Hesketh Arms Bowling Club

Received from our Green Keeper Andy Bate

Green Update – Coping with the Dry Spring at Hesketh Arms

Dear Members,

I hope you’re all keeping well and enjoying the bowling season so far.

I wanted to share an update on the condition of the green, especially in light of the exceptionally dry spring we’ve been experiencing. Across the UK, greenkeepers have been grappling with one of the driest springs since records began.

According to the Met Office, some regions have recorded their second driest March on record, with rainfall levels well below average. Unsurprisingly, this has had a noticeable effect on grass surfaces nationwide – and our green is no exception.

Without the benefit of an irrigation system, we are relying entirely on natural rainfall to maintain soil moisture. Unfortunately, current soil moisture levels are down to around 3–4%, compared to the optimal range of 10–15% needed for healthy turf.

This is causing visible stress to the surface, including dry patches and thinning in some areas.

To help the green cope with these challenging conditions, we are taking the following steps:

• Raising the Mower Height and Reducing Frequency: Cutting slightly higher and less often than usual to reduce stress and encourage stronger root growth.

• Limiting Wear: Monitoring foot traffic and adjusting maintenance schedules to protect the most vulnerable areas. • Looking Ahead: We’re considering longer-term solutions such as introducing more drought-tolerant grass species, which have been recommended by greenkeeping professionals across the UK in response to increasingly dry conditions.

We are also looking at ways to get more water onto the green in a time efficient manner.

Despite the weather, the green remains in playable condition thanks to careful management and the hard work of the maintenance team.

We appreciate your continued patience and understanding while we do our best to preserve the playing surface through this dry spell. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out

Andy

https://www.bigga.org.uk/news-listing/uk-greenkeepers-on-lack-of-rainfall-this-spring.html

NEWSLETTER – MAY 2025

ROSE BOWL

The next club competition will be the Rose Bowl, which will take place on Saturday 24th May. This is a singles handicap with plate. To enter, please report to the green on the day by 11.45 am, to ensure a prompt start at 12 noon.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Now that the bowling season is well underway, anyone who has yet to do so should pay their 2025 subscriptions as soon as possible. Many thanks to those who have paid so far. Please see below for details and methods of payment.

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

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

SOUTHPORT FEDERATION

Southport’s next game in Division 5 of the Federation National League will take place on Sunday 11th March, when they take on familiar opposition in Cheshire Parks.

The home leg will be held at Hesketh Bank Bowling Club, starting at 2.00 pm. Included in the home line-up are Kez Adams, Ray Atkinson, Andy Draper, Darren Edgerley, Mike Milne, Chris Porter and Mark Wilde. The away leg will take place at Poynton Working Men’s Club in Stockport and Colin Edge and Fergal Wright have been selected to play.

Supporters on the day will be very welcome for this crucial fixture.

CLUB COMPETITIONS AND EVENTS

Saturday 24th May    Rose Bowl (Handicap singles with plate) 12.00 pm start

Sunday 1st June         Blowick Cup Champion of Champions (Invitation singles for club competition and merit winners from 2024) 12.00 pm start

Saturday 7th June      Coronation Cup (Handicap singles with plate) 12.00 pm start

Saturday 28th June    Club trip to the Black Horse, Croston – details posted on website or request the e-mail to be sent if not already received.

Sunday 13th July        Ladies’ Championship (Ladies’ singles) 12.00 pm start

Sunday 3rd August     President’s Cup (Handicap singles with plate) 11.00 am start

Sunday 17th August   Chairman’s Shield (Non-random doubles – enter as a pair, no plate) 12.00 pm start

Sun 14th Sept              Championship Cup (Men’s singles – played off scratch, no plate)

12.00pm start

Sun 21st Sept               Last Chance Cup (Random doubles with plate – pairings to be drawn on the day) 12.00 pm start

TBC                                 Floodlit Trophy (date and format to be decided)

GREEN BOOKINGS

Please note the following dates when outside events will be taking place at the club. The green will therefore be unavailable for use by members :-

Thursday 15th May – Southport Ladies’ League Knockout Cup match (afternoon)

Wednesday 21st May – Private Booking (evening)

Sunday 15th June – LV pairs – Finals Day (afternoon) – spectators welcome.

