Newsletter Issue 174

Hello everyone,

Not many sleeps now before that friendly old man drops down the chimney. I always hated the idea of him getting burned in the hot chimney so we had to leave the door ajar for him. Fortunately the less trustworthy folks never cottoned onto it.

The teams for the England under 18 squad for 2024 have now been published. Dylan and Fin Williamson are playing in the pairs and fours. Josh Hodges is a non-travelling reserve. Well done guys – we’ll be following your progress onwards and upwards.

On Friday, 15th December, an inspection of the kitchen and bar was made by a lady from Tewkesbury Environmental Health. I’m delighted to say that we received a hygiene rating of 5 (the top rating) again. The new certificate will be displayed on the inside of the outside entrance doors to replace the now out of date one. The next inspection is due in two years’ time (i.e. the end of 2025).

On Saturday morning the finals of the interclub took place. It was a very close-run thing with some excellent bowling.

The results were:

1st        – MidGlos IBC

2nd      – Barnwood

3rd       – Cheltenham

4th       – Cheltenham Spa

Well done to everyone who took part, be it organising or playing – one cannot happen without the other. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped in both the kitchen and bar. I shouldn’t need to remind you that our club relies on volunteers to keep it going and we can always use more!

The men’s and ladies’ interclub competition begins on 20th January 2024. If you’re not playing, spectators are always very welcome. Bacon or sausage baps will be available.

On Sunday morning our Wessex teams were playing Cotswold at home and away. Our A team was playing Cotswold B while our B team was playing Cotswold A. Our A team won all four rinks but sadly, it wasn’t the same picture for our B team. However, well played everyone and I hope the three people playing in the Wessex teams for the first time enjoyed the experience. The first match is always rather daunting but it’s easier on subsequent occasions.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching and everybody should be very proud of themselves for taking part and giving it your all.

Those of you who support our quizzes will be sad to learn that Norman hosted his last Christmas quiz on Saturday evening. Not only was it his last Christmas quiz but it was his last quiz. He has had to step down after eight years due to ill health. 

He has had kidney problems for twenty-five years but has managed to avoid dialysis. However, about eight weeks ago, his kidney function scores dropped way below the minimum level. Consequently he has to go into Gloucester Hospital three times a week to receive dialysis – as a consequence, he can no longer function as he did. Our thoughts are with both Norman and Sheila.

Since it will be Christmas Eve next Sunday, I shall not be writing the newsletter but I’ll be back in the new year. In the meantime, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas (not too merry) and a happy and healthy new year.

Take care,

Linda

Linda Watkin-Jones.

Director (PR & Marketing).