KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB, Keynsham Lawn Bowls, Keynsham bowling, Bristol/Bath bowling, Somerset, BANES, South West, memorial park keynsham, LAWN BOWLS. BOWLING GREEN, lawn bowls in england, lawn bowls in the UK,

Members    "New Years Eve Party"    Click to find out more Go to Gallery,   for 2019 Presentation Lunch Pictures Keep an eye on our 'Events Page', to see what's coming up

KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB PRESS RELEASE 18 th NOVEMBER 2019 Whilst we are in a period of non-activity on the bowling green a lot is happening behind the scenes at Keynsham Bowls Club. At the start of each season the Lady’s and Gent’s nominate a charity for the club to support and this year it was the Keynsham and Saltford Dementia Action Alliance. Dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem solving or language, there being more than 100 different types the most common one being Alzeimer’s. The local group provides support to sufferers and their carers and is working to making our two towns as dementia friendly as possible. Our photograph shows the Captains Mo Dickinson and Carm Riccio presenting a cheque for Ł800.00 to the local Treasure and Secretary, Mike and Merrial Knight, which took place at the Club’s monthly coffee morning. Later in the month the Annual Presentation Lunch took place at Knowle Golf Club when 90 members sat down to a superb meal. Trophies were presented to the winners of the various competitions which had taken place both on Finals Day and throughout the season. The accolade of the “Most Succesful Lady Competitor” went to one of our relatively new members Sally Difazio, who was involved in three single finals, winning two, plus being a member of the winning team in a triples competition. The equivalent Men’s title went to Peter Iles who bagged three wins and runners up spot, just managing to overshadow his wife Jan’s haul of one win and three runners up. Four of our ladies, Marlene Tidey, Lesley Portch, Pam Edge and Sue Mounty, whilst playing for their team Route 66 in the indoor league at the Bristol Bowling Centre achieved a “Hotshot”. This occurs when all of the eight woods bowled by one team finish closer to the jack than the nearest wood of the opposition and as you may guess it does not happen very often. The Club’s Annual General Meeting took place in the Clubhouse when about 80 members attended to hear the various reports and to fill the positions for the following year. Following a vote, John Nix, a long standing member, was elected as the club’s new President with Margaret Church as Vice President. The principal Officers were all re-elected, Barrie Davies as the Chairman, David Hockney as Secretary and Roger Price as Treasurer. Other positions, too numerous to mention, but essential in maintaining the life of a thriving bowling club were also filled. On the playing side Carm Riccio continued as the Men’s Captain whilst Ann Newbery took over the role of Lady’s Captain from Mo Dickinson and the captain’s positions of the various league teams were also filled. With the business out of the way members now look forward to the social activities at the club in the run up to Christmas.

John Conway (Capt. 'A' team) As my first full year as 'A' team Capt. of Keynsham Bowls Club I am pleased to say we have improved our position on the league tables from last year, its with thanks and help from the 'A' team players and the more experienced players that we have done so. On Thursdays in Bristol and District league Div.2 we finished 3rd being beaten by only 8 shots by Yate 'A. Yate 'A' and Knowle 'A' were promoted to Div. 1, both teams were the most consistent teams in the league and well deserved to go up. Imperial proves to be a very difficult team to beat on their home ground, they have only lost one match all season in the Bristol and District League although we lost to them we did however win on 2 rinks losing by only 2 shots on the other, so that was a good result for us. On Saturdays in the Somerset County league (Div.1 east) we finished 4th, this is a more difficult league to go up in as only one team can advance to Premier 2, this was the league Keynsham 'A' was in a couple of years ago. During the season all clubs experience ups and downs due to holidays etc. we were no exception. A number of players from the 'B' team were selected and certainly did not let us down winning on their rinks so they retained their place. One of the lows occurred when Keyn.'A' played Keyn.'B', Keyn.'B' winning by 3 shots! although we won on two rinks, one of the surprises to everyone was when one of our strongest rinks lost! it just goes to show it is all on the day but it also shows the strength of all the players in the club. Well done Keynsham 'B'!! This loss seemed to trigger a wake up call to Keyn 'A' and we went on to have an excellent run of wins including beating the then top of the table Norwest 'A' 72 shots to 42 giving us a 10 points to 2 win. The strength of any sports club is their coaching system which takes place at Keynsham B.C. from May onwards every week Mondays and Saturdays at 11.00am. Many of those who attended the coaching have gone on to become members and now play in the league, five getting through to Finals day and four winning their matches including a player playing in the novices who has only been playing for 3 months. With all these new players Keynsham Bowls Club can look forward to a bright future.

KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB PRESS RELEASE 22ND OCTOBER 2019 The combination of plenty of rain plus some sunshine has made the playing surface of the bowling green in the park look the best it has been for a number of months. What a pity it is closed season! Club Captain Carm Riccio has been reviewing the events of the men in the last six months. They did very well in reaching the quarter finals of the Turnbull Cup and also getting into the third round of the National Two Rink competition. We were particularly proud that our mens club champion, Paul Harsant, narrowly lost in the semi-final of the Somerset Champion of Champions competition. In the September edition of the Voice we included reports from the various team captains. One that was overlooked was that of the Friday Triples League where we finished top with the highest total of aggregate scores since the inauguration of the league. As the league fixtures finish some of the men depart for their annual tour and this year 24 of them were based in a hotel in Worcester and played matches against local sides. As one season finishes the planning for the next one is underway as the Match Secretary Tony Hunter starts to compile the fixture list for 2020. Our lady captain was delighted to report that the ladies won the North Somerset league for the second consecutive year and came second in the Mendip league, this being a big improvement on the previous season when they finished bottom.

KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB PRESS RELEASE 24 th SEPTEMBER 2019 After a few days of indifferent weather the sun shone brightly at Keynsham Bowls club on the first Sunday in the month as members competed against one another in an attempt to win one of the Clubs Competitions. Forty four players took part in a series of singles, pairs and triples, mens, ladies and mixed as the finals of fifteen cups were played for over all six rinks on the green. The event drew support from the player’s families and friends which resulted in spectators on all four sides of the green. Our photograph shows the ladies and gents champions, Lily Springer and Dave Galley. The season finished midway through the month with a final roll up, after which nearly 70 members stayed behind for a fish/sausage and chips supper organised by the Social Committee. Normally the final game would be on the final Sunday in the month but an early finish will allow the green keeper to carry out work to help ensure a good playing service in 2020. A number of the team captains have submitted a report on their team’s progress during the year. John Conway who skippers the A team advises that in the Thursday Bristol and District League, the men just missed out on promotion to Division 1 finishing in third position behind Yate A and Knowle A. On Saturdays they played in the Division 1 East of the Somerset League where they were aiming to regain their position in the Premier League which they lost as a result of relegation in 2018. The team however finished in 4 th position, losing one of their matches against Keynsham B, which was somewhat of a surprise. Moving on to the B Team, Captain Ian Tweedie was disappointed with the overall performance. In the Bristol and District only 4 wins were achieved which resulted in relegation to Division 4 next season when they will come up against the clubs C side. The team faired better in the Somerset League winning 6 of 13 fixtures played including the scalp of the A team, as mentioned above. On Friday evenings ladies and gents join forces to play in the Mixed Somerset Mixed League under the captaincy of Bob Edge. The team finished in 4 th position, playing 14 different ladies and 17 different gents in the 7 matches played. So outside woods have now been put away until next whilst some players will play indoors during the winter. Members will however meet up on a regular basis at the monthly coffee mornings and the variety of social events whichare arranged by the Social Committee.

