Bowlathon
Down at Vigo Park, we're all still absolutely buzzing about our Bowlathon which took place on Saturday and Sunday. What a day (and night!) we had!
Apart from raising ££££s, which we will split equally with the Countess of Brecknock Hospice, the event was enormous fun to be part of. To be on the green as the sun set, in the darkness and then as the sun rose on what was then the hottest day of the year so far, when temperatures rose to the low 30s in conditions of an official heatwave, was an immense privilege.
For one in particular of us, bowling in the conditions of that heat presented a specific challenge - not least because he was doing it for 24 hours straight, taking time to be off the green and refuelling only in between delivering his woods at each end. For all 198 of them. Step forward, Bradley Godden: you were magnificent. Bradley's first wood was bowled at 1154 on Saturday; his last at 1155 on Sunday. In between, he bowled 592 others, 47 of them hitting the jack (his last wood was a coat of lacquer away from being no. 48). A phenomenal achievement. Bradley - you have made everyone proud. Sadly, we now lose him (at least for a while...) as he is leaving these isles. Our loss is another country's gain. Farewell.
For several other of our members, bowling in the heat of the day was also a challenge and we stand in tribute to all those who wanted to take part, and did so, in the face of the rising thermometer.
Owls, Bradley's team, emerged triumphant over Larks, winning by 176-139. But, over this weekend, we were all winners.
Special thanks to everyone who contributed to making the day such a success - from those who procured, made and put together things to help raise an amazing amount of cash, to those who made donations to us (please see further below), to those who prepared the green for it to run as beautifully as it did, to those who bowled alongside Bradley, to those who helped run the stalls and the events (and some who did the lot!) and to those who turned up to cheer us all on. To Mick Corden, who drew up the teams rota and kept it organised, who scheduled the order of the rinks and who came up with the inventive team names which created the right sense of fun. To Glen Peters, without whose risk assessment we could not have gone ahead. To Steve and Meg Baker, present throughout the whole 24 hours to bowl, mind the Clubhouse and to swish the green against the early morning dew; and to Val Carnegie, also there for the full 24 hours and who was still as fresh as a daisy by the end despite having kept the bar open all night and cooking hot dogs and bacon butties to keep everyone going during the small hours; and to those who bought, split and sliced the ingredients. And to Roger Coveney, whose whole idea this was. Finally, to the Andover mayor, Cllr. Linda Lashbrook, who bowled the first wood to start the event and who also then revisited us, again along with her consort, Cllr. Philip Lashbrook, in a private capacity. We were thrilled to welcome you here.
We will report further on the total amount raised but, in the meantime, our JustGiving page set up to help us raise money for the event can still be accessed by clicking this link; it will remain open for a few more days.
The picture gallery below contains a selection of photos which helps to portray some of the atmosphere - and you can find plenty more on our Facebook page. Thank you, Cindy.
Our friends and supporters
We are deeply indebted to the following Andover businesses who have offered us assistance for the Bowlathon, either in the way of a cash donation, goods that we can use as tombola prizes or in the form of vouchers which we can use in a sealed bid auction. When you are out and about in the town centre, do remember to support the businesses that have helped support your bowling club:
The Kitten's Emporium (FB page)
Mulberry Plumbing & Heating (FB page)
Sarah Quirke Wealth Associates
Willow & Rose (IG page)
