Community Bowls Match Challenge 2012
23 August 2012
Gold Cup Winners: Pat Pennick, Joan Mercer and David Bryson with Peter Walker and John Vale
Silver Cup Winners: David Atkin, Derek Barrell and Mick Hand
Wooden Spoon Winners: Alison Baker, Selina Alton, Horace Gregory and Lorraine Hand
The sun was shining on a quintessentially English setting for the fourth annual University of Derby Community Bowls Club Challenge on Wednesday August 8, at Derby West End Bowls Club.
With an ever growing attendance, almost 60 people including bowls club members, University staff and people from the community came along to this year's event.
Twelve teams filled the green, with experienced players and beginners teaming up to create a great evening of enthusiasm, tactic sharing and fun. As the sun set and the games came to a close players eagerly made their way to the clubhouse for food, drinks and trophies.
Once again a delicious chicken curry and vegetable curry was provided by the Hana Piru restaurant, based in Derby's Westfield Centre, and enjoyed by everyone over the post-game analysis.
In true Olympic spirit there were three winning teams this year with trophies presented by John Vale, Bowls Club Treasurer, and Peter Walker, Community Relations Officer, at the University.
Winners; Joan Mercer, Pat Pennick and David Bryson received the prestigious gold cup, with David Atkin, Derek Barrell and Mick Hand picking up the silver cup. Finally, the much anticipated and traditional wooden spoon was awarded to Alison Baker, Lorraine Hand, Horace Gregory and Selina Alton receiving bronze.
Anthony Barke from the bowls club said: "After the game there was a real buzz around the table about how we take this forward. I think this event has created an increased feeling of involvement by our members, with a wish to develop the connection with the University and community even further, benefiting all parties".
The clubhouse bar stayed open as discussions about the evening's games continued late into the evening. Thoughts turned to celebration ideas for the clubs milestone centenary next year (2013) and how to include new and younger players to the game.
This year's event attracted a range of age groups to play and get involved, from a two-year-old to 80 year old, which is a great advert for the game. Bowls caters for all ages and, being part of the West End Bowls Club, gives people a great opportunity to enjoy the open air in a green area of Derby.
Read all about the Community Bowls Match Challenge form 2010 and 2011.
For more information about this University of Derby Community Relations news story contact Jason Nichols on 01332 592844 or email
j.nichols@derby.ac.uk
