C.
Using our points scoring system of 1 point for winning an end and 2 points for winning the match, the Final Table looks like this:
| Team | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Total |
| C | 7 | 6 | 2 | 15 |
| D | 1 | 7 | 6 | 14 |
| B | 4 | 1 | 6 | 11 |
| A | 4 | 2 | 3 | 9 |
Team C collected the trophy presented by Sharon Heafey and President Les Canfield and comprised Judy Kingston, Ian Griffiths, Mike Zakaszewski and skip Adrian Wilcox.
Photos of the participating players and the winning team are in the gallery section.
Mike Ralls
- Hits: 599
Summary of our performance in the Oxfordshire Men's Bowls League 2018
Our Oxfordshire Men's Bowls League performance resulted in a satisfying 3rd place in what turned out to be a tight finale, because right up to the last game we could have ended up 2nd from bottom and potentially relegated if we hadn't have got the 2 points we needed for safety. As it was we won 4-2 against Blackbird Leys to cement that 3rd place.
Captain Les Canfield passes on his thanks to everyone who played for us during the season and to those who supported the team, especially Jane and her team for excellent catering, those who worked the bar and of course Chris, Jesse and the greenkeepers for providing a super surface for us to play on.
Our results this season were:
| Team Played | Win/Lost | Home/Away | Score (Thame score first) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford City & County B | win | away | 4 - 2 |
| Adderbury | lost | home | 2 - 4 |
| Headington B | win | away | 4 - 2 |
| Banbury Central B | lost | home | 2 - 4 |
| Blackbird Leys | lost | away | 2 - 4 |
| Oxford City & County B | win | home | 6 - 0 |
| Adderbury | lost | away | 0 - 6 |
| Headington B | win | home | 4 - 2 |
| Banbury Central B | lost | away | 2 - 4 |
| Blackbird Leys | win | home | 4 - 2 |
Final League position:
| Team | Played | Points | For / Against Shots Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adderbury | 10 | 52 | 362 |
| Headington B | 10 | 34 | 118 |
| Thame | 10 | 30 | 9.5 |
| Banbury Central B | 10 | 27.5 | -101 |
| Blackbird Leys | 10 | 23.5 | -154.75 |
| Oxford City & County B | 10 | 13 | -219.75 |
- Hits: 455
President's Day on Sunday 19th August
President Les Canfield invites you to play in the Annual President's Day Competition.
Last year's President's Day was a fabulous day enjoyed by all, both experienced and new bowlers, so this year's event is not to be missed!
This one-day competition is one of the highlights of the season and will cost just £8 per person including a meal afterwards with wine included.
Play is scheduled for a 10:30 start (so please arrive by 10:00) and the meal will be served shortly after play finishes in the afternoon.
Full details of the format of the competition will be posted shortly but please add your name to the list on the Club Notice Board as soon as can.
- Hits: 461
The Paul Heafey Cup, Thame Town Council event, Ladies v Gents Match and Sponsors Evening
The Paul Heafey Cup
We are holding a new bowlers competition over three Tuesday evenings, the 24th just gone, 31st July and 7th August.
16 new bowlers will be taking part on each of those evenings, in teams of 4, playing six ends.
The winning team will receive a trophy on Presentation Evening and this will be known as “The Paul Heafey Cup”. We hope this will be seen as a fitting tribute to Paul's memory.
On the final evening of the competition there will be some “special offers” on drinks at the bar along with some nibbles.
Thame Town Council afternoon event 30th August
We have been asked by Thame Council to host a fun afternoon for their employees.
They have made Bowls their activity of choice and would like to sample playing in a match.
There will be 16 of them attending and we would like to find 16 players from the club to mix in with them, so we can play a four rink match together.
The match will take place on Thursday afternoon 30th August starting at 1.30pm. Dress Code will be Grey.
We also need the help of a few volunteers to assist on Tuesday evening 21st August from 5.00pm – 6.00pm when they will be coming to the green for a practice session.
Please let one of the Development Team know if you are able to assist in this.
Ladies v Gents Match / Sponsors Evening 31st August
On 31st August we will be playing the annual Ladies V Gents fixture.
We will also be inviting our Sponsors to come along to see us in action in front of their sponsor boards and be entertained.
After the match we will be providing a buffet supper for everyone.
Hopefully this will prove to be a very enjoyable and beneficial evening.
The list for names will go up on the board shortly.
Graham Watson
- Hits: 454
The Paul Heafey Cup
The first round of the Paul Heafey Cup, competed for by our new bowlers, took place on Tuesday evening and proved to be an unqualified success with a convincing win for Team C over Team D by 7 points to 1.
Team C comprised Judy Kingston, Ian Griffiths, Mike Zakaszewski and skip Adrian Wilcox.
The other match between Team A and Team B was a draw with both teams scoring 4 points each.
The next round will be played on Tuesday 31 July at 6.00pm with Team A playing Team C and Team B playing Team D.
Mike Ralls
- Hits: 424
A Busy Week Commencing 11th June
Monday 11th sees the Club go to Cheltenham for an awayday - see Gallery for photos.
The home League fixture on Thursday evening June 14th is against bottom of the league Banbury Central, then on Friday evening we play the 2nd leg of the Norfolk Cup Competition against South Oxford, which we go into with an 11 shot lead after a brillinat victory away in June! See Gallery for photos.
On Saturday we have friendlies against High Wycombe at home and Princes Risborough away on the Sunday.
If you haven't yet put your names down for next weekend's games against High Wycombe and Princes Risborough, please do so as soon as you can!
- Hits: 611
Ladies' Top Club of Oxfordshire 2016 Winners
The long awaited photo of the Ladies' Top Club of Oxfordshire 2016 Winners is now in the Gallery and under Club Honours - click on the content menu items on the left to view.
And come and support the Ladies in their 2nd Top Club match of this season, this time against Banbury Central on Sunday 3rd June at 10.00am at Chiltern Grove
- Hits: 497
Upcoming Matches to look out for
Having won our first league match of the season away at Oxford City & County, effectively extending our unbeaten league run to over 12 months, we are scheduled to play our first home league game in 2018 on Thursday evening 31st May against Adderbury.