Thursday 19th June – Ladies’ Pairs (morning and afternoon)

Saturday 21st June –Churchtown Conservative Club – B.J.P.O’Malley President’s Trophy(afternoon) – any bowling club member who is also a member of the Conservative Club is eligible to take part in this event.

Sunday 10th August – Private Booking

OPEN DOUBLES – BERNARD O’MALLEY TROPHY 2025The Club’s annual Open Doubles competition took place on Saturday 26^th April on a fine, dry day. There was a full turnout of 32 pairs competing for a total of £900 prize money and the Bernard O’Malley Trophy, which recognises the support given to the Club by our late Honorary Vice-President and Nationwide Produce over nearly twenty years. There was an excellent field, with bowlers coming from Rossendale, Wigan, Skelmersdale, Preston, Kirkham and the West Midlands to take part, as well as players from local clubs. 
In the top half of the draw, the West Midlands pair of Daniel Davies and Gareth Herbert reached the final, despite having a scare in their second game, when they had to come from 18-10 down to get past the home pairing of Darren Edgerley and Steve McManus. Their opponents in the final turned out to be the Our Lady’s / Hesketh Arms combination of Mike Davies and Louis Fazakerley. Their closest match on the way to the final was in the First Round, when they overcame the Zetland Hotel pair of Brian Fairclough and Bill Roddan 21-17. The losing semi-finalists were Will Roddan and Mark Wilde (Zetland / Hesketh Arms) and Tim Dutton and Ben Holmes (Hesketh Bank).The final was a fitting tribute to our late Vice-President, with Mike and Louis pushing the West Midlands pair all the way but it was Daniel Davies and Gareth Herbert who edged it 21-17. Congratulations to Dan and Gareth on winning this competition at their first attempt.

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The Hesketh Arms Bowling Club would like to thank everyone who supported this competition by taking part or by coming along to watch or help out with marking cards and measuring. In addition, we would thank the following :-

• Gill for providing the sandwiches and to Lynne Smith for serving drinks during the day.
• Our referee, Graham Pickavance.
• Our greenkeeper, Andy Bate for preparing the green and surrounds. 
• Birkdale Insurance Group for their generous sponsorship. 

We look forward to running our Open Singles later in the season. Full details will be posted in the usual ways when confirmed but the date currently pencilled in is Saturday 30^th Augus

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CORONATION CUP, ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR 4^th MAY, HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED DUE TO AN EVENT TAKING PLACE AT THE HESKETH ARMS ON THAT DAY. THE NEW DATE IS SHOWN ON THE LIST BELOW. WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THAT THIS MAY CAUSE.

Dates have now been set for all our internal competitions, apart from the Floodlit Trophy. A date and format for that competition will be decided later in the season. 

Sunday 1^st June – Blowick Cup Champion of Champions – invitation singles for competition and merit winners from the 2024 season

Saturday 7^th June – Coronation Cup – singles handicap with plate

Saturday 28^th June – Club trip to the Black Horse, Croston

Sunday 13^th July – Ladies’ Championship – ladies’ singles

Sunday 3^rd August – President’s Cup – singles handicap with plate

Sunday 17^th August – Chairman’s Shield – non-random doubles – enter as a pair, no plate

Sunday 14^th September – Championship Cup (PROVISIONAL) – men’s singles played off scratch with no plate

Sunday 21st September – Last Chance Cup – random doubles with plate

TBC – Floodlit Trophy

The next club competition will be the Rose Bowl on Saturday 24^th May. This will be a singles handicap, with a plate competition for those losing in their first game. To enter, please register at the green by 11.45am for a prompt 12 noon start. 

Away Day at the Croston Black Horse – Saturday 28th June 2025

The Committee have for some time, been wanting to arrange a day out for the club, where people can experience another green, in the company of fellow members.

A maximum of 32 bowlers has been set so book early to ensure your place.

The cost for the day has been set at £30.00, which would include a lunch and two course evening meal. ( 3 courses available at a £4 supplement).

Greenage and entry to the competition are also included in the price.

Pairs will be drawn at random on the day and a plate is included so that everyone has an opportunity to play throughout most of the day.

