Founded 1913
Sproughton Bowls Club
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Latest Club News........
22 September
End of Season notices:
Please join us for an afternoon drive to close the green at the end of a very enjoyable season on Sunday 25 September 13:00 for a 13:30 start.
Don't forget the AGM on 25 October. Please come along and support your Committee who have worked tirelessly all year for YOU and YOUR CLUB.
There will be an indoor friendly against Ipswich and District on 12 November, Start time to follow. There is a sheet up at the club for anyone to add their name.
Please don't forget to return you questionnaire to Richard as soon as possible please. We need to have an idea of everones intentions before the AGM.
Finally don't forget the Dinner and Dance on 19 November at Bramford Golf Center. Cost is £30 and includes dancing to live music from JimBob. Please let Jean have your menu choices as soon as possible.
5 August
Congratulations to John Tyler and Paul Taylor who won the Presidents Cup last weekend. Runners up were Jean Hayden and Roy Collett.
Commiserations to the Mixed Federation team who, despite winning 3 out of the 4 rinks, lost by 4 shots to Bramford in the semi final of the Stan Wright Cup
There is a sheet on the notice board at the Club for names to play in the Finals Day Drawn Pairs on 18 September. Alternatively please let Anne Jones know if you can't get to the club.
29 July
Don't forget - 31 July is Presidents Day, even if you're not playing please come along for an afternoon of bowls.
Sproughton have also reached the semi-finals of the Stan Wright Cup v Bramford. Two rinks will be played at home and two away on Thursday August 4. All support would be appreciated.
Finally, the trip to Cromer will be leaving Sproughton Church at 09:00. There are still places available - contact Joy Mackie if you would like to play or just come along for the ride.
14 July
It is with deep sadness that we must announce the recent passing of Geoff Pratt and Brian Holmwood. Both were popular and valued members of our Club and will be greatly missed.
We extend our sincere condolences to both sets of family and friends.
18 June
The season is now well under way and results are flooding in. See the Fixtures & results tab for full details.
Congratulations to Roy Collett and Brian Hunt who won the Club Drawn Pairs competition with runners up Kate Sarginson and Paul Taylor.
Congratulations also go to the Junior Cup team who have reached the Area Final after a comprehensive 25 shot win over Westerfiled in the Semi Final played on a lightning fast green at Sproughton.
Please note that the Club Competition Draws are now on the board in the Clubhouse and can also be found on the Competitons tab on this site.
16 May 2022
Congratulations to Ed Palmer, Shirley Pert and Roy Collett who lifted the Club Blocks Trophy after beating Geoff Spice, Denyse Palmer and Alfie Orvis in the final on Sunday 8 May. 8 sets took part on a beautiful day with clear blue skies and lots of sun, the sort of day bowls was made for.
27 April 2022
Thank you too all who attended the Quiz Night on 8 April, we hope you all enjoyed the evening.
The Green opening was a very enjoyable afternoon with blue skies and sunshine greeting all 34 competitors who fought for the Sheila Herring Cup. John Mott ran out winner after 3 x 8 end games. The Greeen bowled superbly thanks to Ray and the Team's hard work throughout the off season.
We have also played 2 friendly matches against Copdock and East Bergholt. Both of which were won by Sproughton.
League matches began last night for the Federation 2 wood triples teams, results can be found on the Fixtures & Results tab.Just a reminder for all Captains to let Geoff have results to be included on this website.
26 March 2022
Our Pre-Season Social on 8 April will be in the form of a Quiz. Please come along and enjoy a lighthearted evening of Quizzing from 19:00hrs. The Bar will be open and please feel free to bring some nibbles.
Please could all trophy winners return them to Anne Jones.
It is with regret that, due to the lack of numbers, we have had to take the decision to Cancel the planned end of season Tour. We will aim to organise another Tour for the end of Season 2023.
9 March 2022
Final set of fixtures for the EBF 3 wood (Wednesdays) added.
