BOB GOODYEAR'S DISTRICT DAY

Yesterday we welcomed to the Club players from all over the District to celebrate Basingstoke and District President Bob’s year of office.

Prior to the match, our President Martin Smith welcomed to the green County Councillor Juliet Henderson and Borough Councillor Diane Taylor. He thanked them for their support in obtaining grants for the Club which had enabled it to purchase a replacement defibrillator in 2022 and this year new hand dryers, as well as three sets of smaller bowls to be used for coaching and encouraging younger players to take up the game. He then invited them to deliver the first bowls of the afternoon, before handing over the green to President Bob.

Bob has been bowling in the area for over 60 years. He first played at the Thornycroft Club and followed this with spells at Basingstoke Town and the now defunct Portals Club before first joining Oakley in 1987. For this match Bob selected 48 players for their services to the Association and to local Clubs, including in his own rink three players who, along with him, have played bowls for an amazing 230 years.

The three course after match meal provided by Graham from Party Line was voted a great success and following it Bob announced that the afternoon had raised around £300 for his chosen charity SANDS. He also had great pleasure in presenting Coral Wearn with her BDBA Life Vice President’s badge.

It was a special day and so many people mucked in to make it so. Thanks go to everyone who helped.