- HOME
- LATEST NEWS 2025
- MEMBERSHIP - JOIN US
- FIXTURES 2025
- OFFICIALS 2023-2024
- NEWSLETTERS
- NEW CHANGING ROOMS
- CONSTITUTION & POLICIES
- TOUR 2023
- 30th ANNIVERSARY 2021
- SPONSORS
- NEW CLUBHOUSE
- Playing the game of Bowls
- COMPETITIONS
- LATEST NEWS ARCHIVE
- OPEN DAYS
- ANNUAL PRESENTATIONS
- MISCELLANEOUS
- Juniors
- TOUR ARCHIVE
-
Fixtures and Results Archive pages
- CODE OF CONDUCT 2023
****** Annual Tour 2018 ******
Day 1 - Friday 8th June - Tenby
And so after months of strategic planning by Margaret and Mark K and eager anticipation of the tourists, the departure date for the 2018 Seaside Tour had finally arrived. A cool, grey, misty and damp Pentyrch morning greeted the tourists. But the sunshine smile of our coach driver, Shaun from Jervis Coaches of Port Talbot, cut through the gloom as he made light work of loading all the cases and bowls onto the bus.Barrie and Dawn were blazing their own trail out West and would meet us at Tenby. As the coach joined the M4, Margaret K aka "Gladys" made the first of many announcements about games, prizes, information and other trivia. After the first announcement every other began with "Hello, it's me again..." The tourists were soon reading Tim Morgan's traditional mockery of the individual travellers in the Annual Tour Magazine. Later on there was the challenge of guessing the arrival time at the Fourcroft Hotel in Tenby that was to be our base for the tour. Guess the time was won by Eileen with her correct guess of 12:15 pm. Tim Morgan then starred as the Bingo Caller with his mastery of Bingo Lingo keeping the players entertained for some of the time. Some players were confused as the calling speeded up with the imminent stop at Cwmcerrig Farm Shop and Grill, near Cross Hands for a comfort stop. We were soon on our way again with more entertainment in the form of bingo, a challenging Welsh seaside quiz set by Mark K and guess the shot difference in the afternoon's match against Tenby Bowling Club. Skilful and patient reversing by Shaun got us to the very front steps of the Fourcroft Hotel where after a slight delay, due to our early arrival everyone had time to unpack and get ready for the afternoon's match.
A very short coach journey, but doubled by having to go back for the Ellmes, took us to the town wall and then a "brisk" walk to Tenby United Rugby Club where a marvellous buffet feast had been organised. Suitably refreshed with food and drink, another very short trip took us to Tenby Bowling Club where 14 years ago, we were heavily defeated in the first round of the Carruther's Shield. The weather was still grey and misty but the Tyrchs team took to the green with optimism. In the end Pentyrch lost by only one shot. The diddler was won by Ian Broxton, Barrie Thomas, Dawn Parker and Owen Morris (Dawn and Owen were making their debuts as tourists). The Black Sheep were awarded to Brian Ilbery, Alan Lowndes, Ann Lowndes and Keith Capron. (The "Lowthers" were also making their tour debuts). There followed the usual post-match speeches, drinking, merriment and presentations. The Tenby Captain seemed especially pleased with the derogatory comments about the tourists in the Tour Magazine and took great delight in reading each entry out and insisting that the subjects stood up and identified themselves to the crowd. The Tenby Captain presented us with an engraved glass as a souvenir of our visit.
Sadly, dinner at the hotel put a stop to it but not before a lot of laughs had been made. Thanks to Tenby for hosting us. Back at the hotel everyone enjoyed the magnificent dinner and either retired to bed, exhausted or went out to see what the nightlife of Tenby had to offer. A calm and gentle sea and clearing skies gave a tempting promise of the weather for day 2.
A very short coach journey, but doubled by having to go back for the Ellmes, took us to the town wall and then a "brisk" walk to Tenby United Rugby Club where a marvellous buffet feast had been organised. Suitably refreshed with food and drink, another very short trip took us to Tenby Bowling Club where 14 years ago, we were heavily defeated in the first round of the Carruther's Shield. The weather was still grey and misty but the Tyrchs team took to the green with optimism. In the end Pentyrch lost by only one shot. The diddler was won by Ian Broxton, Barrie Thomas, Dawn Parker and Owen Morris (Dawn and Owen were making their debuts as tourists). The Black Sheep were awarded to Brian Ilbery, Alan Lowndes, Ann Lowndes and Keith Capron. (The "Lowthers" were also making their tour debuts). There followed the usual post-match speeches, drinking, merriment and presentations. The Tenby Captain seemed especially pleased with the derogatory comments about the tourists in the Tour Magazine and took great delight in reading each entry out and insisting that the subjects stood up and identified themselves to the crowd. The Tenby Captain presented us with an engraved glass as a souvenir of our visit.