Don't forget our preseason social on 8 April - more details to follow shortly.
5 February 2022
Fixtures for Samford Leagues added.
Don't forget - Subs Night is Friday 11 February. In order to assist Jean if it is at all possible please pay your subs by Bank Transfer (details per Richard's email 3 February). Either way, please come along on the 11th we look forward to seeing you.
Please note that Ray Ruffles has stood down as the Club's representative on the playing Fields Committee after many years of sterling service. Paul Sheffield will be taking Ray's place.
Please review the Diary Dates as some have been amended.
19 January 2022
Fixtures for BE Mens Triples added.
Please also note that the BE Mixed 4's fixture away at Roundwood has been moved to September 2
15 January 2022
Fixtures for Federation 2 Wood Leagues now added.
3 January 2022
Wishing Members and Friends of Sproughton Bowls Club and bowlers everywhere a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year.
We have started receiving Fixtures for the 2022 League Season. These will be added as they are received starting with the Bowls England Mixed Triples and Mixed Fours.
5 December
It is with regret that, in view of the ongoing uncertainty around Covid infection rates, the Committee have taken the difficult decision to cancel the Social Evening planned for 17 December. It is felt that it would not be sensible to encourage a large gathering and potentially compromise Family Christmas Celebrations.
Watch this space for news of events planned for after the Christmas period.
21 November
Great time last night at Bramford Golf Club for our Dinner & Dance. Excellent Food and Music from JimBob. Thanks to Jean Hayden for organisatiing the evening.
A good afternoon of Indoor Bowling was had at Ipswich Indoor BC on 13 November. Although we were comfortably beaten everyone enjoyed the afternoon. Our next indoor match will be at Colchester on 12 December.
*** We will be holding a Christmas Social Evening and Quiz on Friday 17 December. (Please bring a plate of food) ****
The Diary has been updated with dates for 2022.
25 September
Congratulations to the following Club Competition Winners:
4 Wood Handicap - Reg Smith
Ladies Bowls England - Joy Mackie
Mens EBF 4 Wood - Roy Collett
Mens EBF 2 Wood - Albert Southgate
Ladies EBF 2 Wood - Joy Mackie
Mens Bowls England - Alan Simmons
Senior Citizens - Colin Potter
Club Pairs - Steve Bush & David Moore
Finals Day Pairs - Alan Simmons & David Taylor
Photo's in the Gallery.
Many Thanks to everyone involved in organising and running such a successful day.
16 September
Finals Day is around the corner ! Approximate Times for 19 September, below:
Drawn Pairs Rd 1 - 10:00
4 Wood Handicap Reg Smith v Alan Simmons } 10:45
Ladies 2 Wood Joy Mackie v Anne Jones }
Drawn Pairs Rd 2
Mixed 4 Wood Roy Collett v Reg Smith } 12:45
Drawn Pairs Rd 3
Mens 2 Wood Neil Ames v Albert Southgate }
Ladies 4 Wood Kate Sarginson v Joy Mackie } 14:45
Mens 4 Wood Alan Simmons v Reg Smith }
Drawn Pairs Final
Please note that in view of the fact that the Tour to the Isle of Wight is later in the year this year, there will be no Closing Drive this year.
This will allow Ray and the Greens Team to start work preparing the green for next season as early as possible.
6 September
Congratulations to former club member Julie Spice who, in partnership with Moira Self won the Bowls England National Senior Pairs title at Leamington Spa this weekend.
Congratulations also to Steve Bush and David Moore who won the Club Drawn Pairs on Saturday. (Photo's added)
On Sunday 29 August Sproughton B.C descended on Bramford to contest the annual Peter Taylor Cup. After a hard fought, but friendly , match played in front of a large group of spectators on a lightning fast green, Bramford ran out winners to claim the Cup for the first time in 3 years. Many thanks to Bramford for hosting the match, we look forward to seeing you at Sproughton next year. (Photo's added)
There are still a large number of Questionnaire forms outstanding. These are vital to your Committee who are starting to plan for the next season as we need to gauge what numbers we have for entering teams into leagues. If you have not already done so, please return your forms or email Richard Gee with your intentions, especially with regards to League Bowls, as soon as possible.
