SPECIAL DAY WITH FRIENDS

Monday was a special day at the Club as it hosted the Friends of English Bowling, against whom a match had been arranged, as a surprise celebration to recognise Club President Spencer's 50 years of bowling. Needless to say he had found out quite quickly about the surprise but, as he acknowledged in his after meal speech, he greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet up and play against so many friends and he stressed how grateful he was to the many members who had rallied round to make the day a success. Our visitors began arriving soon after 10.30 am, but by then the greens team had been hard at work preparing the green and other members were busy stocking the bar in preparation for an excellent buffet lunch prepared by lady members under the "guidance" of Diane Yarrall. Pre and post the lunch the visitors had, thanks to the kindness of Jamie Colman, the opportunity to wander around the beautiful gardens of Malshanger House and arriving back in the clubhouse many decided to purchase the superb Summerdown Mints, produced using old english mint grown on the Estate.

The weather was very hot throughout the day and as a result Captain Anji and the Friends Captain Kath sensibly decided the match would be played over just 18 ends with one shot on the first two ends and no threes up. Unsurprisingly, the visitors came out on top but Oakley had two winning rinks with that of Diane Yarrall, Paul Hammond, Jim Dixon and Sean Lassman receiving the President's gift for highest winning rink. For Paul and for Hugh Aherne it was a special occasion as they only became members following the Bowls Big Weekend and this was their first game for the Club.

After the match we all adjourned to the Malshanger Clubhouse where another team of members were waiting ready to serve us an excellent two course meal. Thanks go to all involved but particularly to Sandra Lee, who came out of retirement to organise this meal. The day concluded with speeches from the President and from Kath Lloyd, the Friends Captain of the Day and after the raffle and shortly before 7pm our visitors were on their way home. We hope they all enjoyed their day and are delighted to hear today that David Northrup, who went to hospital following a fall is now safely back in Cambridgeshire.