****** 30th ANNIVERSARY 2021 ******
Welcome to our 30th Anniversary page. In 2021, we are celebrating 30 years' existence - here you will find articles, features and pictures that recall our club's founding in 1991 and what has happened from then to the present day. We would welcome any members, present and former to share any memories or pictures here. If you look on the Latest News Archive pages and match reports there is a lot to jog your memories... MK
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Pentyrch Bowling Club - The first 25 years.
There is a link below to an extensive article written by Tim Morgan. Tim was a member of the bowls club for many years and is fondly remembered by everyone who knows him. Tim is a legend. A former Captain, Secretary, tour organiser, gentleman and comedian with a sharp and dry wit. He was a major influence in the club using social media in its early days and also continued to increase the use of the club's website after Bill Monnington had had the foresight to start it. Tim was a resident of the village for a long time and knew many of the residents and bowlers well. If you know Tim, you will remember many of the anecdotes, especially of club tours, and history here. And if you don't know him you can still learn about the club's history up until about five years ago and enjoy and see why many of us love the club and the game. Read here.
There is a link below to an extensive article written by Tim Morgan. Tim was a member of the bowls club for many years and is fondly remembered by everyone who knows him. Tim is a legend. A former Captain, Secretary, tour organiser, gentleman and comedian with a sharp and dry wit. He was a major influence in the club using social media in its early days and also continued to increase the use of the club's website after Bill Monnington had had the foresight to start it. Tim was a resident of the village for a long time and knew many of the residents and bowlers well. If you know Tim, you will remember many of the anecdotes, especially of club tours, and history here. And if you don't know him you can still learn about the club's history up until about five years ago and enjoy and see why many of us love the club and the game. Read here.
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Second New Members' Competition - Friday 10th September
Despite some variable and testing weather conditions, another 10 of our new members played a three woods singles competition on September 10th. As in the previous new members’ competition in August, each of the 10 bowlers played three, 7 ends, matches in the morning. The four bowlers with most points progressed to the semi-finals (9 ends) and the winners of those contested the final (11 ends). Paul Quarry topped the group stage table with 5 points (two wins and a draw) and four other players - Andrew Herbert, Darren Lewis, Gerry Davies and Roger Parkinson - each got 4 points. Unfortunately, Darren had the worst shot difference and so did not progress to the semi-finals. Gerry Davies and Andrew Herbert won their semi-final matches, by 9-3 and 9-6 respectively. In what proved to be an exceptionally close final, Andrew Herbert beat Gerry Davies by 8 shots to 7, winning the tournament with the very last shot of the final. Many congratulations to Andrew on his triumph and well done to all the others players for making the competition such an enjoyable and memorable one. Despite the weather conditions, the tournament was played in a great spirit and the players got to know each other much better. Many thanks to the different markers: Jan Berry, Eileen Boddington, Ian Broxton, John Eagle, Bryn Owen, Iain Russell and Peter Stuart. Thanks also to John Davies for taking some great photos, some of which are included with this report.
Brian Ilbery 10th September. pdf version here
Despite some variable and testing weather conditions, another 10 of our new members played a three woods singles competition on September 10th. As in the previous new members’ competition in August, each of the 10 bowlers played three, 7 ends, matches in the morning. The four bowlers with most points progressed to the semi-finals (9 ends) and the winners of those contested the final (11 ends). Paul Quarry topped the group stage table with 5 points (two wins and a draw) and four other players - Andrew Herbert, Darren Lewis, Gerry Davies and Roger Parkinson - each got 4 points. Unfortunately, Darren had the worst shot difference and so did not progress to the semi-finals. Gerry Davies and Andrew Herbert won their semi-final matches, by 9-3 and 9-6 respectively. In what proved to be an exceptionally close final, Andrew Herbert beat Gerry Davies by 8 shots to 7, winning the tournament with the very last shot of the final. Many congratulations to Andrew on his triumph and well done to all the others players for making the competition such an enjoyable and memorable one. Despite the weather conditions, the tournament was played in a great spirit and the players got to know each other much better. Many thanks to the different markers: Jan Berry, Eileen Boddington, Ian Broxton, John Eagle, Bryn Owen, Iain Russell and Peter Stuart. Thanks also to John Davies for taking some great photos, some of which are included with this report.
Brian Ilbery 10th September. pdf version here
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30 Years of Pentyrch Bowling Club by Iain Russell.
Below is a wonderful and fascinating recollection of how the club was formed and reflections on why the club and the game of bowls is so important to many of us - past, present and future. It is written one of our original members, Iain Russell who continues to play and generously contribute to the club. MK
This year Pentyrch Bowling Club should have been celebrating its 30th anniversary since its opening in 1991, but the pandemic got in the way.