A reminder that Finals Day is on September 19 starting 09:30, Anne Jones is still looking for a few more entries to the Finals Day pairs competition to be run in between Finals Matches. If you would like to enter please let Anne know as soon as possible but at the latest by 13 September. Spectators are welcome on the day and BBQ food will be available.
Advance Notice - Next Year's Cromer Trip has already been provisionally booked for 6 August, and Next Year's Tour has also been provisionally booked for Eastbourne departing 4 September. More details to follow@
Finally - Please note that numbers are still required for the Annual Dinner and Dance to be held at Bramford Golf Club on 20 November. There is a list up in the clubhouse, please add your names there or contact Jean Hayden as oon as possible.
10 August
Club Competitions continue, please check the board to confirm the next rouind play by dates.
The Cromer Trip was enjoyed by all who travelled with an enjoyable match against Cromer B.C and an excellent (and plentiful !) meal on the way back. Thanks to Joy Mackie for organising the day.
Some dates for your diaries:
Next Open Tournament - 15 August
Peter Taylor Cup v Bramford - 29 August
Club Drawn Pairs - 4 September
Final Open Tournament - 5 September
Finals Day - 19 September
Closing of the Green 26 September
Please also note the Annual Dinner and Dance will take place on 20 November at Bramford Golf Club - this is subject to numbers. More details to follow.
21 July
Don't forget ALL Club Competition 1st Round games MUST be played by 24 July
15 July
Club Comps, League Fixtures/Results & For Sale all updated
Please note that the Club are hosting the Suffolk County Ladies Semi Finals on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 July. Come along and see some top quality Bowls.
25 June
In recognition of the fact that many players have not only been involved in League games and County Competitions and that Leagues are finishing earlier this year the Competition Committee have decided to amend the "Play By" dates of the Club Competitions. This means that 1st Round games now must be played by 24 July. This date will NOT be extended so please ensure you have played your games by then.
Joy Mackie would still like to see a few more bookings (either bowling or non-bowling) for the Cromer Trip on 7 August. This is a great day out to Sherringham and Cromer, hopefully stopping for a meal on the way back. Please contact Joy for details.
Jean Hayden is also looking for a few more participants for the Isle of Wight Tour from 25 September to 3 October. This is guaranteed to be a fun week away. Please contact Jean ASAP if you are interested in joining (either bowling or non-bowling).
18 June
A Reminder - The Play By date for Club Competition 1st Round matches (3 July) is fast approaching. Please ensure that you have played your games by then !
25 May
Club Competition draws now on the Competition Tab. Good Luck everyone.
20 May
Happy Days - the League Season has finally got under way albeit a year late ! It was really good to get out on the green for some competitive bowls and to enjoy the company of other bowlers both from Sproughton and opposition clubs. Results are coming in and can be found elsewhere on this site.
A gentle reminder to all Captains - Please email, text or phone your results to Geoff, as well as the Leagues Results Co-ordinators, for inclusion on the website.
13 May
Competition News: The Entries for Club Competitions close on 22 May, if you aren't able to return your forms to Anne Jones, please leave them on the window sill in the Clubhouse and make payment direct to Jean Hayden.
Tour News: There are still places available on the Club Tour to the Isle of Wight from 25 September to 3 October. Please contact Jean Hayden.
Reminder: Please remember that to use the Green you MUST book a time slot in advance (even if it's just for a roll up) by contacting Jean Hayden with details of ALL those taking part. Not only is this is this a Legal Requirement, but it could help safeguard all other Club Members.
8 May
As usual - just as we are getting into the idea of bowling again the weather turns against us !
The Official Green Opening took place with a socially distanced 24 bowlers looking on as President Joy delivered the first bowl. This was followed by 6 Pairs matches played over 18 ends. It was great to actually get onto the green and try to awaken the bowling "muscle memory". The weather held out and the green played very well.
