Hesketh Arms Bowling Club

To The Hesketh Arms BC Committee and Members

I hope this update finds you well and you are getting into the swing of the bowls season. 

April has started off where March left off with lots of wet and windy weather, in fact as I write this is looks like we are in for some more blowy conditions early next week.is

My cutting regime for the green is now in full swing and I cut the green on Monday, Weds and Friday mornings.  If there is a competition on a weekend I will also cut the morning of the comp.  I received some positive feedback about the green after last Sundays first competition of the year, which is always nice however I never take it for granted and I am always looking at taking the green to the next level!

At present the green has a large amount of grass coverage, however not all the grass in the green is welcome……if you look closely when you are next bowling you will see some of the grass has little fluffy heads on them. This grass is called POA and is weed grass and one we don’t want too much of in the green.  POA blows in on the wind and takes hold very quickly and has the ability to self-seed itself and those fluffy seed heads impact the roll and smoothness of the green.

So how do we deal with it I hear you ask?

Over the next 7 days I will be attacking the POA by means of Verti-Cutting.  This method involves changing the cassette in the mower to one that enters the green vertically and instead of cutting the grass in a normal way it will pull out all the bad stuff and leaving the good grasses alone, the amount of ‘rubbish’ that will be removed is always a sight to behold especially when you also look at the green and it would seem I haven’t even done anything!! Weather permitting, I will be doing this Sunday 14^th at around 6pm If anyone would like to see it in action.

Following the verti-cutting I will then apply a liquiq feed to help with growth and to give the good grasses (fescue and bent) the nudge to fill in where POA has been removed.

I am conscious that the season has now started and trying to fit in these processes without it impacting a team or match is very hard, so if id does affect one of your games I am sorry!

The bare areas are still slow to get going and if no germination is noticed within the next 7 days I will re-evaluate and think about a soil transfer (remove some cores and replace with better soil) Thanks, Andy

NEWSLETTER – APRIL 2024
SPRING PAIRS

The first club competition of the season was held on Sunday and despite the windy and showery conditions, 26 members took part in the Spring Pairs. This is a random doubles, with pairings drawn on the day.

In the top half of the draw, Pauline Duncan and Jim Halsall progressed to the semi-finals with wins against Laurie Townson and Darren Vincent (21-16) and Peter Smith and Sue Wignall (21-18). Their opponents in the semi-final were the strongly fancied pair of Sue Davies and Steve McManus, who had reached the last four with two convincing wins. However, it was Pauline and Jim who got to the final with a comfortable 21-9 victory.

The bottom half the draw saw Noel Morgans paired with new member Kevin Wilcox and they reached the final with wins against Dave Bedford and Chrissie McManus (21-16) and in a closely fought semi-final, Mike Milne and Gareth Taylor (21-19).

The final seemed to be going the way of Noel and Kevin, as they led 13-9 and 15-11 but Pauline and Jim had a winning run of 6 ends to take the lead at 19-15 and although they were pegged back to 19-17, they were able to score the two singles required to win 21-19. Congratulations to Pauline on her first competition win at the Hesketh Arms. This was Jim’s fourth pairs win at the Hesketh, having previously won the Spring Pairs in 2020. Well done also to Noel and Kevin on reaching the final.

A plate competition was organised for pairs losing their first game and this was won by Chris Harding and Derek Wignall, with a win against Janice Hobson and Kevin Leddy in the final.

The presentations were made by our new Vice-President, Bill Bloor.

Many thanks to all those who supported this competition. We look forward to another good turnout when we stage the Rose Bowl singles handicap on Sunday 12^th May. To enter, please register at the green on the day by 11.45 am for a 12 noon start.

SOUTHPORT FEDERATION

Having gained promotion to Division 5 of the National League for 2024, Southport play their first fixture on Sunday 14^th April, when they take on Heywood.

The home leg is being played at Tarleton Bowling Club and the Hesketh Arms will be represented by Kez Adams, Andy Draper and Chris Porter. Travelling to play in the away leg at Hopwood Rec in Heywood will be Darren Edgerley, Mike Milne and Fergal Wright.

The match starts at 2.00pm and spectators will be very welcome.

SPRING PAIRS – SUNDAY 7^th APRIL

The first internal club competition of the season will take place on Sunday 7^th April, when we will be playing for the Spring Pairs. This will be a random doubles, with pairings drawn on the day and there will be a plate competition for pairs losing their first game.

To enter, please register at the green by 11.45 am, for a prompt 12 noon start.