Sadly, dinner at the hotel put a stop to it but not before a lot of laughs had been made. Thanks to Tenby for hosting us. Back at the hotel everyone enjoyed the magnificent dinner and either retired to bed, exhausted or went out to see what the nightlife of Tenby had to offer. A calm and gentle sea and clearing skies gave a tempting promise of the weather for day 2.
Day 2 Saturday 9th June - Saundersfoot
The sun was trying its best to break through the clouds as the tourists opened their curtains and looked out in wonder at the stunningly beautiful view of Tenby North Beach, Harbour and the, as yet mist-shrouded Carmarthen Bay beyond. As the morning unfolded, so did the clouds, the sky became a brilliant azure heralding a hot afternoon. Before that, many of the tourists waited patiently for their individually prepared breakfasts. The long wait was partly due to a party of large Americans (or should that be a large party of Americans, or both) who had come to play golf in West Wales. John Berry chatted with them as if he had known them for life, in fact, John Berry seemed to know people wherever we went! There was time before leaving for Saundersfoot to relax in the newly refurbished public areas of the hotel, stroll onto the beaches or into the bustling town of Tenby.
So, again on time, we left for nearby Saundersfoot. Once again, Shaun made easy work of the steep and windy roads whilst at the same time giving out information about places to eat and local places of interest - and inadvertently providing tourists with answers to MK's quiz! Saundersfoot is a picturesque seaside resort with many good pubs, bars, cafes, seafood shops (ask Shaun) and a Blue Flag beach for everyone to enjoy. Everyone took advantage of this before getting back to Saundersfoot Bowling Club for a 2.30 pm start. It was good to be met by former Pentyrch Bowling Club stalwarts Marilyn and John Lewis and also Anne-Marie K and her boyfriend Pablo. By now the sun was quite strong, although tempered sometimes by a slight breeze. A break for tea and biscuits was very welcome for some. By the end of the match there were quite a few red faces from the effects of the sun. There were also some red faces due to the effect of the results on the green. Overall, Pentyrch lost by 68 shots, a considerable margin. The only winning rink won 17-16 and was skipped by Jan Berry with Barrie Thomas, Keith Capron and Dave Ashmore. The winners of the Black Sheep were Ian Broxton, John Berry, Alan Lowndes and Mel Newton, who went down in style 36-11, conceding a Hot Shot in the process. More speeches and presentations after the match. Everyone went back to the hotel, tired, sunburnt but happy. Thanks to Saundersfoot for your hospitality. Eileen Boddington won guess the shot difference - Oh ye of little faith!
After dinner some guests enjoyed strolling in the warm evening air along the cliffs, some enjoyed the hotel and watching Wales beat Argentina and some went into town to the Buccanner pub and later the Hope and Anchor. There John Berry met more people who knew him. Some more drinking and singing Happy Birthday to Kath rounded off a great day. A small drama involving someone falling off the cliff near the hotel provided some intrigue before going to bed. Thankfully no one was hurt.
So, again on time, we left for nearby Saundersfoot. Once again, Shaun made easy work of the steep and windy roads whilst at the same time giving out information about places to eat and local places of interest - and inadvertently providing tourists with answers to MK's quiz! Saundersfoot is a picturesque seaside resort with many good pubs, bars, cafes, seafood shops (ask Shaun) and a Blue Flag beach for everyone to enjoy. Everyone took advantage of this before getting back to Saundersfoot Bowling Club for a 2.30 pm start. It was good to be met by former Pentyrch Bowling Club stalwarts Marilyn and John Lewis and also Anne-Marie K and her boyfriend Pablo. By now the sun was quite strong, although tempered sometimes by a slight breeze. A break for tea and biscuits was very welcome for some. By the end of the match there were quite a few red faces from the effects of the sun. There were also some red faces due to the effect of the results on the green. Overall, Pentyrch lost by 68 shots, a considerable margin. The only winning rink won 17-16 and was skipped by Jan Berry with Barrie Thomas, Keith Capron and Dave Ashmore. The winners of the Black Sheep were Ian Broxton, John Berry, Alan Lowndes and Mel Newton, who went down in style 36-11, conceding a Hot Shot in the process. More speeches and presentations after the match. Everyone went back to the hotel, tired, sunburnt but happy. Thanks to Saundersfoot for your hospitality. Eileen Boddington won guess the shot difference - Oh ye of little faith!
