Luke's Latest 2026

Luke has been invited to take part in a “performance pathway event” by the Para Team section of the English Indoor Bowling Association. The mixed triples event aims to give experience at national level and prepare the bowlers for potential international selection. The Bowls England selectors will be keeping their eyes open for any future potential members for their  "Elite Performance Squad!” The event will take place on 17th April, at Nottingham IBC during the National Championship.               
Luke’s Grandad/Team Manager and Taxi, Pete says “Best Of Luck Luke………..Pap will be there cheering you on!!!!!”

Byfield Bowls Club also sends good luck wishes. 

During the outdoor season, Luke will be playing in the singles “Champions of Champions” to be played at Byfield – so when the date is known, do come and support Luke. Then Luke will also partner his Grandad Pete, in the family pairs playing a pair at Wellingborough, Fingers crossed for both matches………

Ladies V Gents Match

Ladies Team 2025
So the Byfield Ladies (pictured following a match V Daventry Town Ladies) set a challenge for our Byfield Gentlemen on Sunday 17th August, to compete for the prestigious shield - this competition hasn't been played since 2009.
 
A total of 22 players, enjoyed what was also supposed to be a fun/social event but became quite competitive!
 
The Ladies acquired an early lead but the Men soon "discovered the Green" and started 'sneaking back' with a few possibly skilful, possibly lucky ends. However the Ladies true skill shone through and they scraped a win by just x3 shots to win victory and a well deserved shield.
 
Well Done Ladies - we look forward to another challenge in 2026. Pictured below are some of the winning Ladies Team.
 
Champions
 
 

Our Luke at Leamington

Luke
 
 
 
Despite the gruelling heat for the first day, Luke Smith, proudly represented Byfield Bowls Club for the first time, at the Aviva National Bowls Finals at Leamington Spa.
 
Luke gave his usual 100% performance, winning his first Para Singles match but despite bowling well, he came up against very tough opposition and narrowly lost in a game of the first to 21 - it took 25 ends before Luke sadly lost. 
 
The following day, Luke and his partner were narrowly defeated in the Men's Para Pairs. 
 
Luke pictured, says "I really enjoyed playing at Leamington and determined to get further next year!"
 
Luke now plays at Bisham Abbey in October, in readiness for potentially competing in the Commonwealth Games in 2026.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

31/7/2025 - Bowls England announces news about the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

"In a Games first, Glasgow will see Bowls and Para Bowls contested indoors with medal events in singles and pairs (men and women), para pairs (men and women) and visually impaired pairs (mixed). With Glasgow 2026 less than one year away, Bowls England is delighted to announce the details of those bowlers who have been invited to participate in Phase 1 of the assessment process."
 
Byfield Bowls Club are delighted to see one of our Club Members has been selected: 
 
Physically Disabled 
Luke Smith (Byfield BC, Northamptonshire)
 
The final selection will conclude in January 2026, following which the final team for Glasgow 2026 will be selected and announced.
 
As the event will be "indoor bowls" Luke now has to use his experience and transfer his outdoor bowling skills to a new type of green. Limited by time, Luke just has from October to January to practice indoors - Good Luck Luke.
  
 
Luke at Leamington
 
- Fingers crossed for you Luke in the above matches and playing at Leamington in August.
Many bowlers can only dream of playing at Leamington. After some great bowling, Luke has achieved his dream and will be competing in the National Bowls Finals in August (and of course will be representing Byfield Bowls Club)
 
Get your tickets and watch bowling at it's best and of course good luck to Luke. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

It's a Family Partnership

pre match nervesPete and Luke played their first round of the Bowls England National Family Pairs Competition, as a Grandad and Grandson duo. Their opponents were Roy and Daniel (Father and Son) from West End Bowls Club, Northampton.
 
The competition consisted of 18 ends, with x3 bowls each and our very own Brian Haynes as the Marker.
 
Come    I taught him  
 
Well deserved win
 
 
Pete and Luke took an early lead, with 5 in the first end but their worthy opponents kept on the pressure, and were leading at one point and then it was neck and neck.
 
However after some very skilful play by both pairs, Pete and Luke finally managed a convincing win. Well done all, there was some great bowling.
 

Update: Unfortunately Pete and Luke gave 100% but narrowly lost the next round on 17th May with a result of 13-16.

 

 

 

 

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.
 
image0   image2   image1 
 
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! 

 
 Click/Tap a small thumbnail image to view a bigger version ...
 
 

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
 
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