The Ladder competition is now underway with several matches being played - don't forget to book the green (for matches as well as roll-ups) by calling, messaging or emailing Jean Hayden in advance giving details off all participants. Results should be notified to Iain Selby.
Hopefully everyone will take the opportunity to get some practice in before the Leagues start on 17 May.
Please also take the time to check the notice boards at the Club and tick off your availability on the team sheets posted there.
18 April
We're nearly there !
We now have 24 bowlers confirmed for the Green Opening games on 24 April commencing at 13:00 and players have been informed. If, for any reason, you are unable to play please inform Richard as soon as possible so that a replacement can be arranged.
Please also note that from 25 April until 17 May the green will be available for roll-ups / ladder matches. However RINKS MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE. Please contact Jean Hayden who will be happy to take your bookings.
Please also note that the Fixture lists have been updated as news reaches us from the Leagues Organisers. These dates are as accurate as we can make them but note that they are subject to alteration at short notice.
11 April
The Management Committee met this morning to discuss our approach to returning to Bowling in light of further Guidance received from the Sports Governing Bodies. It has been decided that we should hold a limited Green Opening on 24 April commencing at 13:00. This will be in the form of a roll up rather than club competition and will only be available to a limited number of attendees. Members will shortly receive an email with more details around participation and booking.
Now that we have received more details from the Federation League management committee (see below) it is clear that opportunities to bowl in the Leagues will be somewhat limited this season, therefore it has been proposed that we open up a booking system for Roll-ups
to ensure that anyone who wants to play, can, within the restrictions as they stand. 2 hour slots will be available from 12:00 to 18:00 week days and from 10:00 to 20:00 at weekends and can be booked by calling Jean Hayden. It is also proposed to run a Ladder competition throughout the season on the same basis as the one that was run last summer. This will be administered by Iain Selby. More details on both of the above will be sent out by email shortly.
We intend to run Club Competitions this year and entry forms will be available soon and urge all players to enter.
We can also confirm that, Regulations allowing, the Trip to Cromer on 7 August and the Club Tour in late September will still go ahead.
As noted above, it has been advised by the EBF management committee that all league competitions this year will be for 3 rinks of triples only and will be on a "Friendly" basis. i.e No Prizes, Trophies, Promotion or Relegation. The competitions will commence the week beginning May 17 with all fixtures prior to that date being cancelled.
The Bowls England fixtures have already been adjusted to take start date into account. However, we are still waiting for advices as to any change in Match format
Finally from now, please note that dates on the Diary are to be considered advisory and may well be subject to alteration or cancellation at short notice. We will however make every effort to ensure that any changes are notified by email as well as on this website as promptly as possible.
3 April
As the Covid situation changes, the Club Committee are constantly reviewing the guidance issued by the Government and Bowls governing bodies. In this regard the Committee will be meeting on 11 April to discuss our approach to returning to Bowls. More news (especially relating to the Green Opening Weekend) will follow after that meeting.
What we can advise at the moment is that the friendly fixtures planned for April 21 and 22 have been cancelled as has the May 16 Open Tournament.
Please keep checking the website which will be updated as soon as new information is received.
1 March
Diary and Committee Dates added.
21 February
It is with extreme sadness that we have to inform you that Diane Roper has sadly passed away after a short illness.
Diane was not only an excellent bowler but she had a wonderful personality.
Diane and her late husband John joined Sproughton from John Players and soon became good committed members.
supporting all club events.
Diane will be sadly missed and our thoughts and wishes go to the family.
Sadly, we also record the passing of Steve Long and John Barnet who both joined us for the 2020 season following the closure of the Suffolk Police B.C. Regrettably neither Steve or John had the opportunity to represent their new club, however they will be missed by all who knew them.
6 February
A belated Happy New Year to all. Hopefully 2021 will be kinder to us all than 2020 was !