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 2024

The fourth staging of the Hesketh Arms’ Champion of Champions will take place on Sunday 5^th May, starting at 12 noon. For this event, all the club competition and merit winners from the previous season are invited to take part.

The qualifiers for 2024 are as follows :-

Kez Adams – Spring Pairs ; Floodlit Trophy

Sue Andersen – Spring Pairs

Dave Bedford – Last Chance Cup

Bill Bloor – Falcons Merit ; Merlins Merit ; Hawks Merit

Andy Draper – Vice-Presidents Trophy ; Championship Cup

Darren Edgerley – President’s Cup ; Floodlit Trophy ; Coronation Cup ; Owls Merit ; Vultures Merit

Jim Halsall – Eagles Merit ; Kites Merit ; Ospreys Merit

Alan Hatton – Chairman’s Shield ; Sparrowhawks Merit

John Hughes – Hobbies Merit

Noreen Lewis – Ladies’ Championship ; Buzzards Merit

Steve McManus – Rose Bowl

Graham Meadow – Chairman’s Shield

Mike Milne – Blowick Cup

Brian Sutton – Last Chance Cup ; Kestrels Merit

Fergal Wright – Vice-Presidents Trophy

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – CLUB COMPETITIONS 2024

Sunday 12th May – Rose Bowl – a singles handicap, with a plate event for players losing their first game.

Saturday 18th May – Vice-Presidents Pairs Trophy – this will be a non-random doubles, with no plate.

Saturday 15th June – Ladies’ Championship – ladies’ singles – early stages to be played in a group format.

Sunday 23rd June – Championship Cup – men’s singles, played of scratch with no plate.

Sunday 30th June – President’s Cup – singles handicap with plate.

Sunday 7th July – Chairman’s Shield – non-random doubles with no plate.

Sunday 28th July – Coronation Cup – singles handicap with plate.

To be confirmed – Floodlit Trophy and Last Chance Cup

BERNARD O’MALLEY VICE-PRESIDENT’S TROPHY – OPEN DOUBLES

Entries are now being taken for the Club’s Open Doubles competition. The Bernard O’Malley Vice-President’s Trophy will take place on Saturday 27^th April.

The fee is £10 per pair with starting times at 10.00 am, 10.45 am, 11.30 am and 12.15 pm.

The competition is again being sponsored by the Birkdale Insurance Group and total prize money will be £540.00, paid out as follows :-

Winners – £200.00 ; Runners-Up – £100.00

Semi-Finalists – £60.00 ; Quarter-Finalists – £30.00

To enter please contact Chris Harding (07761733024) or Mike Milne (07752352065 / michaelmilne66@outlook.com )

All games will be 21 up, with 3 on the card.

LV LEAGUE – HANDICAP SINGLES

Entries are now being taken for the LV League Handicap Singles competition, which is open to our members who play in the Southport LV League.

The qualifying rounds will take place on Tuesday 16^th April, at various venues, with a 6.30 pm start. The final rounds will be held at Crossens Bowling Club on Sunday 21^st April, starting at 1.00 pm.

As the Hesketh Arms Bowling Club holds the Presidency of the LV League for 2024, it would be fitting to have good representation in the League’s competitions this season. Last year, this competition was won by Darren Edgerley.

To enter, please notify Mike Milne or Chris Harding. There is an entry fee of £3.00 and the deadline for entries is Monday 1^st April.

LANCASHIRE MERIT QUALIFIER

The Club is pleased to have been asked to host a qualifying round for the Lancashire County Merit. This will take place on Saturday 4^th May and we will be asking for volunteer helpers a little nearer the time. Although our members cannot enter on their own green, there are plenty of venues staging qualifying sessions. Please see below for full details :-

Qualifying rounds will be held at the following clubs. Practice will be held at 10am and matches start at 10.30am. Entry Fee is £10. Entries to be sent to Graham Royles by 2nd April 2024. Entry fees to be paid 7 days before the date. 1 in 4 to qualify.

13 April – Golborne Parkside BC – WA3 3HG

14 April – Monk Sports – WA1 4NF

20 April – Rivington BC – BL6 7SE

21 April – Padgate BC – WA1 4HU

27 April – Atherton Botanic Gardens – M46 9AE

28 April – Platts Lane BC – WN2 3RA

4 May – Hesketh Arms BC – PR9 7NA

11 May – Leigh BC – WN7 2HA

12 May – Edgeworth BC – BL7 0AP

19 May – FINAL – Grappenhall Ex-Servicemen’s Club, WA4 2QG

To enter contact Graham Royles (07488 266 477) or by email grahamroyles195@btinternet.com. payment can be made by bank transfer to A/C Name: L.C.C.G.B.A., Sort Code: 30-19-56, A/C Number: 00809434 (Quote name in reference field) or by cheque payable to L.C.C.G.B.A. and posted to Mr J.K. Andrews, 64 Shrewsbury Road, Bolton, BL1 4NN.