Then at 10am this Sunday 3rd June, the ladies play in the next round of the Oxfordshire Top Club against Banbury Central.
All supporters and spectators will of course be welcome at both games.
Also, having beaten a strong South Oxford side in the 1st leg of the Norfolk Cup away on Friday night, another date for your diary is the return leg which will be played at 6pm on Friday 15th June at the Chiltern Grove.
- Hits: 521
Thame Cub Scout Group played on our Green
The local Cub Scout Group were entertained on Wednesday evening 9th May when 18 young hopefuls tried their luck on the Green. All thoroughly enjoyed themselves and some may go on to take up the game as there were several positive performances.
The club is hosting another recruitment afternoon on Sunday 20th May and the parents who collected the scouts were also encouraged to return to come and have a go themselves.
Mike Ralls
- Hits: 541
Recruitment Days
We held our first recruitment day on Saturday and signed up six new members and with two more recruitment days to come (on Wednesday May 2 from 6.00pm and Sunday May 20 from 2.00pm) we have had an encouraging start from a numbers point of view. We are also continuing with our Tuesday evening rollups for potential new members from 6.00pm when the only kit required is a pair of comfortable flat soled shoes as bowls will be provided.
Mike Ralls
- Hits: 581
Reflections on the Pre-Season Dinner
The Pre-Season Dinner on the 24th March went like a dream (rather than a nightmare) with everyone arriving well before time and sitting up straight waiting to be served. There might have been a small delay in serving the soup but this was cunningly disguised by opening the Chairman’s raffle board and encouraging more bids for the silent auction.
After the soup plates had been cleared (despite calls from elderly Oliver Twists for more) everyone joined in the Heads and Tails game which was keenly disputed by four finalists; eventually the bottle of Vintage Port went to Mrs Lynch.
The main course was despatched promptly and with compliments raining in from all sides (rather than bread rolls), the evening began to feel like a success. The miracle workers in the kitchen Irena and Sue had masterminded the cooking of two varieties of soups, 72 portions of cottage pie and lasagne and a heap of mixed veg whilst ensuring everything arrived piping hot to the table. This was helped enormously by plate warming in Les’ hostess trollies, the thermal dishes provided by John and Ruth and the speedy serving by Sandra, for which many thanks.
With the desserts, coffee and mints all included in the price, many favourable comments were received about both the value for money and the tasty food.
The raffle prize winners were spread among several tables and the auction lot bids were most generous.
The evening raised in excess of a fantastic £1,100 and an album of photos can be viewed in the gallery.
Thame Bowls Club would like to thank the following for their very generous support:
Chinnor Rugby Club; The Crown, Sydenham; The Black Horse, Thame; Pretty As A Picture, Thame; The Spread Eagle, Thame; Eclipse Salon, Thame; The Seven Stars, Dinton; The Six Bells, Thame; Hozelock Ltd, The Oxfordshire Golf Club; The Thatch, Thame.
Mike Ralls
Development Team
- Hits: 713
Silent Auction - winning bids
The Silent Auction winning bids on Saturday evening at the Pre Season Dinner now appear on the table below - a tremendous total of £635.
Thanks to everyone who bid and especially those who bid the highest!
And special thanks goes to those people and companies that donated the auction lots to us.
By all accounts the whole event was a roaring success and a report of the evening together with photos will appear on this website in the coming days.
|
Lot Number |
Gifted By |
Details |
Use By |
|
Winning Bids |
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1 |
John & Ann Ashfield |
Two tickets for a match at Chinnor Rugby Club in March/April as a guest of John and Ann, to include Lunch & a Bottle of Wine |
30/4/18 |
|
£50 |
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2 |
The Crown Sydenham |
£40 Food and Drink Voucher
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£40 |
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3 |
The Black Horse Thame |
Two Course set Lunch for Two |
Mon - Fri |
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£40 |
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4 |
Pretty as a Picture Thame |
Framing Voucher |
1 Year |
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£20 |
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5 |
The Spread Eagle Thame |
Three Course Sunday Lunch for Two |
01/09/18 |
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£55 |
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6 |
Eclipse Salon Thame |
Voucher for a Cut and Finish |
10/05/18 |
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£20 |
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7 |
Seven Stars Dinton |
£25 Food and Drink Voucher |
30/06/18 |
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£35 |
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8 |
The Six Bells Thame |
£40 Food & Drink Voucher |
14/12/18 |
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£40 |
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9 |
Hozelock Ltd |
20m Auto-reel including fittings Plus Multi Spray Gun |
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£75 |
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10 |
The Oxfordshire Hotel |
Round of Golf for four |
1 Year |
|
£200 |
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11 |
The Thatch Thame |
£50 Food & Drink Voucher |
1 Year |
|
£60 |
- Hits: 661
Green Update 23rd March
Avonmore have today Verti-cut the grass, which controls weed grasses and helps maintain more upright growth. The Green was then mown, spiked and over-seeded. We will not mow it now for a week to ten days, to allow the seed time to become established, but just brush it regularly in the morning if it is damp with dew.
Avonmore will fertilise the Green in the next two weeks, we will then start to lower the mowing cut as we approach the beginning of season on the 11th April. What we really need is some sunshine and warmth to help promote further growth as we are a few weeks behind normal progress due to the cold weather.
Chris Shannon
- Hits: 709
Paul Heafey
Paul Heafey passed away on Saturday morning 10th March after a heart attack.
Paul was a relatively new member of Thame Bowls Club but very quickly learned the rudiments of the game such that he won his first club competition, The Taylor Cup, in 2012.
That was just the beginning, winning The Michael Jones Cup in 2016 and 2017 as well as being the runner up in The Coronation Cup, basically the top Men’s competition. In 2017 he was also the winner of The President’s Trophy with Jill Brooks and John Walker, but the pinnacle of his achievements must be winning The Josey Cup - also named the married pairs - with Sharon last August.