Now that Christmas and the New Year are out of the way, and vaccinations proceeding apace our thoughts are turning to the possibility of getting out onto the hallowed greens again. Club Secretary Richard has been hard at work in his home office getting all the registrations and entries in place and we are now in a position to publish the fixture lists for the 2021 season. Obviously things are still not settled but your Committee are doing everything they can to ensure that we are ready to open the Club and start bowling as soon as it is safe to do so. More news will follow in due course, but for now all league fixtures (apart from the BE Mens Triples) can be found on the relevant tabs above.
We hope to see you all again soon ............................
21 December
First of all I hope everyone is keeping safe and well in these difficult times.
I'd also like to apologise for the lack of updates on this website, but the change to working from home has not been an easy one.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to guess that the summer was, to all intents, a write off as far as competitive bowls was concerned. However, thanks to Iain Selby and Jean Hayden Sproughton Bowlers were able to compete in a ladder competition. come 21 singles and 11 pairs competed (gently in most cases!) across the few weeks that we were able to bowl. The Play-offs were held on the weekend of 19/20 September with Alan Simmons, in the singles, and Peter Emsden/Alfie Orvis, in the pairs, taking the spoils. Grateful thanks to Iain and Jean for organising and the Greens Team for providing a great surface for all.
There has been a lot of work going on in the background to keep the Club running and no doubt most have seen the regular emails circulated by Richard Gee. Many thanks to Richard for keeping us all informed. More news will follow regarding plans for the coming 2021 season, lets hope we are all able to get back onto the green in the Spring.
Finally, from the Committee and everyone at the Club we wish bowlers everywhere, a Happy and Safe Christmas.
21 March
As most will no doubt be aware, both Bowls England and English Bowls Federation have decided to cancel all competitions for the whole of 2020. While Ray and the Greens team will do the minimum required to keep the green in good condition, sadly the Club will be Closed for the foreseeable future.
We will keep everyone informed of developments but in the meantime Please stay Safe.
3 February
Last few fixtures added - all now complete.
2 February
Indoor News - After an Epic battle Joy Mackie's intrepid indoor team have won ! Despite their best efforts Sproughton's team of outdoor bowlers discovered their touch and subjected Mid-Suffolk to an 84 shots to 81 defeat. Next up is Sole Bay IBC on 22 February at 14:30.
We've now got the majority of Fixtures in and these have been updated. Just Friday's mixed 4's to come.
9 January
Welcome to 2020 !
Our next indoor friendly is at Sudbury on 11 January following which is the game at Mid-Suffolk on 1 February at 14:00.
Please note that the Diary has now been updated with a few changes.
After a quiet couple of months the outdoor game is back into focus and fixture lists are starting to be put together starting with the Mens BE Triples which can be found on the Wednesday Tab. More to follow in due course.
29 December
We hope everyone enjoyed the Dinner and Dance - Thanks to Bramford Golf Center, JimBob and especially Jean Hayden for making it such a successful evening.
Our next indoor friendly is at Sudbury on 11 January and will be followed by a meal at the Polstead Brewers Arms.
Finally President Joy Mackie, Chairman David Taylor and the Committee wish all members and friends of Sproughton Bolws Club a very Happy, Healthy and Safe 2020 and may all of your woods finish close to the Jack !
10 November
Don't forget our first Indoor friendly is at Ipswich & District, Rushmere Road on Saturday 16 November at 14:00
Also coming up................... THE Dinner & Dance at Bramford Golf Center on Saturday November 23
Notes from the AGM:
Both John Thompson and David Biggs have retired from the Committee - Many thanks to both for their Years of Service to the Club. They are replaced by Jenni King and Paul Taylor.
No increase in Annual membership or Match Fees.
Club Finances Healthy.
New Organisers required for Sunday Tournaments.
The Club League entries will remain unchaqnged from 2019.
Cup Competition entries will also remain unchanged apart from Samford Cup where, due to to problems cuased by playing matches on a Friday, only 1 team will be entered.