However, that is not the true beginning of the club, that moment came almost 40 years ago followed a public meeting in Pentyrch Rugby Club the seed of which came from Norman Follis MBE who made the suggestion of the village having a Bowling Club in the early 1980’s. Norman was very keen to play himself, which was quite remarkable as he had been blind for most of his adult life.
A committee was formed and the first meeting was held at Field Terrace, Pentyrch – the home of Marjorie and Donald Wibley – on the 12th May 1983. Present at that meeting were George Lamerton (elected Chairman), Shirley Cox (Secretary), David George, Marj and Don Wibley.
Creating the bowling green from nothing was a labour of love, determination and hard work. There were times recorded in the early minute of the committee when it seemed that the obstacles to be overcome were too great and would bring an end to their plans but they were a determined group who worked tirelessly for eight years to succeed.
The physical creation of a bowling green was the main task. Building up the ground levels to create as reasonably flat but free draining surface was difficult. Early ground preparation – measurements and excavation were done by Roger Jones, John Berry and Russell Howell with the aid of a landscape gardener from Miskin. With their local knowledge, pulling in quite a few favours and with help from the membership, they achieved their goal and a bowling green was born.
For me, my involvement was a little later in this story.
My wife and I had moved to Pentyrch in 1987 from our home in Scotland via a four year stay in Birmingham. I had joined Whitchurch Bowling Club, as I was already a keen bowler, having been introduced to the game by my father in my early teens. It was at Whitchurch that I met David George and it was David who told me of the bowling green project. Whither it was David’s enthusiasm or my desire to be involved in some aspect of village life, I was hooked.
Sunday mornings working at the green became a regular feature of my week as we dug ditches to lay pipes and cables and planted trees to give shelter from the wind. For someone who sat behind a desk five days a week this was hard but enjoyable work and more importantly I made new friendships which have lasted the years.
Finally, at 2.30pm on Sunday 19th May 1991 the Pentyrch Bowling green was officially opened by Dr Kim Howells MP.
The first year was a learning process for the club, not just for those new to the game, but also in navigating the politics of the bowling world in South Wales.
During that first year the club pulled together, under the Chairmanship of Mike Morgan, as a single entity, not following the traditional gender lines of a male club with a “Ladies” section. We created male and female teams in order to play against other clubs in friendly matches, with a view to entering the league systems.
In 1992 we entered the leagues, I was privileged to be elected as Men’s Captain and Jan Berry was elected Ladies’ Captain. Our green was far from perfect and was frequently commented upon, never complimentary, but we did receive some positive help and advice, particularly from Whitchurch and St Fagan’s Bowling Clubs.
At the end of that first competitive year we knew we had a bowling club we just had to build it and establish it as part of bowling community.
Those early years had ups and downs but we slowly developed not only the green but the facilities. Harold Evans a retired former Head Groundsman for Cardiff Council offered his services in 1993 and the change in the playing surface over the next 7 years was remarkable. From 2000 to the present day Bill Malcolm has been our Groundsman and the surface is now unrecognisable from when we started.
These past thirty years have not only established the club within the local bowling community but also as a regular touring side with trips to foreign parts across the bridge and to the west. These trips have had a knock on effect in that a number of touring sides now want to come to play Pentyrch.
Is Pentyrch Bowling Club one of the top competitive clubs in the South East Wales region – no, but do we enjoy competing with other clubs – yes, and we have had a few successes along the way. More importantly, as a club we warmly embrace all aspects of what bowls gives us, friendship, comradeship and great enjoyment.
Personally, I enjoy the competitive aspect of the game, I like to win, however, for me, being part of this club has given me so much more than a few moments of glory. I have made friendships, shared my enthusiasm for the game as a coach to new players, and met interesting people from different walks of life. I have even had the pleasure of introducing my own son to the game which I subsequently learned to regret as he defeated me in the men’s singles final!
There are a great many people I have not mentioned who have played a significant part in the life of Pentyrch Bowling Club; many are no longer with us, but hopefully their passion and drive is still within the fabric of the club. I hope, in some way, the small part I have played adds positively to their vision and enormous contributions.
Here’s to the next 30 years!
Iain Russell September 2021
pdf version here
However, that is not the true beginning of the club, that moment came almost 40 years ago followed a public meeting in Pentyrch Rugby Club the seed of which came from Norman Follis MBE who made the suggestion of the village having a Bowling Club in the early 1980’s. Norman was very keen to play himself, which was quite remarkable as he had been blind for most of his adult life.