An 11.00 start should ensure we complete the competition at a reasonable time.

There is a prize pot of £250.00, consisting of 

£100 to the winners

£50 to the runners up

£20 to the losing semi-finalists.

A plate competition has prizes of

£40 for the winners 

£20 for the runners up.

To keep costs down, there will be no coach transport, but it is hoped that between us, car sharing can be arranged for all who want to attend. ( I have three seats available)

Anyone who wishes to go on this trip should contact Mike Milne @ michaelmilne66@outlook.com.

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

Sort Code 30-97-88 Account number 01007849

I would ask if you could indicate if you need transport or can offer transport to others, please.

Menu choices are also required, and you can choose from the menu which is on the pdf form attached.

Whilst this is a member’s competition, spouses/partners can attend if they wish to spend the day in the area or around the green.

This is an opportunity to visit and play on a premier green, in the company of your fellow members. I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Bill Bloor

Vice Chairman

VOLUNTEER HELP REQUIRED

Members are reminded that our annual Open Doubles competition will take place this Saturday, 26^th April, starting at 10.00am. 

If anyone can spare some time on the day to assist with making drinks and selling pre-made sandwiches, this would be greatly appreciated. If several members were able to help, we would be able to spread the workload. If you are able to help, even for a short time, please get in touch with Mike Milne or Chris Harding.

Spectators for what should be a great day of bowling will also be very welcome, as will help with marking cards and measuring. 

RAY SUTTON

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of Ray Sutton, who died peacefully at home on Monday afternoon.

Ray was a life member of the Hesketh Arms Bowling Club and was esteemed for his skill as a bowler and his gentlemanly nature, always offering kind words to everyone.

Ray will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Details regarding the funeral arrangements will be provided in due course.

NEWSLETTER – SPRING 2025

OPEN DOUBLES 2025 – BERNARD O’MALLEY TROPHY

Our annual Open Doubles competition will take place on Saturday 26th April, with the first session starting at 10.00 am. This competition is held annually to acknowledge the generous support of our late Honorary Vice-President, Mr. Bernard O’Malley and Nationwide Produce.

Prize money for the event totals £900, with the winners receiving £320 and the Bernard O’Malley Trophy. Special thanks go to our competition sponsors, Birkdale Insurance Group.

Spectators on the day will be very welcome, for what should be a great day of bowling with players coming from Preston, Kirkham, Rossendale and Wigan to join bowlers from the local area to take part. We would also appreciate members’ help on the day with marking cards and measuring.

Finally, if any member would be willing to help out with making hot drinks and selling pre-prepared sandwiches, please speak to Chris Harding or Mike Milne. If we get a number of volunteers, we would be able to make out a rota to spread the workload.

GREEN BOOKINGS

Please note the following dates when outside events will be taking place at the club. The green will therefore be unavailable for use by members :-

Thursday 15th May – Southport Ladies’ League Knockout Cup match (afternoon)

Wednesday 21st May – Private Booking (evening)

Thursday 19th June – Ladies’ Pairs (morning and afternoon)

Saturday 21st June –Churchtown Conservative Club – B.J.P.O’Malley President’s Trophy(afternoon) – any bowling club member who is also a member of the Conservative Club is eligible to take part in this event.

Sunday 20th July – LV Individuals – Final Day (afternoon) – spectators welcome.

Sunday 10th August – Private Booking

2024 CLUB MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Kez Adams, our 2024 Club Member of the Year, is pictured below being presented with his award by Chairman Chris Harding before a recent league match.

SOUTHPORT FEDERATION

Southport’s first fixture of the season in Division 5 of the National League resulted in a 27 points to 5 defeat, when they took on a strong Chesterfield team.  There were, however, excellent wins in the home leg at Tarleton Bowling Club for Andy Draper (21-20) and Kez Adams (21-19).

The team will be looking to bounce back in their next match, which will be against Cheshire Parks, on Sunday 11th May. Details of the home venue and team selections will be posted when available.

SPRING PAIRS

The first club competition of the season took place on Sunday, when we played for the Spring Pairs on a fine, sunny day. The Spring Pairs is a random doubles, with pairings drawn on the day. It was pleasing to see a couple of our new members taking part in their first Hesketh Arms competition.