Mrs Laws was given Life Membership in recognition of her contribution to the Club and County Bowls over many Year. Congratulation June.
Due to lack of Entries it was agreed that the Tuesday Pairs Tournaments would be discontinued.
23 September
Final's Day was a great success with a great turn-out of Club Members both playing and Spectating. As a bonus the promised bad weather held off until the very end of the afternoon.
After some very close matches the Trophy Winners were as follows:
Mens 2 Wood Bill Damant
Ladies 2 Wood Jenni King
Senior Citizens John Thompson
Ladies B.E Julie Spice
Mens B.E Erik Wicko
4 Wood Handicap Erik Wicko
4 Wood EBF Julie Spice
In addition 14 sets competed for the Finals Day Drawn Pairs trophy which was won by Mick Jones and Geoff Spice who overcame Peter Emsden and Bill Damant in the Final. (see Gallery)
20 September
Don't forget Finals Day on Sunday 22 September. The Fun will all start at 10:00 with the first round of the Drawn Pairs Please make sure you are at the green at 09:30 (Club Shirts and Whites to be worn by ALL competitors).
The Finals schedule is as follows:
10:45
Mens 2 Wood Albert Southgate v Bill Damant
Ladies 2 Wood Joy Mackie v Jenni King
Senior Citizens John Thompson v Ken Laws
12:45
Ladies B.E Julie Spice v Anne Jones
Mens B.E David Taylor v Erik Wicko
14:45
4 Wood Handicap David Biggs v Erik Wicko
4 Wood EBF Julie Spice v Ken Laws
Other News:
Despite putting up a spirited fight our B.E Mixed Triples team could not overcome the might of Felixstowe and Suffolk in the play-off Final at Roundwood. Still, it has been a great season for the team.
On a brighter note Julie Spice continued a successful season by winning the Suffolk County B.E Over 55's competition earlier this month.
There are still a few tickets left for the Dinner and Dance on 23 November. If you have expressed an interest please make sure you confirm your requirements with Jean Hayden by the end of Finals Day when any remaining tickets will be released for Members Guests.
There are also still places available for next years Tour to the Isle of Wight from 4th to 12 September. Contact Jean Hayden for more details and to book your place.
This Year's closing drive will be on 29 September starting at 14:00. Please add your name to the list in the Clubhouse or contact Anne Jones if you haven't already entered.
Finally for now: Joy Mackie has booked the first 3 of our Winter Indoor Friendlies. Lists will be in the clubhouse for anyone wishing to take part. They are:
16 November at 14:00 v Ipswich and District
1 December at 14:15 v Colchester (followed by 2 course Roast Dinner)
11 January at 14:30 v Sudbury (Followed by Dinner at the Brewers Arms Polstead)
18 August
*****More Great News*****
Sproughton's BE Mixed Triples team led by Julie Spice have reached the play-off finals following a nail biting match against Hadleigh at Marlborough B.C.
After a close fought game it all came down to the last wood on the last end of the last rink to finish when Paul Taylor needed 2 shots to force an extra end shoot out, or 3 to win. The Umpire was called to a very close measure and eventually ruled in favour of a 3 for Sproughton giving us a win by 1 shot overall. Commiserations go to Hadleigh who put up a brave fight in a match that was a great advert for Bowls - competitive but friendly in equal measure.
The Final will be played at Roundwood BC on 31 August starting at 14:00. Once again - all supporters welcome.
14 August
*****Great News*****
Congratulations to Paul Taylor's Federation 2 wood Triples side who have completed a great season by winning Division B. The team won their last 4 matches to take the title by 1.5 points from Kirton.
Congratulations also go to Julie Spice's BE mixed Triples side who won their Division having lost only one match all season. They now play Hadleigh in the play-off Semi Final at Marlborough Bowls Club on Sunday 18 August at 14:00. All support would be welcome.