Not only was Paul one of the best bowlers in the club but he also played with great enthusiasm and success in the County Competitions.
He was a true, loyal club member and as Competition Secretary and League Club Captain was outstanding leading Thame Bowls Club to be undefeated in Oxfordshire League 4 during the 2017 season.
He appeared very laid back but had a very astute mind and a clever managerial approach which put everyone at their ease but he was not frightened to be quite firm when the occasion arose. He was also an accomplished bar steward travelling down from Bicester to serve the thirsty bowling members on his allotted days.
To say that he will be sadly missed is an understatement and it will be a long time before we see the likes of Paul again - he was loved by everyone.
Paul's funeral will be held at Oxford Crematorium at 10.00am on Tuesday 3rd April and after the service, from 11.30 onwards, we will celebrate Paul's life at Thame Bowls Club.
Bill Giles OBE
Chairman, Thame Bowls Club
- Hits: 984
Pre-Season Forum 14th March
The Pre-Season Forum was held at the clubhouse on 14th March starting at 7pm.
Our Chairman Bill Giles opened the meeting with a one minute silence to honour Paul Heafey, our highly regarded League Captain and Competitions Secretary who passed away on Saturday morning. Paul will be greatly missed both as a friend and as a very active member of the bowls club.
The following people then spoke:
Bill Giles -Welcome and introductions
Chris Shannon - Apologies for Absence, Membership List, League Applications
David Owens - Overview of the evening and sponsorship
Mike Ralls - New member recruitment and development, Tuesday roll-ups, Newsletter
Ian Rutherford and Phil Reed - Website, Twitter, Instagram, Members Booklet, 200 Club
Graham Watson - Fixture booklet
Bill Giles - Competitions, League games
Les Canfield - Weekend games and the Green
Jill Brooks - Ladies fixtures
Bill Giles (on behalf of Gordon Taylor) - Midweek fixtures
Ron Duncan - Cheltenham Trip 11th June
John Walker - Bar and staffing
Bill Giles - Friday League starting 1st June
Graham Watson - Pre-season event
Bill Giles - Volunteering and close
The speakers were asked to limit themselves to brief 4 minute sessions to allow for socialising afterwards, with any questions to be covered in conversation later in the evening.
- Hits: 702
Avonmore work on the green in March
Our turf contractors Avonmore visited us on the 7thMarch to carry out their regular maintenance of the green.
The green was cut and then spiked, followed by the application of lawn sand for the moss and agents to encourage growth and kill the weeds.
They inform us that the green is looking good, but as with all other greens, it has been held back by the weather conditions we have experienced to date this year - please see photos in the gallery.
We are now cutting weekly to a length of 6.5mm reducing to 6mm in a few weeks, but with the season fast approaching it will be imperative for us the recruit more assistance to maintain the green, if we are to enjoy the usual standard of play we all enjoy.
Would any volunteers please contact either Chris Shannon or Les Canfield - all guidance and training will of course be given.
- Hits: 755
SODC Press Release
Great news for us all is that South Oxfordshire District Council have now formally announced their offer of a £250,000 grant to the Thame Sports Club in a press release.
Their public support will surely help us in our quest for further funding towards the rebuild.
You can see the full article on the SODC website here.
http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/news/2018/2018-03/quarter-million-pounds-awarded-sports-club-thame
And also copied here:
A quarter of a million pounds awarded to sports club in Thame
A new sports clubhouse in Thame is a step closer after South Oxfordshire District Council awarded a grant of £250,000 to Thame Sports Club, which will help to provide a new building for the whole community to use.
Thame Sports Club is home to the town’s tennis and bowls club, but the clubhouse doubles up as a community building where many other groups meet to take part in a variety of activities including whist, art, wine appreciation and toddler groups.
The South Oxfordshire District Council Capital grant will make up over 45 per cent of the estimated total project cost of £554,000. The sports club has now raised around 70 per cent of the total cost and the sizeable funding from the council will make it much easier for the club to attract the final 30 per cent.
The grant was agreed by the capital grants panel and has now been given the final stamp of approval by South Oxfordshire District Council cabinet member for community services, Cllr Lynn Lloyd.
Cllr Lloyd said: “I am absolutely delighted that we were able to make such a substantial contribution towards the rebuilding of the clubhouse, which has been a part of Thame for almost a century.
“However, all those years of use have taken their toll and a full rebuild will make it a wonderful community hub for generations to come.
“I hope that our contribution will encourage other funding organisations and local residents to support them. I also hope the new building means that people in Thame will continue to have great place to meet for decades."
The original part of the clubhouse was built in the 1920’s and is in poor condition, especially the roof and much of the woodwork. Also, because it has little insulation it is expensive to heat during the winter months.
The club has, in their own words, “an ambitious project to demolish it and to replace it with a modern pavilion”.
The new designs could mean that the clubhouse could accommodate indoor bowling which means the Bowls Club could join the local winter leagues, increasing participation numbers during winter months.
The rebuild committee is aiming to start building in October this year with completion by the end of March next year.
- Hits: 710
Thame Mayor Tom Wyse's Quiz Night and Golf Day
Our friend the Thame Town Mayor has asked Bill to promote his Quiz Night and Golf Day, both being run in aid of the Thame & District Day Centre and the Red Kite Family Centre. Posters for these events appear below. Bill or IanR have a booking form for the Golf Day if you wish to play.
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- Hits: 1857
Pre-Season Dinner
As mentioned by Mike Ralls in his recent article, we are going to try something a little different this year by holding a Pre-Season Dinner in the Clubhouse on 24th March at 7pm.
This will enable us all to get together, enjoy some good food and drink and look forward to the new season with our friends in the club.
The plan is to have our food provided by a company of restaurant and pub food suppliers that has been highly recommended, and it will be prepared by us in the clubhouse kitchen. Of course we hope it will be such a success that we will all want to do it again next year, if not before!