Winners of the Mixed Triples 2019 Ladies Versus the Gentlemen August 2019 see 'Gallery' for more pictures KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB PRESS RELEASE 24TH JUNE 2019 In spite of the rather inclement weather the green at Keynsham Bowling Club is being widely used as the internal club competitions get under way in addition to the regular league games. The Ray Percival Cup was won by Mary Millard, Martin Barrett and Cliff Springer and a couple of weeks later 24 men spent a day competing, which resulted in Dick Ollis and Ken Gaull going through to the Mens Two Wood Final to be played later in the season. Each week three men’s teams compete in the Bristol and District League on a Thursday evening and a further three in the North Somerset League on a Saturday. To date, the results have been mixed but improvement is becoming apparent. The Friday men’s triples team is certainly experiencing a good run. The ladies also compete in the ladies North Somerset League and a mixes side plays in the Somerset Mixed League. A consistent feature of life at Keynsham has always been the members roll up on a Monday evening when players of all levels come together, both men and ladies with teams being selected on arrival. Not only is it a good way of socialising with other members it also provides the new members to get some good tips and experience from the more established players. Our photo shows a number of Monday members in play. We have unfortunately recently lost two of our members. Firstly Adrian Parker, a much liked club member passed away after a long illness. We then lost John Mead, one of our longest serving members who was our ex President and for many years our green manager. Both of them will be greatly missed. KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB PRESS RELEASE 15th APRIL 2019 The final social event of the closed season took place when 40 members gathered for a beetle drive together with a Ploughman’s Supper. An enjoyable and somewhat noisy evening was had by all. The final testing of the new sprinkler system took place and our picture (see below) shows one of the jets showing the effectiveness of the installation. Grateful thanks are due to those members who worked hard on this project during the winter. Members were shocked at the death of one of our long standing and most accomplished bowlers Don Rees, after a short illness. Don had only recently taken on the role of Club President and he will be greatly missed. He always had the time of day to encourage those who were just starting out on their bowling career and I well remember the help and advice that he gave me. One of the Clubs gentlemen! Over 60 members were at his cremation to show their respect. About 20 members have just returned from the annual preseason bowling trip to Cyprus. The Club offers free coaching to anyone who would like to try their hand at the game. Coaching will commence on Monday 13th May and be available on most Mondays and Saturdays at 11am. with all equipment provided. You will be made most welcome! See the 'Coaching Button' on the menu at the head of this page for further information At last, the new sprinkler system in operation. Thank you to all those who worked so hard, often in bitter cold conditions, so that we can all enjoy our summer bowling KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB PRESS RELEASE FEBRUARY 20TH 2019 In January 50 members of Keynsham Bowls Club gathered in the Clubhouse to hear an illustrated presentation by one of the members Clive Brain on the M Shed Museum at Bristol Docks, plus the Pyronaut fire boat that Clive skippers. There were many old pictures that prompted memories of the dockside as it was many years ago together with information about the other boats moored in the docks. We all then enjoyed a Ploughman’s supper prepared by the Social Committee, which was then followed by a little seen film of the cavalcade of boats that sailed under the bridges of the Thames as part of the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Clive explained how the Pyronaut nearly did not make it, as it had to be transported by trailer along the M 4 and due to weight problems flat tyres became an issue. Alternative arrangements were made and the boat took its place with many hundreds of others to sail past the Queen. In February the annual Curry Evening took place and 60 members were well fed on beef curry, naan bread, poppadums and mango chutney followed by fresh fruit salad and ice cream. Cottage pie was available for those preferring the more traditional cuisine. A great evening was had with the curry just being hot enough to encourage good bar sales! A couple of days before compiling this, Secretary David Hockney had despatched to members all of the bowling information for the new season. Summer is on its way! February 2019 Team Keynsham at Chippenham 9th December 2018 