11 August
Well done to Joy Mackie's team who braved gale force winds to overcome Cromer in this year's summer away day. 37 players and guests travelled to Sherringham for a leisurely stroll around this quaint seaside town before moving on to Cromer for our match against 6 rinks of fours. Sproughton took some time to get to grips with the conditions being ahead on only 2 rink 'half time'. Obviously the break did us good as by the end we had turned things round and won 5 rinks to 1 and by over 30 shots. Thanks to Joy for organising and Cromer for their excellent hospitality.
36 club members took part in a drawn pairs tournament for the Presidents Cup, The weather was great and after 3 games of 10 ends, the final was held between Doreen Smith and Ray Ruffles against Kate Sarginson and Stephen Page. After a hard fought game, the eventual winners were Doreen and Ray, but thanks must also go to Kate and Stephen who put up a good fight. The Presidents Cup was presented to Doreen and Ray by Mick Jones.
During the afternoon, Mr.John Hammond, Ambassador for St Elizabeth Hospice attended and after a short speech outlining the role of the many aspects of the Hospice and Staff, and in particular how the hospice relies heavily on donations to maintain its work, because very little help comes from government.The cheque for £870 was then handed over to John from Mick this being the sum raised on Charity Day. Mick then informed the members and their families that an additional £700 of sponsorship was to be forwarded to the Hospice from Gallaghers Insurance (Kates employers) who had agreed to match upto £700 the monies raised on Charity Day. This brings the total monies for the Hospice to a magnificent £1570, which is brilliant. Thanks must go to Kate for applying for this.
Following the presentations, members and families then partook in a great buffet prepared by Ann, Jill, Tania and Teresa.Thanks must also go to June for organising the raffle.
Finally thanks to all members and families who came and made the day a success. (see Gallery)
Well done to Julie, Averill, Deidre and Joy who put up a good show before falling to Lincolnshire at Leamington Spa in the National Fours Finals. Better luck next year ! (see Gallery, with thanks to Mike Ling)
2019 Club Competition Draw updated
4 July
Sunday June 30 saw the Club Drawn Pairs played for by 16 sets. The competitors were split over 2 groups and played 3 matches of ten ends each following which the top pair from each group, Julie Spice and Denyse Palmer from Group 1 and Doreen Smith and Di Roper from Group 2, played the final. After 10 ends the Cup was won by Doreen Smith and Di Roper. The Trophy was presented by President Mick Jones (see Gallery)
Posters are now up in the Club House with details of the end of season Dinner and Dance. Menus and Booking Forms are also on the notice board. Numbers are limited so please return to Jean Hayden as soon as possible to avoid disappointed.
28 June
News from the latest Committee Meeting - Draw for the Club Competitions is now on the notice board. Would all players please ensure that games are played by the date given - Trip to Cromer is confirmed for 10 August. Details will be confirmed in due course - President Mick Jones would like to thank all Club Members for their support on Charity Day which realised around £ 850 - Posters giving details of the Annual Dinner Dance will be on the notice boards from Sunday 30 June. Numbers are limited so make sure you reserve your tickets as soon as possible - Congratulations to the Club's BE Ladies 4's squad of Julie Spice, Averill Kirkman, Deidre Ruffles, Joy Mackie and Anne Jones who have reached the County Finals and as a result will represent Suffolk at the National Finals in Leamington Spa in early August.
23 May
Well done to the Senior Cup team for their victory last weekend, the next round is against Marlborough (away) on Friday 24 May, all support would be welcome.
If you are at a loose end on Saturday 25 May, come down to Sproughton and watch some high level bowls. We are hosting the County 2 wood singles competition starting at 09:30. Teas and Coffee's will be available all day and the bar will be open from around 11:00.
There will also be Norton Cup action on Sunday 26 May against Margaret Catchpole with one set at home and one away starting at 14:00. All support would be appreciated.
5 May
Good News!