I'm sure you will want to join us and it will be helpful to let us know asap if you would like to come. Details of the menu choices and how to book and pay are on Forms in the Clubhouse. If you are unable to get into the Clubhouse then please contact Ian Rutherford on 01844 214665.
The cost is just £6 per person. Initially we suggest places only be open to Club members plus 1 and we will open it up to friends in a few weeks time depending on demand.
We are still planning on having a fun ‘secret auction’ on the night inviting closed bids for a number of lots, but more news on that later.
- Hits: 746
Recent Events and Dates for your Diary
Now that we are into a new year, the thoughts of Bowls Club members are turning to the start of the Summer season and ways of continuing to raise funds to allow the clubhouse to be refurbished.
Race and Bingo Nights
John Hurley’s Race Night in November saw some 40 members enjoy a fun social evening which raised over £250. John Timms’ Bingo Night in December saw 35 members raise over £40 and on the same night, Ron and Maire Duncan drew their Christmas Draw winners, raising over £380 for club funds. Winners names can be seen in the clubhouse. These events take a huge amount of organisation and the Club much appreciates the effort put in by these valued members.
Forum Date – Wednesday 14th March
Going forward, the Club Forum will be held on 14 March to allow Club Members to renew their membership for the new season and to enter the internal Club competitions. Any new potential members will be made very welcome.
Pre-Season Social Event – Saturday 24th March
This year we will hold a fundraising dinner in the Clubhouse on 24th March and because of health and safety reasons, numbers will be restricted. Tickets will be sold on a first come/first served basis and the cost will be £6 per person for a three course meal followed by coffee and mints. More news shortly when tickets are available, but let me know if you want to reserve your seats now.
We are considering having a ‘secret auction’ on the night inviting closed bids for a number of lots. If any bowls club members can offer prizes (such as ‘a morning’s gardening ‘) then please contact Graham Watson or any member of the Development Team.
Your Details on the Club Website
Please check your details on the Club’s website list of members and advise either Chris Shannon or Ian Rutherford of any changes that need to be made (address, telephone number or e-mail address).
Here is hoping that we all have a great new season of bowls that will one day lead on to a wonderful refurbished clubhouse.
Mike Ralls
- Hits: 706
Clubhouse Calendar
There is now a calendar on the Sports Club website that shows when the clubhouse has been booked for an activity.
A link to the Sports Club website is here
- Hits: 787
Table Tennis Table in the Clubhouse
Some of you will have already noticed we now have a table tennis table in the clubhouse.
The decision to start a table tennis club was an initiative first introduced as part of both the Bowls and Tennis Clubs’ 5 year development plans submitted to SODC in our bid for grant monies of £250,000, towards the ongoing clubhouse rebuilding project.
To qualify for this grant and any future LTA and Sports England grants, as a local Sports Club we need to show that we are trying to accommodate activities for as many diverse groups as possible, of all ages and interests.
Table Tennis is a very popular activity with most grant bodies as it has wide appeal across all ages and levels of fitness. It also dovetails very nicely with all of the other activities outside of Bowls and Tennis that use the Clubhouse during the week - from art classes, toddler groups, U3A, carpet bowls, whist and crib matches.
An added bonus was that we were also able to get separate grant monies from the Town Council to purchase the table itself and all the additional equipment. So we have expanded our spread of activities with no additional cost to the Sports Club members.
So that’s the background and it’s likely that someone will organise a regular Table Tennis Club open to all Sports Club members early in the New Year. However there is nothing to stop us using the table and equipment immediately during times when the clubhouse is available and we have earmarked Friday afternoon 15th December from 2pm to 4pm as our first invitation session. This will be open to any member who wants to come along and have a game. We will only play short games to give everybody a chance to play – and also to get their breath back in between matches!
Most of us having a go will not have picked up a bat in many a year, but I suspect there are some experts amongst us waiting to show everyone their prowess at both Ping and Pong. So if you are interested, come along this week to see – I will even open up the Bar!
Chris Shannon
Secretary
- Hits: 912
Please check out the Gallery for photos posted in the past 3 months
Remember to double click on the images (in most of the galleries) to make the photos pop up on your screen!!
There are photos of 10th December's snow, the Race Night, a Friday Night roll up and Avonmore's work on the green
- Hits: 921
2017 Season Summary
As the season draws to a close, Thame Bowls Club members can reflect on a mixed few months in 2017 with successes and disappointments in equal measure.
The men’s League team won all their weekly matches in the Oxford and District League to finish top of Division 4 and gain promotion to Division 3. The winning margin of 19 points was a record.
The ladies won 3 of their 11 games and are looking forward to improving that in the coming season.
There was a total of 17 midweek mixed friendly games against local opposition resulting in 6 wins, 9 defeats, 1 draw and 1 abandoned match in foul weather. The Saturday games provided just 2 wins with 10 defeats but many friendly meetings against some old acquaintances and some new friends.
Highlights also included 3 County matches, blind bowler events and the Thame Mayor’s friendly charity game which raised £300. There have been numerous fundraising events during the year including a horse racing evening, a bingo evening, the Friday night internal league and the annual Christmas draw.
There was also a very successful (if somewhat damp) club trip to Southbourne for a match and meal (to include a little local shopping) enjoyed by all.
The efforts to rebuild the club house are growing apace and it is still hoped that work will commence at the close of the 2018 season. A 200 club started this season to assist with funding this rebuild is proving popular and will culminate in a Christmas draw. A new 200 club will open again in May 2018.
The Forum held at the beginning of each season to assist with the annual enrolment and set out the forthcoming matches and events is scheduled for March 14th 2018 and a fortnightly news letter is planned to show results and giving brief details of events as and when they happen.
- Hits: 829
Most Improved Bowler 2017
The most improved bowler in any one season is voted for by the various Club Captains and this year John Sear is our winner. Unfortunately John is unable to make the Presentation Evening, so is seen here being presented with his trophy by Club President Les Canfield on Friday 29th September.