COMMUNICATION – NEW WHATSAPP GROUP

As a committee, we try to keep our members informed on club matters as much as we possibly can. The website is regularly updated and emails are sent out frequently. If you do not receive our emails but would like to, please contact George Hitchmough at :-

secretary@hesketharmsbowlingclub.co.uk

Over the last couple of years, we have been using our league teams’ Whatsapp groups as an occasional means of sending out information. It has been suggested that we try setting up a group for any of our members who do not play for one of our teams. The group would be used to send out reminders about club events or to assist in arranging working parties. It would be used sparingly and anyone who joined would, of course, be free to leave the group at any time. If you wish to be added to the group, please send a message to Mike Milne on 07752352065.

AWARDS NIGHT RAFFLE

Thanks again to all those who contributed to the success of the Awards Night and to the raffle in particular, which raised £168 towards club funds. In addition, we must also  thank Jon Roberts for his generous donations towards the buffet – apologies for this not being included in the initial report.

ROUND ROBINS

The Round Robins will commence on Tuesday 26^th of March and every Friday and Tuesday thereafter.

Good Friday will be included.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Sunday 7th April – Spring Pairs – a random doubles, with pairings drawn on the day. There will be a plate competition for pairs losing their first game.

Sunday 12th May – Rose Bowl – a singles handicap, with a plate event for players losing their first game.

Saturday 18th May – Vice-Presidents Pairs Trophy – this will be a non-random doubles, with no plate.

All the above the competitions will start at 12 noon. To enter, please register at the green on the day by 11.45 am.

Green Update – March 2024

To The Hesketh Arms Bowling Club Members,

Happy new bowling season! With the green now open, I thought now would be a good time to give an update on the green and where I think it is at.

As you will all be aware we have not had the best of winters weather wise, in fact it will go down as one as the wettest ever recorded, so where does this put the green and how does it affect preparation?

End of season renovations went well, and everything seemed to go to plan. The green was heavily scarified, aerated, overseeded and top dressed.  The strike rate on the seed has been fantastic and we just have a couple of weak/bare areas that are the result of the soil becoming hydrophobic during the hot spells we had, more on this later.

With the amount of rain we have had, getting a mower onto the green has been difficult but not impossible, we are very lucky that the green drains well.   The height of cut is gradually coming down, but I have been in no rush to get it to ‘match’ height. The health of the grass has been my priority since the start of the year and I will now start to reduce the height, thin out the sward and increase the speed of the green over the coming weeks.  There could be a few more frosts to come so I don’t want to rush these processes.  You will notice that the run-offs into the gutter aren’t as short as many would like them, this is deliberate and I will rectify this once the green is dry enough to grip the mower properly and not slide off into the gutters causing damage and ripping the turf.

As mentioned earlier, we do have a couple of weak areas that need some TLC.  My plan with these is to seed and dress them in the coming days and cover with a germination sheet, not ideal but it will be just 2 small areas that I am hoping you are happy to bowl around.  The reason these areas are slow to come good is due to the soil becoming hydrophobic during last Summer’s hot spells. When a soil is hydrophobic it repels water and doesn’t attract it.  Throwing seed into these areas will be like throwing it into hot lava.  To combat this happening again I will apply a granular wetting agent on Monday and this will last 4/5 months which will help to keep the green hydrated, whilst not need to water very much at all.

I could talk about grass for hours so if you see me around the green and want to know a bit more about the processes then just ask!

Andy Bate

AWARDS EVENING

Many thanks to all those who supported the Club’s Awards & Social Evening on Saturday, which took place at the Churchtown Conservative Club. The evening was held to celebrate members’ achievements from the 2023 season. 

As usual the evening was compered by our Chairman, Chris Harding, who announced the winners and runners-up in our internal competitions and the team merit awards. The prizes were presented by our 2023 President, Peter Smith. These were reported through the website and regular newsletters throughout the year and congratulations go to all the successful players. 

The final presentations are made to the Team of the Year and the Club Member of the Year. The Team of the Year award went to the Vultures, who had another excellent season in the Burscough & Lathom League. Having won the 1^st Division Championship in 2022, they put up a strong defence of their title but in the end had to settle for the runners-up spot, finishing just four points behind champions Banks St. Stephen’s. They did, however, win the League’s Knockout Trophy, defeating Burscough RBL ‘A’ in the final, played at Holmeswood Bowling Club. 

