The Community Bowls Match Challenge 2010

26 August 2010

Club captain George Riley and members model the new shirt

Angela Drinkwater of the University recognises a good shot

Bowlers Brave the Elements in High Spirits

Despite relentless rainfall and driving winds, over 30 people came along to the Derby West End Bowls Club on Thursday 19 August for the annual University of Derby Community Bowls Challenge.

Undeterred by the pouring rain, teams drawn from the local community took on University staff in what proved to be a very wet but very fun evening of bowling action!

And through the showers, winners emerged. Club members Brian Taylor, John Musson and Steve Jordan came out on top, racking up the highest points tally of the evening. They were awarded the victors trophy for their winning efforts.

And where there are winners, there are also, regrettably, losers. This year the unenviable accolade of runners-up fell upon a team from the community charity Umbrella. Lindsay Walker, John Russell and Rob Kohut were awarded the wooden spoon during a warm hearted ceremony in the club house, where delicious food from Hana Puri helped everyone to warm up after braving the rain.

New tops

Members of the club, based in Markeaton Street in the heart of Derby's historic West End, were sporting their brand new club top, designed by Fashion students at the University.

The smart top features a white front, back and collar with royal blue sleeves and side strips. It has the University of Derby's logo on the right sleeve and a new breast badge showing the figure of Britannia - inspired by the statue that once stood on top of the University's Britannia Mill site next door to the club - with the DWEBC initials underneath.

It was designed by University Fashion Studies degree graduate Ravinder Matharu, 23, from Birmingham. He received a £100 prize. Around 100 tops were then manufactured.

George Riley, President of Derby West End Bowls Club, said: "There can't be many local bowls clubs that have their own team strip designer.

"It looks great when we're in competition, which is very good for team spirit."

Winning partnership

The University of Derby Community Bowls Challenge was a fantastic success, and helped to strengthen ties between the University, Club and community of the West End.

Peter Walker, Community Relations Officer at the University, added:

"This partnership between the club and the University has proved of great benefit to both of us.

"Like many other University staff I have become a member of the Derby West End Bowls Club, and I think it's great that we can support each other as neighbours in this very special corner of the city".