- Hits: 1026
2017 Finals Winners action photos
Some of the winners of Singles and Pairs competitions from the Finals Weekend of 9th and 10th September were caught in action here by Susan Dadson - see Gallery for larger images.
- Hits: 1065
2017 Finals Weekend
The weekend of 9th & 10th September saw the culmination of our various club competitions with 12 finals played. There were some cracking games and several were decided by just a single shot providing great entertainment for the several people that came to watch. The weather for the most part stayed dry with a couple of brief flurries of rain on both days but not enough to disturb our intrepid bowlers. So congratulations to all our winners, especially to our Men's Coronation Cup Championship winner Les Canfield who lifts this trophy for the first time after his many years of membership, and also to Caroline Walker our Ladies Pomeroy Cup Championship winner. Commiseration also goes to the losing finalists. Below is the full list of finals weekend results:
|
Competition |
Winner(s) |
Runner(s) Up |
|
Coronation Cup |
Les Canfield |
Robin Jenner (receives Bill Dodds Cup) |
|
Jubilee Handicap |
Robin Jenner |
Jonathan Dadson |
|
Walker Cup |
Bill Giles |
Paul Heafey |
|
Taylor Cup |
Ian Rutherford |
John Walker |
|
Michael Jones Cup |
Paul Heafey |
Ray Plested |
|
Victory Cup (Men's pairs) |
Mike Ralls & Chris Shannon |
Matthew Canfield & Leonard Grimshaw |
|
Pomeroy Cup |
Caroline Walker |
Shirley Foster (receives Pomeroy r/up trophy) |
|
2 Wood Cup |
Maxine Plested |
Shirley Foster |
|
Honour Cup |
Marion Keal |
Frances Goodyear |
|
Ford Cup (Ladies pairs) |
Marion Keal & Caroline Walker |
Frances Goodyear & Maureen Giles |
|
Josey Cup (Married pairs) |
Sharon & Paul Heafey |
Christine & Brad Liddle |
|
Warwick Cup (Mixed pairs) |
Maureen Giles & Ray Plested |
Jill Brooks & Bill Gile |
All trophies will be awarded on Presentation Night on Saturday 30th September 2017. This will be a great night with fish & chip supper AND entertainment so please try to get there.
- Hits: 1176
Blind Bowling Success At Thame BC Stir Others Into Action
Thame Bowls Club has started a remarkable process that may grow into a notable feature in the world of flat green bowling.
On the 4th September 2016, Thame Bowls Club hosted the first ever Oxfordshire Blind Bowling Competition event. The organisers were the Thame Lions Club assited by Bill Giles OBE and the Committee of Thame Bowls Club.
The success of this event has now aroused attention on Bowls International level and Foxhill Indoor Bowls Club in Aylesbury have requested a friendly match against our visually impaired bowling friends.
Bill Giles extended his sincere thanks to all the Thame Bowls Club members that helped to make this historic day such a great success; in Bill's own words in an email to club members:
"As you can see from the e-mails below it was so successful Bowls International are interested and Foxhill want to play them this winter. Look what you’ve started!!"
Read a full report of the Thame Bowls Blind Bowling Competition in the "In The Spotlight" section of the website (this link will direct you to the article). Images of the event can be viewed in the Gallery.
- Hits: 1518
Thame Bowls Club Finals Weekend – 10th,11th & 12th September 2016
The 2016 finals weekend saw some excellent bowling and some very close games as well as extremes of weather.
The Saturday kicked off with the Ladies 2-Wood competition and saw Carol Boyland winning comfortably against Maire Duncan and also the Men’s Walker Cup with Robin Jenner beating John Coward. Both of these games were played in the rain which was heavy at times and these were followed by the Ladies Ford Cup pairs competition. This was played during the worst of the day’s weather and produced some very spirited bowling from the ladies involved and a match finally decided by just a single shot. Maureen Giles and Shirley Foster came out the winners against Jenny Lowe and Carol Boyland.
With the wet conditions starting to dry up, the afternoon saw the Men’s and Lady’s Championship singles competitions. For the ladies, Doreen Penn overcame Maxine Plested by 7 shots in the Pomeroy Cup and Graham Penn joined his wife as club champion beating Paul Heafey after 24 competitive ends in the Coronation Cup.
Sunday was a complete contrast in the weather with warm, sunny conditions and the programme started with Maureen Giles gaining her second trophy of the weekend, beating Jenny Lowe in the Honour Cup. At the same time Paul Heafey played Ian Rutherford in the 3 set Michael Jones competition. Paul comfortably won the first set but Ian came back well to take the second. The final set went to 7 ends with Paul Heafey finally coming out on top. The men’s Victory handicap pairs final was next and this saw Gerry Barry and John Coward overcome their 2 shot handicap deficit to win against Mike Ralls and John Timms. Next was the Jubilee Handicap men’s singles final between Jonathan Dadson and Ken Calcutt – approximately 6 decades age difference between them! The match was close with barely a shot between the players until the 18th end when Ken began to pull away and held on to achieve victory. This was Jonathan’s first competition final for the club and we’re sure there will be many more to come! The Josey Cup Married Pairs competition was next between the Giles’s and the Heafeys and was another very close affair, decided by just a single shot with the trophy going to Bill and Maureen – Maureen’s third success of the weekend. The last Sunday final was the Taylor Cup final between Steve Silver and Brad Liddle. This was another close affair with Steve taking the win by 3 shots.
The last final was one of the most exciting and played on Monday – the Mixed Pairs competition with Jill Brooks and Bill Giles taking on Caroline Walker and Graham Penn. Jill and Bill stormed ahead and led by 16-4 after 12 ends but Caroline & Graham then found their form to take the next 7 ends and go 1 shot ahead with the final end to play. Jill and Bill held 3 shots and looked certain to take the match until Graham’s final wood of the day which deflected off a front wood to roll in for shot and win the cup for him and Caroline.
Congratulations to all of our trophy winners, commiserations and a big well done to all runners up and thank you to all who came to watch and help with marking etc.