On a cold and blustery, but thankfully dry, afternoon we hosted Bramford in the Annual Peter Taylor Cup match. Played over 6 rinks of 2 wood triples Sproughton wrestled the cup away from Bramford in a close fought tussle which up until the last 2 or 3 ends could have gone either way. Sproughton won on 4 rinks (2 of them by just one shot), drew on 1 and lost on 1 to take the match by 21 shots. As ever the game was played in a friendly but competitive spirit. The Cup was presented to Club Captain June Laws by Bramford President Peter Dodds (see Gallery).
A couple of reminders from the Committee meeting this morning:
1) There is still time to enter the Club Competitions - please get your forms and entry fees to Anne Jones as soon as possible.
2) Don't forget, the Club runs open tournaments on several Sundays and Tuesdays during the Season. The Tuesday Pairs start at 13:00 on 21 May, 25 June, 23 July, 6 August and 10 September, are open to bowlers from all Clubs and could benefit from more entries. Come along and give it a go ! Please let Roy Collett, Julie Spic@ or any Committee member know if you would like to enter. Or email Sproughtonbowlsclub@outlook.com for more details.
3) The coach for the match at Cromer on 10 August has now been booked and Joy Mackie is now looking for a suitable venue to stop for a meal on the way back. If you would like to join the trip and/or can recommend a suitable Pub please contact Joy as soon as possible.
29 April
Despite the weather taking a turn for the worse Sproughton's intrepid bowlers took to the green on Sunday to contest the Club Blocks competition. Played in 2 groups of 3 10 end games for Drawn Triples, the top teams from each Group played the final again over 10 ends. The Team of Geoff Spice, Iain Selby and Averill Kirkman lifted the trophy after a close fought game against Julie Spice, Joy Mackie and Ken Laws/Mike Snell. The Trophy was presented by President Mick Jones (photo in Gallery). Thanks to Colin Wright for organising and score keeping.
At the AGM it was agreed by all present that we would enter the same leagues as 2018 despite concerns that playing numbers were reduced. Captains made it clear that in order for this to work everyone must commit to playing the maximum number of games possible. Now that the league season is just about to begin it is imperative that everyone makes themselves available for all games. Please make every effort to do so.
14 April
At last, we are able to get out on the green and get rid of some of that winter rust ! As can be expected at this time of year, The Green opening and Sheila Herring Competition saw pretty much all 4 seasons in a matter of hours ! 40 intrepid bowlers plus several less hardy souls gathered to witness President Mick Jones open the green in bright sunshine, which once the snow/sleet/hail had stopped was followed by 3 games of 8 ends to determine the destination of the first silverware of the year. With the green running very well for the time of year the competition was won, for the second year running, by Mike Austin with Deidre Ruffles and Mike Snell sharing Runners Up spot. Photo's added in 2019 Gallery
Team sheets are already appearing on the notice boards for the start of the league season, so please take some time to let your Captains know of your availability.
30 March
Great night last night at the pre season Social. Many thanks to David and Claire Taylor for laying on a superb buffet and Anne Jones for the quiz.
16 March
Don't forget , our next social Evening is on Friday 29 March. There will be a buffet (2.00 per head) and a raffle (please bring a prize) as well as a quiz.
We have decided to run another taster session for prospective new Bowlers on Sunday 28 April from 10:00 to 12:00 (before Club Blocks) please bring your friends. No special equipment required just some flat shoes.
Our away day friendly this year will be Away at Cromer Bowls Club. Your Committee are in the process of planning a full days outing. More details to follow.
All League Fixtures are now up to date.
20 January 2019
Welcome back to the land of Sproughton Bowls Club and apologies for the lack of news over the last 3 months or so. Family commitments and laptop issues have both conspired against the smooth running of the website. Hopefully we are now back on track to keep everyone up to date with what's happening in and around our Club.
As a starter, the Diary dates have been updated with what we know at the moment for the coming year, keep a look out for additions and amendments as we get more plans in place.
We also now have a full and (hopefully correct) set of BE fixtures for 2019 and these have now been added. EBF fixtures will be added when they are published.