Thank you Chippenham Indoor Bowls Club for a Great Day What's This!! Space Invaders at Bowling Club      Click here KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB PRESS RELEASE 12th December 2018 The usual monthly coffee morning took place at Keynsham Bowling Club but on this occasion here were many prizes “up for grabs” in the Christmas Draw. Thanks to the generosity of those who donated prizes this raised a good sum of money for club funds. The annual Christmas Party is for many the highlight of the social calendar and this year was no exception. Over 70 members gathered in the Christmas decorated clubhouse to be entertained by the singing duo, the Two of Clubs. Their rendering of “I am a cider drinker” was well received by the City supporters present, who were equally pleased that they did not include “Irene Good Night Irene”. Their choice of music was just what was needed by the members – no heavy metal or rap – and they have already been booked for Christmas 2019. The evening was rounded off with a superb Christmas turkey supper and mulled wine laid on by the Social Committee. Our picture shows the members having a good time. A number of members made the trip to Chippenham clad in festive gear to play an indoor game followed by a meal. A week later the ladies of the club gathered for their Christmas lunch at the Camerley Lodge Hotel in Temple Cloud and as usual the food was first class. We enter a new year with half of the closed season behind us and plans already in place for bowling in the new season with details of the men’s tour in September 2019 just having been announced. KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB PRESS RELEASE 22nd November 2018 Whilst it is closed season on the green, the social side of Keynsham Bowls Club continues unabated! Early in November nearly 60 members enjoyed a quiz with a difference - it had a bingo theme. The Social Committee provided a first class ploughman’s supper. The next event was the Annual Presentation Lunch that took place at Knowle Golf Club – a great venue and good food enjoyed by nearly 70 members. After the meal came the presentation of the trophies. At the start of the season 89 members entered competitions in 19 different events which produced a total of 461 separate entries – statistics by courtesy of our Competitions secretary Martin Moore. A number of members won more than one trophy but pride of place must go to Jan Iles who had to visit the trophy table on five occasions. There was one little hiccup when the trophy for the winner of the Australian Pairs went astray. It was found later under the table – a case of gone missing “down under”. The Annual General Meeting which took place in the Club House started with the 70 members present standing in silence to remember those friends that we had lost during the year. Reports were received from the various club executive members and the managers with the responsibility for the running of the various aspects of the club’s life. The club could not exist without the hard work put in by these good folk. Towards the end of the meeting the outgoing Captains left the top table and handed over responsibility to the incoming skippers Mo Dickinson and Carm Riccio. John Mead stood down as the President having held the position for 15 years and he was succeeded by Don Rees. Joan Harvey was made a Life Member for her work as the ladies Fixture Secretary, a role she held for 20 years. Our photograph shows the trophy winners at the Presentation Lunch. KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB PRESS RELEASE 13TH OCTOBER 2018 The season finished at Keynsham Bowls Club on the last Sunday afternoon in September when over 50 members gathered for the final roll up of the season. This was followed by a fish and chip supper in the clubhouse when nearly 80 folk enjoyed food provided by the Keynsham Fish Bar. Each year members raise money for a charity chosen at the start of the season by the ladies and gents captains. In the summer a charity BBQ was held and as is usual when the men go on their close season tour they take the pig with them. This is a large collection box which is placed at the end of the rinks during matches and players both tourist and host clubs are asked to chip in to boost the funds. The charity chosen this year was the Jessie May Trust based in Kingswood which provides hospice at home care for terminally ill children in Bristol and the surrounding area. Our picture shows the captains, Ann Newbery and Beresford Parker handing over a cheque for ÂŁ1,200.00 to Helen Mackie the Community and Events Officer at Jessie May. In the background are the well fed club members! KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB PRESS RELEASE 26TH SEPTEMBER 2018 “Pam and Bob Edged Out” On the first Sunday in September, husband and wife Bob and Pam Edge played in the Ladies and Gents