Sunday was a complete contrast in the weather with warm, sunny conditions and the programme started with Maureen Giles gaining her second trophy of the weekend, beating Jenny Lowe in the Honour Cup. At the same time Paul Heafey played Ian Rutherford in the 3 set Michael Jones competition. Paul comfortably won the first set but Ian came back well to take the second. The final set went to 7 ends with Paul Heafey finally coming out on top. The men’s Victory handicap pairs final was next and this saw Gerry Barry and John Coward overcome their 2 shot handicap deficit to win against Mike Ralls and John Timms. Next was the Jubilee Handicap men’s singles final between Jonathan Dadson and Ken Calcutt – approximately 6 decades age difference between them! The match was close with barely a shot between the players until the 18th end when Ken began to pull away and held on to achieve victory. This was Jonathan’s first competition final for the club and we’re sure there will be many more to come! The Josey Cup Married Pairs competition was next between the Giles’s and the Heafeys and was another very close affair, decided by just a single shot with the trophy going to Bill and Maureen – Maureen’s third success of the weekend. The last Sunday final was the Taylor Cup final between Steve Silver and Brad Liddle. This was another close affair with Steve taking the win by 3 shots.
The last final was one of the most exciting and played on Monday – the Mixed Pairs competition with Jill Brooks and Bill Giles taking on Caroline Walker and Graham Penn. Jill and Bill stormed ahead and led by 16-4 after 12 ends but Caroline & Graham then found their form to take the next 7 ends and go 1 shot ahead with the final end to play. Jill and Bill held 3 shots and looked certain to take the match until Graham’s final wood of the day which deflected off a front wood to roll in for shot and win the cup for him and Caroline.
Congratulations to all of our trophy winners, commiserations and a big well done to all runners up and thank you to all who came to watch and help with marking etc.
- Hits: 1591
Thame Bowls Club Represented at Under 25s Fun Day
A number of Thame players took part in the annual Watlington U25 funday on 28th August 2016, including Victoria Nemar for the first time. Eight teams were drawn and played each other in a round robin format competition. Thomas Tisbury, Matt Canfield, Victoria Nemar and Jonathan Dadson (all from Thame BC) were drawn on different teams. The competition, decided on shot difference, was won by one of the two Triples teams including Matt Canfield from Thame, with Jonathan Dadson in the runners up team.
The top three placed teams were as follows:
Winners: David Leighfield, Matt Canfield and Katie Bland
Runners Up: Jazz Alder, Bradley Squires, Lucas King, Jonathan Dadson
Third: Chris Gilkes, Dan Swanson, Jody Buckett, Luke Gilbert
The winners received their medals from Watlington's President Henry Franklin.
Matt (on the right) displaying his winner's medal
Jonathan (second left) displaying his runner's up medal
- Hits: 1676
Blinding Success at Thame Bowls Club
It was a wonderful day last Sunday (4 September 2016) when 22 blind bowlers used our green and played a competition over 5 games.
Keith Wright organised all the helpers and markers from our club as well as supplying all the medals for those who played. He has asked me to thank, most sincerely, all those who gave up their time to mark and help all the bowlers last Sunday. He says, and I completely agree with him, that you all did a wonderful job and that you can all be very proud of yourselves.
I would also add my thanks to all of our members and friends who helped out in the kitchen and behind the bar and together with the markers and helpers made it such a successful and memorable day. I felt very proud to be a member of Thame Bowls Club.
Bill Giles OBE
- Hits: 1190
President's Day 2016
Last weekend Thame Bowls Club members celebrated their annual Presidents Day Triples Competition In honour of President Doreen Penn.
The day was a great success with some excellent bowling between the teams.
The eventual winners were John Walker, Maire Duncan and Skip Ron Duncan who won their rink by 29 shots to 5 shots. Many of the ends were won on the last wood bowled.
The Runners-Up were Christine Liddle, Terry Emberson and Skip Ray Plested who took the lead on the 14th end forging ahead to win by 7 shots.
As usual a very tasty meal was prepared by the ladies which was enjoyed by all, followed by the presentation of the trophies.
- Hits: 1173
Vic Brooks
Vic Brooks passed away at 2.30 pm on Sunday 10 July.
He was inspirational to the Bowls Club and was instrumental in recruiting 31 members some 4 years ago and continued to work in recruitment ever since enabling Thame Bowls Club to have over 120 members.
He was a great leader and motivator which he put to great effect as Club Captain for three years. Not only that but he was an exceptional bowler having won the Coronation Cup (the premium singles competition for men at Thame) in only his second year and continued to win many club competitions to such an extent that Finals Day had to be changed to Finals Weekend so as to accommodate all the finals he was in.
He was a very loyal friend who helped me tremendously in developing the very successful Friday League in which 74 people now take part.
He was a great and witty orator and his total dedication to Thame Bowls Club will be sorely missed.
Bill Giles
Friend and Chairman Thame Bowls Club.
- Hits: 1170
Thame Ladies show 'Top Club' class
The Ladies of Thame Bowls Club have reached the final of the Oxfordshire Ladies Top Club competition by beating a very strong Oxford City & County side last weekend. Having already beaten Banbury Boro in the quarters, Thame showed their class at Oxford.
Captain Caroline Walker got them off to a great start by winning her Singles match 21 shots to 16. In the fours, namely Sharon Heafey, Marion Keal, Maureen Giles and skip Maxine Plested had the best start possible by winning with all eight woods on the very first end (known as a "hotshot" ) in their match. They ran out winners by 26 to 16.
Meanwhile the Triples of Jill Brooks, Christine Liddle and Barbara Waters were battling their way to a 20 shots to 15 victory over their opponents. 
Only the Thame pair of Maire Duncan and Shirley Foster lost, by just 3 shots, in this very competitive tournament.
The final, in August, will be played at Banbury Chestnuts Bowls Club.
- Hits: 1312
Finals Weekend - 2015
The 2015 finals of the Men's, Ladies and Mixed competitions were held over the weekend of 29th and 30th August - the first time that the finals had been held over 2 days rather than one.