The Club Member of the Year for 2023 deservedly went to Jeff Brown. Jeff has been captain of the Falcons in the Southport LV League for several years and last year took over running the Hobbies in the Southport Veterans’ League at very short notice. Out league teams would be unable to function without people willing to organise them and we thank Jeff for all that he has done over the years.

The awards were followed by a buffet, prepared by Gill from the Conservative Club and a quiz arranged by Chris Harding, with our Vice-Chairman Jason Chapman taking on the role of Quiz Master. 

The Committee would also like to thank the following : –

Simon Abram, the Chairman of the Conservative Club and his committee, for allowing us to use their excellent facilities.

Gill, the Club Steward, for preparing the buffet. Also, to Lilly, for her hard week behind the bar throughout the evening.

Debbie Barnes, for kindly donating desserts.

Kez Adams and Darren Edgerley for their help selling raffle tickets.

Finally, thank you to all those who supported the evening by attending, bringing raffle prizes or contributing donations. We look forward to seeing everyone at the green and wish all our members a successful and enjoyable bowling season in 2024. 

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NEWSLETTER – MARCH 2024

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Many thanks to all those who have paid their subscriptions promptly. Members are reminded that early payment would be appreciated so that the majority of the work involved in the collecting, recording and banking of payments can be completed prior to the start of the season.

The Annual General Meeting set the following subscription rates for the 2024 season :-   

Standard membership subscription – £30.00

Team players’ subscription – £50.00

Payment can be made online directly to the Club’s bank account :

Sort Code : 30 97 88    Account number : 01007849

If paying by bank transfer, please notify Mike Milne by text (07752352065) or email (michaelmilne66@outlook.com)

Alternatively, subscriptions can be sent to Mike Milne (Treasurer) at the following address :-

Mike Milne, 20 Coudray Road, Southport PR9 9NL

AWARDS & SOCIAL EVENING

Names are still being taken for our Awards & Social Evening, which will take place on Saturday 9th March, at the Churchtown Conservative Club, starting at 7.30 pm.

Your support for this event would be appreciated as it is a great opportunity to meet up with your bowling colleagues before the green opens in a couple of weeks’ time.

The evening will include : –

THE PRESENTATION OF AWARDS TO THE CLUB COMPETITION AND MERIT WINNERS FROM THE 2023 SEASON

BUFFET SUPPER ; RAFFLE ; QUIZ

Admission will be priced at just £5.00. To book your place, please contact Chris Harding (07761733024) or Mike Milne (07752352065 / michaelmilne66@outlook.com).

Payment can me directly to the Club’s bank account (please see above for details), by cheque or cash to Mike Milne, or cash payments will be taken on the night.

URGENT APPEAL FOR TEAM PLAYERS

Last week we sent out an email to our members to say that we are urgently looking for additional players for two of our league teams which will have to fold unless we can add some new recruits. Since then, we have had a few expressions of interest, but we could still do with a couple more volunteers to help out the following teams.

FALCONS

The Falcons play in the Southport LV League. This season, the team is due to play in the 1st Division, having been relegated from the Premier Division. This is a more suitable division for players with limited experience. Matches in this league take place mainly on Tuesday evenings, with the possibility of an occasional Wednesday evening game. The LV League is a mixed league open to any bowler.

HOBBIES

The Hobbies are due to play in the 2nd Division of the Southport Veterans’ League and matches take place on Monday afternoons. The league is open to ANY bowler aged 55 or over.

If  any member fancies trying league bowling for the first time, this is an ideal opportunity and you will be given plenty of support by your team mates.

If anyone already playing for any of our teams fancies an extra game, please let us know and we can try and keep these teams going.

In addition to regular players, we would also welcome members willing to sign up for one of these teams, to help out on an occasional basis.

IF INTERESTED IN PLAYING FOR EITHER OF THE ABOVE TEAMS, PLEASE LET AN OFFICER OF THE CLUB KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

SATURDAY 16^th MARCH – OPENING OF THE GREEN – the green will be open for use by members.

TUESDAY 26^th MARCH – FIRST ROUND ROBIN – the popular Round Robins will again be hosted by Peter and Lynne Smith in 2024. Each session will begin at 10.00 am every Tuesday and Friday. Please arrive to register in time for a prompt start.

SUNDAY 7^th APRIL – FIRST CLUB COMPETITION OF THE SEASON – SPRING PAIRS – a random doubles, with pairings drawn on the day. There will be a plate competition for pairs losing their first game.

