Good Luck to our Byfield Boys

Pete Adkins and Luke Smith have entered into the Bowls England National Family Pairs Competition, as a Grandad and Grandson duo and will be playing their first Round on Sunday 4th May at Byfield, at 11am.

The competition will consist of 18 ends, with each player having x3 bowls each and our very own Brian Haynes will be the Marker.

Please do come down and support our Byfield Boy’s, you can watch from the balcony, tea/coffee will be available and the bar will be open.

For your information, here are the stages of the competition:

Early Rounds - This competition shall comprise of 32 county based areas, each area will play down to an area winner. All 32 area winners will advance to the All England Round of 32. 

All England Rounds of 32/16 - Area winners will play off against neighbouring areas reducing the field from 32 to 8.

National Finals - The last 8 will compete in the Aviva National Bowls Finals over Saturday 16th August 2025

A Lovely Thai Meal

Our very popular "Thai Event" was held on Saturday 12th April and members of the bowls club were joined by family and friends for a delicious authentic Thai lunch, courtesy of our very own Thai chef, Timmy and her very competent assistant Geoff - thanks to both. For those who couldn't join us for the lunch, we had fun testing our knowledge attempting the Thai quiz - why not check out how much you know. Apparently Timmy was "banned" from answering!

1. What is the capital of Thailand? 

2. What was Thailand known as previously? 

3. Is the national animal of Thailand? a) Horse b) Tiger c) Elephant

4. Which is biggest in area? a) Italy b) Thailand c) Spain

5. Which language apart from Thai is mandatory in schools? a) English b) Chinese c) French 

6. Which has the greater population? Thailand or U.K.? 

7. Are the national colours? a) Red & yellow b) Red, white and blue c) Green & red 

8. Which is Thailand’s biggest island? 

9. How many temples approximately in Thailand? a) 35,000 b) 5,000 c) 15,000

10. What is considered a sacred body part in Thailand? a) Foot b) Elbow c) Head

 THE ANSWERS ARE BELOW THE PHOTO 

Thai pic

 

Pictured to the left, are Garry, Karen and John dressed in their finery for the Thai lunch,

they were also lucky enough to win prizes in the traditional wrapped bottle raffle

(where you're always guaranteed a surprise prize!)

 

 

  

  

ANSWERS 

1. Thailand’s capital is Bangkok.

2. Thailand was previously known as Siam.

3. The Elephant is the national animal of Thailand.

4. Thailand is bigger in area than Italy or Spain.

5. English is the mandatory language in Thai schools.

6. Thailand has a greater population than UK.

7. Red, white and blue are the national colours of Thailand.

8. Thailand’s biggest island is Phuket.

9. There are approximately 35,000 temples in Thailand.

10. The head is considered a sacred part of the body in Thailand.

Hopefully you managed 10/10 

 

A very Special Shirt 

Lukes shirt

 

Pete Adkins has presented his grandson, Luke Smith’s framed England shirt to Byfield Bowls Club.

Playing for Disabled Bowls England in the World Cup in 2024, Luke played in South Africa.

Luke’s shirt is now proudly displayed on the wall in the Pavilion.

 

 

 

 

 

What a Privilege ……for Luke

Our young bowler Luke Smith, continues to have some prestigious venues to play his bowls matches.
 
On 4th September, Luke joined the Disability Bowls England Team in a challenge against the Chelsea Pensioners. The Team were treated to a guided tour of the hospital and grounds, before a competitive game of bowls and then an evening meal.
 
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Regardless of the bowls match result, what an amazing unforgettable opportunity which will long be remembered by the DBE participants.
 
 
 

President's Day

On Saturday 17th August was President Richard Clugston's day. Our Competition's Secretary Alan provided everybody with a very fun experience with his version of shove halfpenny played with bowls. The challenging course required some skill and mostly luck but was enjoyed by all.

Club Triples Competition

After all the amazing weather we've had recently, unfortunately Sunday was quite cool with a chilling wind and no sign of the sun for the Club's annual Triples Competition. Everyone including the spectators had to wrap up warmly, however it was lovely to see our renowned Byfield Bowler, Judy Tomalin in the 'crowds!'

As usual the event was brilliantly organised by our Competition Secretary, Alan. 

Fun was had by all, even though some bowlers were slightly distracted by the England Football Team - I can assure you the bowls was far more entertaining! Not even the disheartening cries as Slovakia scored could spoil the bowls excitement!

Triples

Finally there was high tension as the two leading teams were head to head with the last end as the decider. Demonstrating their skills and experience the final winning team were Bob, Colin and Jim - so very well done boys!

 

 

 

 

Green Keeper's Day

Traditionally 'Green Keeper’s Day' is used to offer thanks and acknowledge all the effort required to keep the green in first class condition, throughout the season. Historically any money raised from the events held on this day would then be passed onto the Green Keeper as a gift.

At Byfield Bowls Club – we now like to do things a little differently!

It was our annual ‘Green Keepers Day’ last week, and now there’s an expectation that a fun activity is organised by the Green Keeper, bringing all the bowls members together.

The event usually involves ‘alternative’ bowls and this year, Garry our Green Keeper, pictured below in his dapper outfit, didn’t disappoint. 

Garry

No it wasn’t an April fool ‘Playing Cricket’ on the Bowls Green! A modified game of cricket was played, where bowls were aimed at the improvised stumps. This resulted in some very competitive banter amongst the teams.

Even though it was a cold afternoon, it did stay dry and great fun was had by all on the bowls green, followed by snacks and drinks in the bar area and a raffle.

 
 

A Byfield Superstar - Kim’s 10K Challenge

What a great result - Kim aimed to raise £200 for Byfield Bowls Club, she smashed her target with £435 money raised so far!

There's still time to Sponsor Kim here

Kim competed in the 10k run at Brixworth Country Park on the 3rd March and after the event commented "My run went ok, I completed it without incident! It took me 1 hour 27 minutes, which is an okay result for me, but it was a very fun event and definitely worth doing! 

 
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Luke

Here at Byfield Bowls Club, we are delighted that one of our younger members Luke, has been selected to represent Team England for the International Bowls for the Disabled (IBD) World Cup Championships. This will be held in South Africa, in May. This is a great achievement for Luke and we are very proud of his success. Luke's family have set up a Go Fund Me page on his behalf, to help with his funding.
Pictured below is Luke, with his Grandad Pete. If you want to hear more about Luke's story and support him, click here: Help Luke get to the Bowls World Championships
 
Luke