This made it a less crowded programme and certainly helped those bowlers who had managed to reach multiple finals. Six finals were played on Saturday 29th and six more on Sunday 30th. Unfortunately rain intervened on the Sunday afternoon but this did not deter the bowlers, and the spectators that attended were able to watch some entertaining and competitive games.
Saturday's programme kicked off with the final of the Men's Taylor Cup - a competition for men who have never previously won a club singles competition. This was won by Matthew Canfield who had a convincing win over Trevor Copley. This was followed by The Ladies Ford Cup final, a drawn pairs competition, and Ann Ashfield and Maire Duncan beat Marion Keal and Marthie du Preez. The Men's drawn pairs competition, the Victory Pairs final was played next and John Ashfield and Les Canfield were victorious against Mike Ralls and John Coward. (It's been pointed out that by coincidence the winners are both Presidents ! - Les of course is our own President and John Ashfield is President of Chinnor Rugby Club). Next was the final of the Michael Jones competition which is the only singles event in the club open to both Men and Ladies. Casper du Preez and Caroline Walker played out a very closely fought game with Casper just coming out on top. Next up was the Men's Jubilee Handicap singles competition which was won by Vic Brooks against John Coward playing in his second final of the day and the last final on Saturday was the Ladies 2 Wood singles which was won by Maxine Plested who beat Marthie du Preez, also playing in her second final of the day.
Sunday's finals started with the Married Pairs Final for the Josey Cup and this was a very close game which could have gone either way but was narrowly won by Marthie and Casper du Preez beating Sharon and Paul Heafey. The Mixed Pairs final was next and this produced another thrilling game that was eventually won by a single shot with John Ashfield and Shirley Foster beating Doreen Penn and her grandson Thomas Tisbury. This was very hard luck for Doreen and Thomas as it was the second successive year that they had reached this final and both times they lost by just a single shot! The Ladies Honour Cup was next and this was another very tight game played between Ann Ashfield and Marion Keal. This competition is played over 15 ends but the scores were tied at that point with Ann just managing to draw level. So the game went to an extra end and Ann was just able to secure the win following a measure. The men's Walker Cup was next, a 3 wood competition, and this saw John Coward playing in his third final of the weekend and he was finally able to mark up a victory with a convincing win over John Timms. This just left the two club championship singles finals to be played - the Pomeroy Cup for the Ladies and the Coronation Cup for the Men. The Ladies final saw Jill Brooks take an early lead but Marthie du Preez, playing in her fourth final of the weekend, clawed her way back into the game to lead by 14-10 after 14 ends. Jill replied decisively scoring 8 shots in the next 4 ends without reply and maintained her lead to eventually win by 21 shots to 17. The Men's final was played between Les Canfield and Vic Brooks and was unfortunately marred by an injury to Les who slipped in the wet conditions and injured his hip. Les was unable to carry on and both players agreed to resume the match at a later date when Les has recovered. The match stands with Vic leading by 6 shots to 3 and will be continued from that point.
A summary of the finals played and results follows:
Mens Taylor Cup - Matthew Canfield beat Trevor Copley 22-7
Ladies Ford Cup - Ann Ashfield & Maire Duncan beat Marion Kean & Marthie du Preez 28-18
Mens Victory Pairs - John Ashfield & Les Canfield beat Mike Ralls & John Coward 25-8
Michael Jones (Mixed) - Casper du Preez beat Caroline Walker 7-5, 5-8, 7-3
Mens Jubilee Handicap - Vic Brooks beat John Coward 27-17
Ladies 2-Wood Singles - Maxine Plested beat Marthie du Preez 15-8
Married Pairs - Marthie & Casper du Preez beat Sharon & Paul Heafey 20-16
Mixed Pairs - John Ashfield & Shirley Foster beat Thomas Tisbury & Doreen Penn 18-17
Ladies Honour Cup - Ann Ashfield beat Marion Keal 15-13
Mens Walker Cup - John Coward beat John Timms 23-10
Ladies Pomeroy Cup - Jill Brooks beat Marthie du Preez 21-17
Mens Coronation Cup - Vic Brooks leads Les Canfield 6-3 (game to be resumed to completion)
DON'T FORGET THAT PRESENTATION NIGHT IS ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th STARTING AT 7pm. THERE WILL BE A FISH/CHICKEN SUPPER, A PERFORMANCE BY LOCAL HANDBELL RINGERS, AND PRESENTATION OF ALL 2015 TROPHIES (including Winter Short-Mat).
Saturday's programme kicked off with the final of the Men's Taylor Cup - a competition for men who have never previously won a club singles competition. This was won by Matthew Canfield who had a convincing win over Trevor Copley. This was followed by The Ladies Ford Cup final, a drawn pairs competition, and Ann Ashfield and Maire Duncan beat Marion Keal and Marthie du Preez. The Men's drawn pairs competition, the Victory Pairs final was played next and John Ashfield and Les Canfield were victorious against Mike Ralls and John Coward. (It's been pointed out that by coincidence the winners are both Presidents ! - Les of course is our own President and John Ashfield is President of Chinnor Rugby Club). Next was the final of the Michael Jones competition which is the only singles event in the club open to both Men and Ladies. Casper du Preez and Caroline Walker played out a very closely fought game with Casper just coming out on top. Next up was the Men's Jubilee Handicap singles competition which was won by Vic Brooks against John Coward playing in his second final of the day and the last final on Saturday was the Ladies 2 Wood singles which was won by Maxine Plested who beat Marthie du Preez, also playing in her second final of the day.