A committee was formed and the first meeting was held at Field Terrace, Pentyrch – the home of Marjorie and Donald Wibley – on the 12th May 1983. Present at that meeting were George Lamerton (elected Chairman), Shirley Cox (Secretary), David George, Marj and Don Wibley.
Creating the bowling green from nothing was a labour of love, determination and hard work. There were times recorded in the early minute of the committee when it seemed that the obstacles to be overcome were too great and would bring an end to their plans but they were a determined group who worked tirelessly for eight years to succeed.
The physical creation of a bowling green was the main task. Building up the ground levels to create as reasonably flat but free draining surface was difficult. Early ground preparation – measurements and excavation were done by Roger Jones, John Berry and Russell Howell with the aid of a landscape gardener from Miskin. With their local knowledge, pulling in quite a few favours and with help from the membership, they achieved their goal and a bowling green was born.
For me, my involvement was a little later in this story.
My wife and I had moved to Pentyrch in 1987 from our home in Scotland via a four year stay in Birmingham. I had joined Whitchurch Bowling Club, as I was already a keen bowler, having been introduced to the game by my father in my early teens. It was at Whitchurch that I met David George and it was David who told me of the bowling green project. Whither it was David’s enthusiasm or my desire to be involved in some aspect of village life, I was hooked.
Sunday mornings working at the green became a regular feature of my week as we dug ditches to lay pipes and cables and planted trees to give shelter from the wind. For someone who sat behind a desk five days a week this was hard but enjoyable work and more importantly I made new friendships which have lasted the years.
Finally, at 2.30pm on Sunday 19th May 1991 the Pentyrch Bowling green was officially opened by Dr Kim Howells MP.
The first year was a learning process for the club, not just for those new to the game, but also in navigating the politics of the bowling world in South Wales.
During that first year the club pulled together, under the Chairmanship of Mike Morgan, as a single entity, not following the traditional gender lines of a male club with a “Ladies” section. We created male and female teams in order to play against other clubs in friendly matches, with a view to entering the league systems.
In 1992 we entered the leagues, I was privileged to be elected as Men’s Captain and Jan Berry was elected Ladies’ Captain. Our green was far from perfect and was frequently commented upon, never complimentary, but we did receive some positive help and advice, particularly from Whitchurch and St Fagan’s Bowling Clubs.
At the end of that first competitive year we knew we had a bowling club we just had to build it and establish it as part of bowling community.
Those early years had ups and downs but we slowly developed not only the green but the facilities. Harold Evans a retired former Head Groundsman for Cardiff Council offered his services in 1993 and the change in the playing surface over the next 7 years was remarkable. From 2000 to the present day Bill Malcolm has been our Groundsman and the surface is now unrecognisable from when we started.
These past thirty years have not only established the club within the local bowling community but also as a regular touring side with trips to foreign parts across the bridge and to the west. These trips have had a knock on effect in that a number of touring sides now want to come to play Pentyrch.
Is Pentyrch Bowling Club one of the top competitive clubs in the South East Wales region – no, but do we enjoy competing with other clubs – yes, and we have had a few successes along the way. More importantly, as a club we warmly embrace all aspects of what bowls gives us, friendship, comradeship and great enjoyment.
Personally, I enjoy the competitive aspect of the game, I like to win, however, for me, being part of this club has given me so much more than a few moments of glory. I have made friendships, shared my enthusiasm for the game as a coach to new players, and met interesting people from different walks of life. I have even had the pleasure of introducing my own son to the game which I subsequently learned to regret as he defeated me in the men’s singles final!
There are a great many people I have not mentioned who have played a significant part in the life of Pentyrch Bowling Club; many are no longer with us, but hopefully their passion and drive is still within the fabric of the club. I hope, in some way, the small part I have played adds positively to their vision and enormous contributions.
Here’s to the next 30 years!
Iain Russell September 2021
pdf version here
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30th Anniversary New Members' Competition - Monday 16th August 2021
30th Anniversary New members’ Competition Fourteen of our new members, 7 ladies and 7 men, enjoyed a three woods singles competition on the 15th and 16th August. To reduce the 14 to 12, two preliminary matches were played in not very pleasant weather on the 15th. The weather improved considerably on the 16th and the 12 bowlers were allocated to one of three groups for the group stage of the competition. Each bowler played three, 7 ends, matches in the morning against the other bowlers in their group. The winner of each group, plus the best runner-up, played in the semi-finals (9 ends) in the afternoon, before the final (11 ends) was contested.
