Bowling for Kids special edition, plus match report, 23rd July
- Kim Wright
- 14 minutes ago
- 6 min read
At Banwell Bowling Club, we welcome people of all ages to come and try the game of bowling. Some of our members have brought along the grandchildren to play. Our youngest member, Benedict, is playing in our league and friendly matches. He is an integral part of the team, and is often mentioned by our opponents as a credit to us (and to Paul, his grandad).
Read on to find out from Wendy and Kim how we have involved children in club activities this season.
You're never too young (or old) for bowls!
There have been some great activities this season to hopefully show younger people that bowls is a brilliant sport for all ages. Even if they are totally focussed on football and more energetic pastimes at present, then maybe in later life they'll remember that it was really good fun and come and give it another try.
School Fete
On 19 June, we took our very short mat along to Windwhistle School Fete at the invitation of Gerry Bean's granddaughter. All the kids were looking forward to meeting Grandad Gerry, who, with Mac and Wendy (both of whom were quickly incorporated into the family), supervised and encouraged everyone to have a go.
The children loved it... and were amazingly good! Even a few grown ups gave it a try although I think they were a bit intimidated by the skills of the children!
Hosting teenagers' groups
Our next adventure was an evening visit from Worle Youth Group on 3rd July, arranged by Chris Wilson. This group of 11-16 year olds meet weekly during term time and the leaders arrange all sorts of activities for them... but it was a first for bowls.
After some brief tuition and a couple of practice ends, they played a game of bowls bash, which was very hotly contested and loudly celebrated by the winners. After some drinks and snacks, lots of well dones and thank you's, they seemed a very happy bunch when they left us.
Members and families
Last Friday evening, Dave Allen reserved some rinks and brought his family along to play.
There were 3 generations of 2 families - grandad, mums, dad and teenage grandchildren. The grandmas sat in the evening shade and watched an entertaining session.
Although Dave is having a great season, I think he might well have some competition! The teenagers played well, and Grace's Mum and Dad enjoyed both the bowls and the informal social atmosphere.
School time hosting
Finally, on Monday afternoon this week we had a visit from year 6 at Banwell School. This is the second year that we have hosted the school, accompanied by their teacher, Mr Farmer, who is a keen bowls player - for Clevedon!
The children came in 2 groups and each split into a triples and 2 pairs and again dived into a game of bowls bash after some tuition and practice. It's a great format for kids to play as there are lots of points to be scored.
Once again it was a very successful and enjoyable afternoon, finishing off with ice lollies, drinks and crisps. Hopefully we'll see them again next year.
Future activities
And for our next one... who knows, but I have invited Locking Guides. If you know of any other groups that would like to come along then let me know, including grown-ups!
Many thank to those people who came along and helped at all of the above and Allan Shattock for his coaching skills. We couldn't do it without your support!
Wendy Coleman, club secretary
Kim Wright
Calling all women - Join us tomorrow afternoon
This event is tomorrow, Friday 24th July at 2pm, followed by £3.50 for a delicious cream tea (with prosecco for an extra £1.50).
It is open to all - members, feel free to bring friends and neighbours for a fun and interesting afternoon.
Click here to find out more.
This week's match report
Over 55s at home to Winscombe Pioneers, 15/07/2026
We bounced back from our shock defeat at the hands of Victoria Vikings, with a 32-shot win over Winscombe Pioneers.
We have several team members who deserve a mention in my report. Jim Purvis was the oldest player on the green, and endeavoured to play bowls throughout a very hot afternoon.
I was told that Dave Allen played so well, he saved his side from a humiliating defeat, so well-done Dave. Mark Wilkinson played his first over 55's game and played very well. Thanks to Stuart Kedward for stepping in at the last minute - as a club, we need members with that commitment.
The scores make good reading for us: Banwell 117 shots, Winscombe Pioneers 85 shots, Points are Banwell 16, Pioneers 4.
Let's hope for a positive result in the Parrot Shield. Well done to everyone who played, especially Malcom's rink for being the highest scoring rink, winning by a clear 34 shots.
Thanks to the ladies for suppling the ice lollies.
Allan Shattock
Over 55s captain
Mixed friendly away at Yatton, 18/07/26
After a slight mix-up over the start time, the match got going in the usual bright and hot sunshine that has characterised this summer so far. Kerry and Alex were playing in their first mixed friendly and contributed to the jolly atmosphere throughout the match.
On rink 2, Kim led the charge, with Wayne, Shawn and Paul clocking up an early 8 point lead. However, the Yatton team, aided by lead Pat and her expert use of a bowling arm extender, caught up as the match proceeded. The eventual result was a 13-13 draw.
It was nip and tuck on rink 4, with skip Wendy and teammates Will, Alex and Martina eventually taking the lead on end 9. They were in front all the way to the penultimate end, when the Yatton team took the lead with a 3. Gaining 1 point on the last end, team Wendy ensured another draw - 13-13!
Finally, over on rink 6, Trevor G's team of Benedict, Kerry and Dave A played a similar close match. After end 17, the score was 13-12 in Banwell's favour. Here comes another 13-13 draw, we thought.... However, some crack shots by the Banwell team led to a 3, and a win 12-15.
As evidenced by the consistent laughter and applause across the green during the afternoon, a good time was had by all. Thanks to Yatton Captain Terry for his compliments for our newest players - Benedict, Kerry and Alex - who had a great game.
A win - but only just!
Kim Wright
Captain of the day
Umbrella, 20/07/2026
It was a another good turnout at the club for the umbrella this week. We had 2 rinks of triples and a rink of 3 vs 4. Once our Jim-Jane mix up was sorted (blame the organisers for that one!) the match got under way.
All 3 matches were fairly close this week. For those of you that read this report every week, you will know I usually do a brief summary of each match. However, because the matches were very similar, I thought we'd have some pictures instead.
I don't know whether you noticed all the different pics of umbrellas appearing over the last few weeks? Well, I'm fed up with that, so here's Debbie, winning the competition for Hat of the Week!
There were lots of people in and around the clubhouse this week. As well as the selection committee and Bob at the bar, others sat outside to watch the match.
Mal and Harry, all smiles?.... and John listening to Trevor's tale of why he started the new fashion of wearing a blue plaster on his face.
As goes the scores, Dave W has been at the top of the leader board for a few weeks. Last week, Jenny was 2nd and Martin 3rd . However, people are catching up. Jan D is now in 2nd place, followed by Doreen in 3rd. The top 3 have over 80 points, but there are plenty of players with over 70 points, with the possibility of catching the current leaders.
Click here to see the latest results on the website, or scroll along to the Umbrella tab on the Spaces app.
Kim Wright
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