Please register at the green by 11.45 am in time for a prompt 12 noon start.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Many thanks to those members who attended the Club’s Annual General Meeting, held at the Churchtown Conservative Club on Monday 19^th February. It was very pleasing to see several new members in attendance and we welcome them to the Club. The Committee would also like to thank the Conservative Club for the use of their facilities. 

SUBSCRIPTIONS

The Annual General Meeting set the following subscription rates for the 2024 season :-    
Standard membership subscription – £30.00Team players’ subscription – £50.00
Payment can be made online directly to the Club’s bank account : 
Sort Code : 30 97 88    Account number : 01007849
If paying by bank transfer, please notify Mike Milne by text (07752352065) or email (michaelmilne66@outlook.com)
Alternatively, subscriptions can be sent to Mike Milne (Treasurer) at the following address :- 
Mike Milne, 20 Coudray Road, Southport PR9 9NL

COMMITTEE

The Chairman, Chris Harding, thanked Peter Smith for fulfilling the role of Club President during the 2022 and 2023 seasons and presented him with a gift to mark his two year term of office.  
The newly elected President for 2024 is John Unsworth and we hope he enjoys a successful year. John’s position as Vice-President is taken by Bill Bloor, who we are delighted to welcome on to the committee. We are also pleased that the following his stint as President, Peter Smith is to remain on the Committee and along with Lynne, will continue to organise the twice weekly Round Robins. 
The Chairman (Chris Harding), Vice-Chairman (Jason Chapman), Secretary (George Hitchmough) and Treasurer (Mike Milne) were all re-elected and will continue in their current positions. 

AWARDS & SOCIAL EVENING

Don’t forget to book your place at the Awards & Social Evening, which will take place on Saturday 9^th March, at the Churchtown Conservative Club, starting at 7.30 pm

The evening will include : –
THE PRESENTATION OF AWARDS TO THE CLUB COMPETITION AND MERIT WINNERS FROM THE 2023 SEASON

BUFFET SUPPER ; RAFFLE ; QUIZ
Admission will be priced at just £5.00. To book your place, please contact Chris Harding (07761733024) or Mike Milne (07752352065 / michaelmilne66@outlook.com).
Payment can me directly to the Club’s bank account, by cheque or cash to Mike Milne, or cash payments will be taken on the night.

AWARDS & SOCIAL EVENING

We are pleased to announce that a date has now been set for an AWARDS & SOCIAL EVENING, which will take place at the CHURCHTOWN CONSERVATIVE CLUB on SATURDAY 9^th MARCH, starting at 7.30pm.

The evening will include : –

The presentation of awards to the club competition and team merit winners for the 2023 season

Buffet Supper ; Raffle ; Quiz

Donations of Raffle Prizes would be appreciated.

Admission will be priced at just £5.00. To book your place, please contact Chris Harding (07761733024) or Mike Milne (07752352065 / michaelmilne66@outlook.com).

Payment can be made directly to the Club’s bank account : –

Sort Code : 30 97 88   Account Number : 01007849

Alternatively, cheques made payable to the Hesketh Arms Bowling Club, can be sent to Mike Milne, 20 Coudray Road, Southport PR9 9NL or, cash payments will be taken on the night. 

NEWSLETTER – FEBRUARY 2024

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Members are reminded that the Club’s Annual General Meeting will be held at the Churchtown Conservative Club on Monday, 19^th February, starting at 8.00 pm.

WINTER GREEN MAINTENANCE

Since the end of the 2023 bowling season, work has been carried out on the green in preparation for the 2024 season. We must place on record our appreciation to Mr. Bernard O’Malley and Nationwide Produce for their generous financial support towards the important annual maintenance work, which is vital to keeping the green in good playing condition. Thanks also to our Greenkeeper, Andy Bate for co-ordinating and overseeing the work and ensuring that the mower has been away for it’s annual service in readiness for the new season.  

CLUB COMPETITIONS

We will again be running a full programme of club competitions in 2024. Dates have been set for our Spring events in April and May, so please make a note of the following dates in your diaries –

Sunday 7^th April – Spring Pairs – a random doubles, with pairings drawn on the day. There will be a plate competition for pairs losing their first game.

Sunday 12^th May – Rose Bowl – a singles handicap, with a plate event for players losing their first game.

Saturday 18^th May – Vice-Presidents Pairs Trophy – this will be a non-random doubles, with no plate.

All the above the competitions will start at 12 noon. To enter, please register at the green on the day by 11.45 am.

Work is underway on setting dates for our remaining competitions and will be published as soon as possible.