After dinner some guests enjoyed strolling in the warm evening air along the cliffs, some enjoyed the hotel and watching Wales beat Argentina and some went into town to the Buccanner pub and later the Hope and Anchor. There John Berry met more people who knew him. Some more drinking and singing Happy Birthday to Kath rounded off a great day. A small drama involving someone falling off the cliff near the hotel provided some intrigue before going to bed. Thankfully no one was hurt.
Day 3 Sunday 10th June Pendine
Another scorcher in Tenby for the last morning at the Fourcroft Hotel. Some hardy travellers made the most of the setting and enjoyed a brisk walk down to the beach, others rested as much as possible and enjoyed breakfast in bed! Sadly, today was the time to head back to Pentyrch, but happily there was a visit to Pendine Sands and Pendine Bowling Club in between and the ever-quick wit of our wonderful driver, Shaun to help the day along. The wait for breakfast was not so long as the day before as the Americans had made an early start on a cycling trip. Some tourists took a last stroll along the cliffs enjoying the superb scenery and some looked for signs of where the search and rescue had taken place only a few hours before. The clockwork-like organisation of the tour meant a prompt departure from the Fourcroft Hotel at 11.00 am. Huge thanks to Andrew, Tracey and all the staff at the hotel for making the stay so comfortable and enjoyable and dealing with all our request efficiently and promptly.
The journey to Pendine was interesting, especially as we left the main road and headed towards the coast down the steep and windy B4314. As ever, we needn't have worried as Shaun adeptly drove the coach through some narrow gaps and around some snake-like bends. We arrived at Pendine Sands to see the waves on the horizon of a windswept beach of panoramic proportions, disappearing into the distance. The tourists refreshed themselves with tea, coffee and ice-creams and wondered at the speed breaking records that had taken place in the past by Malcolm Campbell in Bluebird and JG Parry-Thomas in Babs.
At 1.00 pm, on time again, we arrived at Pendine Bowling Club, on the site of a former Ministry of Defence base. The tourists were regaled with a magnificent feast, the highlights of which were home made scotch eggs and a splendid coffee cake. A spider preceded the match and was won by a local player (knew the green). The match was close and once again the Tyrchs had to fight hard. They gave a better account of themselves than the previous day, losing by only 13 shots. Jean Standen made the best guess, predicting a deficit of 14 for Pentyrch. Tim Morgan,Eileen Boddington, Howard Thomas and Myra Andrews, the best rink, won the diddler. Mark Krawiecki, Margaret Ellmes, Alan Lowndes and Margaret Krawiecka won the Black Sheep, meaning that Alan Lowndes had achieved the dubious and unprecedented feat of winning a hat-trick of sheep on one tour! By now, the heat, drink and fatigue of a three day tour were taking their toll and the tourists waved a tired goodbye to the generous hosts of Pendine. Thank you to Pendine for the excellent hospitality and friendship. The return journey took us through the historic town of Laugharne as Mark read out the answers to the tour quiz. A joint effort by Brian Ilbery and Howard Thomas gave them top spot. John Berry won the "Name the Tour Competition" with "Tyrchs tantalised at Tenby, slaughtered at Saundersfoot, pacified at Pendine sheep hunt tour." The final award of the tour was Tourist of the Year which went most deservedly to Alan Lowndes for his hat-trick of sheep, taken in good humour and with great dignity. Well done, Alan! A slight delay at Margam, due to an accident on the M4 meant a delayed return to Pentyrch but gave us an opportunity to reminisce about previous tours recorded on DVD. We also had the chance to laugh at some more of Shaun's funny jokes. Thanks from Margaret and Mark to all the tourists, to Shaun, the Foucroft Hotel, Tenby United Rugby Club, the three bowls clubs and anyone else who made the weekend a successful and happy one.
You can read our thanks to Shaun and Jervis Coaches on their Facebook page here: en-gb.facebook.com/pg/www.jerviscoaches.co.uk/posts/,