The top half of the draw saw John McCabe and Steve McManus progress through to the final, having had a narrow escape in their second game when they had to come from behind to beat Mike Burrill and Chris Harding 21-20. John and Steve then went on to beat Sue Andersen and Christine McManus in the semi-final, the score being 21-7. Their opponents in the final were Alan Lloyd and Club President, John Unsworth, who had wins against Sue Davies and Tony Wakefield (21-12) and Pat McArthur and Alex Rimmer (21-15).

The final looked like being a close contest as the first few ends were shared to leave the scores level at 5 across but John and Steve were able to win five consecutive ends, scoring 12 chalks to establish a 17-5 lead. Although Alan and John Unsworth were able to regain the block, John McCabe and Steve McManus won the next three ends to run out 21-6 winners. Congratulations to both players but especially to John McCabe on his first Hesketh Arms competition win. 

The plate competition was won by Noreen Lewis and Jim Halsall with a win against June Miley and George Hitchmough in the final. 

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The next club competition will take place on Sunday 4^th May when we will be staging the Coronation Cup. This is a singles handicap with plate. To enter, please register at the green on the day by 11.45 am for a 12 noon start.

SOUTHPORT FEDERATION

Southport’s first game of the season in the Federation National League is this coming Sunday, 13^th April, when they take on Chesterfield in a Division 5 fixture. 

The home leg is being held at Tarleton Bowling Club and the Hesketh Arms will be represented by Kez Adams and Andy Draper. The away team will be travelling to Staveley King George Bowling Club in Chesterfield and will include Colin Edge, Darren Edgerley, Mike Milne, Mark Wilde and Fergal Wright. 

The match starts at 2.00 pm and support for the home team at Tarleton would be very welcome. 

PRING PAIRS

The first club competition of the season will take place this coming Sunday 6th April, when we will hold the Spring Pairs. This will be a random doubles event, with pairings drawn on the day and there will be a plate competition for pairs losing in their first match.

To enter, please register at the green by 11.45 am for a prompt 12.00 noon start.

ADVERTISING BOARDS

Many thanks to the Churchtown Conservative Club for their continued support of our bowling club through the renewal of their advertising board. Any bowling club member who might be interested in joining the Conservative Club should speak to George Hitchmough, Chris Harding or Mike Milne.

We currently have two advertising board spaces available. If anyone knows of a business which would like to advertise at the club, they should again speak to George, Chris or Mike.  

LV HANDICAP SINGLES

The qualifying rounds for the LV League Handicap Singles will take place on Tuesday 13th May, at various greens, with the finals being held at Scarisbrick Bowling Club on Sunday 18th May. The entry fee is £6 and any of our LV League players wishing to enter should notify Mike Milne as soon as possible.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Many thanks to all those who have paid their 2025 subscription. Members are reminded that payment should be made as soon as possible.

The Annual General Meeting set the following subscription rates for the 2025 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

OPEN DOUBLES – BERNARD O’MALLEY TROPHY

Our Open Doubles competition, being held on Saturday 26th April and sponsored by Birkdale Insurance Group, is now full. However, anyone who would like to go on the reserve list should contact Chris Harding (07761733024) or Mike Milne (07752352065 / michaelmilne66@outlook.com )

The entry fee is £20 per pair with starting times at 10.00 am, 10.45 am, 11.30 am and 12.15 pm.

Total prize money will be £900.00, paid out as follows :-

Winners – £320.00 ; Runners-Up – £160.00 ;Semi-Finalists – £90.00 ; Quarter-Finalists – £60.00

CLUB COMPETITIONS AND EVENTS

Sunday 4th May                      Coronation Cup (Handicap singles with plate) 12.00 pm start

Saturday 24th May                 Rose Bowl (Handicap singles with plate) 12.00 pm start

Sunday 1st June                      Blowick Cup Champion of Champions (Invitation singles for club competition and merit winners from 2024) 12.00 pm start

Saturday 28th June                 Club trip to the Black Horse, Croston – full details to be advertised

Bowls

We have 3 sets of bowls for sale

2:10

2:8

5:4

Please contact George for further details