The three group winners were Adrian Bevan, Steve Bollschweiler and Bob Hopkins. They were joined in the semi-finals by Gordon Tucker as the best runner-up, with two wins and a shot difference of +8. Two other bowlers - Cathryn John and Christine Pegg - also won two matches, but their shot differences were -1 and +2 respectively. The two semi-finals were closely fought, with Steve Bollschweiler and Bob Hopkins proceeding to the final. This was won by Steve Bollschweiler by 13 shots to 7.
Many congratulations to Steve on his victory. Congratulations also to all the other players who helped to make this a memorable tournament. The atmosphere was great and I’m sure the new members got to know each other much better. Many thanks to the different markers: Jan Berry, Liz Cugley, Peter Stuart, Bryn Owen, Brian Ilbery, John Eagle, John Davies and Viv Grandfield. Thanks also to John Davies and Bill Malcolm for the various photos, some of which will accompany this article.
Brian Ilbery August 2021 pdf version here
The three group winners were Adrian Bevan, Steve Bollschweiler and Bob Hopkins. They were joined in the semi-finals by Gordon Tucker as the best runner-up, with two wins and a shot difference of +8. Two other bowlers - Cathryn John and Christine Pegg - also won two matches, but their shot differences were -1 and +2 respectively. The two semi-finals were closely fought, with Steve Bollschweiler and Bob Hopkins proceeding to the final. This was won by Steve Bollschweiler by 13 shots to 7.
Many congratulations to Steve on his victory. Congratulations also to all the other players who helped to make this a memorable tournament. The atmosphere was great and I’m sure the new members got to know each other much better. Many thanks to the different markers: Jan Berry, Liz Cugley, Peter Stuart, Bryn Owen, Brian Ilbery, John Eagle, John Davies and Viv Grandfield. Thanks also to John Davies and Bill Malcolm for the various photos, some of which will accompany this article.
Brian Ilbery August 2021 pdf version here
Letter of thanks from Gordon Tucker here.
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Huge thanks to new members, Christine Pegg and Gordon Tucker for providing the first article for our 30th Anniversary page. It's appropriate that it takes us right up to the present day. In it, they sum up so well some of the reasons why we are part of this club and why anyone thinking of taking up this great game can rest assured of a wonderful experience and welcome.
In the bleak, `locked-down’ winter of 2020/21 Christine and I agreed that we should respond to the appeal for new members at the club and take up the offer of a taster session or two. Between us we had little or no experience of bowls, certainly not at a bowls club, but we were both attracted by the idea of playing.
After several telephone calls with a very accommodating Brian Ilbery, we arranged a couple of sessions with him, during which he introduced us, very expertly, to the basics of bowls. Brian’s kindness and encouragement left us in no doubt that we would join the club, which we did almost immediately. And we haven’t looked back! Despite our status as ‘novices’, we are now bowling in league and friendly matches against other clubs in and around Cardiff. We also participate regularly in the Monday ‘Spoons’ Evening, where club members play against each other in teams drawn out of a hat. Such has been our enthusiasm that we have also joined two of the sub-groups (Christine, the Gardening Sub-Group, and myself, the Maintenance Sub-Group). In that way, we can both contribute to the week-to-week running of the Club. We have even brought two of our grandchildren (Mari and Ted, 10 and 7 years old) to add to their already substantial sports experience, using the club’s sets of junior bowls. Sadly, an enjoyable first 20 minutes came to an end rather abruptly when the heavens opened and before long the green was more like a lake!
As a rule, it takes some considerable time for new members to integrate fully into the social structure of a club, to feel comfortable, to feel accepted and a part of it all. Here at Pentyrch, this has happened surprisingly quickly, and there are reasons for this. Firstly, it would be difficult to find a friendlier group of people. Our Monday ‘Spoons’ evenings are a perfect blend of gentle, friendly competition and enjoyable social interaction. Furthermore, they have given us the opportunity to experience playing in the various positions in a team (Lead, Second, Third and Skip). In the potentially daunting – especially as beginners – league and friendly encounters against other clubs, the skips have gone out of their way to be supportive and encouraging, even when, at times, our lack of experience has shown.
Pentyrch Bowling Club is a community, a community to which we are happy to belong and contribute, not only through our annual subscription but also voluntarily, in the activities of our respective sub-groups.
And beyond the sporting and social aspects of the club, what an extremely pleasant way to spend an hour or two up here bowling, under Garth Mountain and amidst the vast, green expanse of Parc y Dwrlyn!
Gordon Tucker and Christine Pegg, Radyr. August 2021 pdf version here.