Championship at the clubs Finals Day at Keynsham Bowling Club. Bob lost by 19 shots to 21 in a closely fought match with Paul Harsant whilst Pam lost by 15 shots to 21 against the defending champion Marlene Tidy. Our photograph shows Marlene and Paul receiving their trophies from the Club’s Vice-President Margaret Church. As Marlene is one of the shortest ladies in the club and Paul one of the tallest men, Marlene insisted that Paul knelt to allow the photo to be taken! A further 12 trophies were contested in a day of enjoyable bowling for both players and those watching. The previous week the men had played in their final fixtures in the Thursday night Bristol & District League. The A team finished 4th in division 2, the B team 8th in division 3 and the C team 7th in division 4 which means all three teams will be competing in the same divisions next season. Unfortunately it was a different tale in the Saturday North Somerset League where the A team finished bottom of Premier 2 and were relegated to the East 1 division where they will join the B team next season, who finished in 9th position. Had the C team who played in East 2 picked up a few more points they would have been promoted and would have been in the same division next season as the A and B teams. Our ladies team playing in the North Somerset League ended the season in pole position and were declared the champions. Well done the ladies in showing the men how to bowl as well as preparing teas! On the last Sunday in August the club was due to play host to a touring side from Crediton in Devon but unfortunately the weather wiped out any chance of playing bowls. During the month the club hosted the Somerset County Finals Day. Many clubs were represented from all parts of the County playing in finals from singles, doubles, triples and fours in men’s, ladies’ and mixed formats. At all times during the day there were at least 120 players and spectators who enjoyed some outstanding matches. Last year the club entertained a touring side from Winchmore Hill in north London and so this year a coach load set out from Keynsham to travel to London for a return game. With the travelling involved it was a long day but the bowling and the hospitality were good and the day was enjoyed by all. The final club competition of the season took place when ladies and gents competed for the Hazel Waldon Triples Cup in memory of a previous Vice President. After a full day of bowling the winners were Lynne Pearce, Pete Gibson and Carm Riccio. A Monday evening is the members night when anyone can turn up for a friendly roll up. Over an 18 week period points are awarded to the three highest scoring sides each week and at the end of the season the ladies champion was Lindsay Allen and the gents Mike Lambern. Another season draws to a close as members prepare to pack away their woods until next April. Some however will bowl indoors, whilst others might try their hand at skittles but for most the next six months cannot pass quickly enough. KEYNSHAM BOWLING CLUB PRESS RELEASE 22ND AUGUST 2018 As the end of the bowling season approaches the activity on the green at Keynsham Bowling Club becomes even more intense. In addition to the league and friendly matches being played, plus the club competitions, there have been a number of “one off” fixtures. At the start of the month was the annual fixture against the local rivals from Frys playing for the Alsop Trophy which Keynsham lost by 77 shots to 66. We look forward to gaining our revenge in a year’s time! This was followed by a club competition the Tom Pells Cup, played between mixed teams of four for a trophy given in memory of Tom by his widow Lyn. The picture shows the winning team, Tony Bevan, Graham Cavill, Jan Iles and Lyn Dorey receiving the cup from Lyn’s granddaughters, Jessica, Stella and Hattie. Another Sunday was taken up with the club hosting two semi-finals, firstly the Wedmore Plate when Weston Bath comfortably beat Yatton, followed in the afternoon when Bristol closely defeated Bath in the Turnbull Cup. A fixture that club members look forward to is the match between the ladies and gents of the club and the fact that six rinks are played necessitating twenty four ladies shows the depth of club membership. Whilst the men won it would be inappropriate for me to quote the final score, but the ladies look forward to an improved performance next year. As is traditional on this occasion the gents relieved the ladies of the catering duties for the day and treated everyone to a fine tea. Towards the end of the month the club hosted the ladies county fixture between Somerset and Berkshire when the home side won five of the six rinks with the shots totalling 133 to 106. The recent change in weather has resulted in the green receiving a good watering and it promises to bowl well for the last month of the season. Website Designed and Managed by: TB