Sunday's finals started with the Married Pairs Final for the Josey Cup and this was a very close game which could have gone either way but was narrowly won by Marthie and Casper du Preez beating Sharon and Paul Heafey. The Mixed Pairs final was next and this produced another thrilling game that was eventually won by a single shot with John Ashfield and Shirley Foster beating Doreen Penn and her grandson Thomas Tisbury. This was very hard luck for Doreen and Thomas as it was the second successive year that they had reached this final and both times they lost by just a single shot! The Ladies Honour Cup was next and this was another very tight game played between Ann Ashfield and Marion Keal. This competition is played over 15 ends but the scores were tied at that point with Ann just managing to draw level. So the game went to an extra end and Ann was just able to secure the win following a measure. The men's Walker Cup was next, a 3 wood competition, and this saw John Coward playing in his third final of the weekend and he was finally able to mark up a victory with a convincing win over John Timms. This just left the two club championship singles finals to be played - the Pomeroy Cup for the Ladies and the Coronation Cup for the Men. The Ladies final saw Jill Brooks take an early lead but Marthie du Preez, playing in her fourth final of the weekend, clawed her way back into the game to lead by 14-10 after 14 ends. Jill replied decisively scoring 8 shots in the next 4 ends without reply and maintained her lead to eventually win by 21 shots to 17. The Men's final was played between Les Canfield and Vic Brooks and was unfortunately marred by an injury to Les who slipped in the wet conditions and injured his hip. Les was unable to carry on and both players agreed to resume the match at a later date when Les has recovered. The match stands with Vic leading by 6 shots to 3 and will be continued from that point.
A summary of the finals played and results follows:
Mens Taylor Cup - Matthew Canfield beat Trevor Copley 22-7
Ladies Ford Cup - Ann Ashfield & Maire Duncan beat Marion Kean & Marthie du Preez 28-18
Mens Victory Pairs - John Ashfield & Les Canfield beat Mike Ralls & John Coward 25-8
Michael Jones (Mixed) - Casper du Preez beat Caroline Walker 7-5, 5-8, 7-3
Mens Jubilee Handicap - Vic Brooks beat John Coward 27-17
Ladies 2-Wood Singles - Maxine Plested beat Marthie du Preez 15-8
Married Pairs - Marthie & Casper du Preez beat Sharon & Paul Heafey 20-16
Mixed Pairs - John Ashfield & Shirley Foster beat Thomas Tisbury & Doreen Penn 18-17
Ladies Honour Cup - Ann Ashfield beat Marion Keal 15-13
Mens Walker Cup - John Coward beat John Timms 23-10
Ladies Pomeroy Cup - Jill Brooks beat Marthie du Preez 21-17
Mens Coronation Cup - Vic Brooks leads Les Canfield 6-3 (game to be resumed to completion)
DON'T FORGET THAT PRESENTATION NIGHT IS ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th STARTING AT 7pm. THERE WILL BE A FISH/CHICKEN SUPPER, A PERFORMANCE BY LOCAL HANDBELL RINGERS, AND PRESENTATION OF ALL 2015 TROPHIES (including Winter Short-Mat).
IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY GOT YOUR NAME ON THE LIST IN THE CLUBHOUSE PLEASE DO SO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ALL-IN COST WILL BE £6 PER PERSON.
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Kevin Dennington and Janine Rees
Kevin Dennington and Janine Rees were recently married, and pictured here are the happy couple after signing the book to prove it !
Kevin and Janine both joined Thame Bowls Club around 5 years ago after our annual Recruitment Drive and soon became good friends. It's nice to know that the Bowls Club brought them together.
They have both been extremely busy this year what with work commitments and organising their Wedding day but hope to find more time next season to be more involved again.
Congratulations to you both from all of your friends at Thame Bowls Club.
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Avonmore Impressed by our green
Avonmore complemented us on the great condition of the green when they treated it on 20 August 2015.
This is no doubt due to the hard work that Les Canfield and his merry helpers, who cuts the green on a daily basis, puts in. Well done to Les and all his helpers! Thank you for giving us a GREAT green to play on!
Here is the report we received from Avonmore.
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Potter Cup Results - 2015
A busy week for the Thame bowlers finished on Sunday with the annual Men's drawn pairs competition, the Potter Cup.
Ten pairs of bowlers competed for this trophy on a "round robin"basis, and at the end of a closely contested competition, the eventual winners were Matthew Canfield and Vic Brooks.
Mathew Canfield and Vic Brooks
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Juniors at Leamington - August 2015
Thame Bowls Club's 3 youngest bowlers represented Oxfordshire in the National Championships at Leamington on August 8th and 9th competing in the under 16's section for the Sutton Winson Trophy.
Thomas Tisbury, Jonathan Dadson and Mathew Canfield in Leamington.
Thomas Tisbury, Jonathan Dadson and Matthew Canfield all bowled well against some of the best young bowlers in the country but narrowly lost their matches. Matthew progressed to round 2 before being beaten, and Thomas reached the semi-final of the Drawn Pairs competition with a young lady from Wiltshire. Well done to all the lads - Thame Bowls Club is proud of your efforts.
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Thomas Tisbury (above) and
Jonathan Dadson (Left) in action...
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President's Day 2015
President Les Canfield hosted the annual President's Day on Saturday July 18th and was rewarded with glorious sunny weather and a turnout of 12 Triples to contest the Trophy.
Assisted by many of his family members, sons and grandchildren, Les put on a wonderfully organised event culminating in a lavish 3 course feast with free wine.
Son Russell was responsible for the playing side of things and all instructions, score-cards etc were professionally produced leading to a very smoothly-run Competition.
Starting and finishing with a "Spider", Les donated £25 to each of the two lucky winners - Derek Goodyear and Maurice Ward.
The actual President's Trophy was competed for in two leagues of 6 teams, and after the initial session of play, the finalists emerged as Doreen Penn's trio with Jenny Lowe and Richard Plested, and making it a family affair, the Triple of skip Graham Penn with Grandson Thomas and Simon Bell. In a very closely fought final over 8 ends, Doreen's team ran out winners by just a couple of shots.
They were presented with the President's Trophy by Les, and the runners-up received shiny medals.
A really enjoyable and well-organised day was appreciated by everyone who took part, and thanks again to Les and all his family for doing all the work to make is so successful.
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