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KEITH MAIDEN

The Club was saddened to learn that Keith Maiden passed away earlier this week. Keith had been a key member of the Kestrels team in the Aughton League, until ill health had prevented him from playing over the last couple of seasons. 

Keith was well known on the Southport bowling scene for over 40 years and had played for Botanic Gardens, Shakespeare, Fleetwood Hesketh and Crossens. He was a great competitor and a formidable opponent on the green. He was also a member of the Hesketh Arms ‘A’ team in the 1990s, which won the LV League Premier Division on multiple occasions, and he served as Club Treasurer until stepping down in 2006.

Keith’s funeral will take place at Southport Crematorium on Thursday 2^nd October at 11.00 am and all are welcome to attend. Donations are being received in memory of Keith by the North West Air Ambulance – https://keithmaiden.muchloved.com/

The Club sends condolences to Keith’s family at this time. He will be sadly missed by all his friends and team-mates. 

CLUB COMPETITIONS UPDATE

Although most of our teams’ league matches have been completed, the green will be open until the completion of the Southport Veterans’ League fixtures and there are still a couple of club competitions to take part in.

THE LAST CHANCE CUP will be held on Sunday 21st September. This is a random doubles, where pairings are drawn on the day. There will be a plate competition for pairs losing their first game. To enter, please register at the green by 11.45 am, to enable the draw to be completed in time for a prompt 12 noon start.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP CUP has been re-scheduled and will now be played on Sunday 28th September. As the Ladies’ Championship was not played due to lack of entries, this competition will be open to ALL members. This is a singles merit competition played off scratch, with no plate. To enter, please report to the green by 11.45 am for a 12 noon start.

ROUND ROBIN

The final Round Robin will take place on FRIDAY 26^th of SEPTEMBER

GREEN CLOSURE

The green will close at 5.00pm on Monday the 29^th of SEPTEMBER for winter maintenance.

OPEN SINGLES – SPONSORED BY BIRKDALE INSURANCE GROUP

Saturday saw the seventh staging of the Club’s Open Singles, when players from throughout the area battled it out for the £220 first prize. 
In the top half of the draw, Liam Gregson of Skem Park Rebels reached the final with wins against Dave Gordon (21-14), Andy Draper (21-20) and in the semi-final, Paul Reardon from Brownmoor Brooke, 21-6. Paul had defeated the 2024 champion, Fergal Wright in a close quarter-final which finished 21-19. Liam’s opponent

in the final was 2022 champion, Darren Edgerley. Darren’s closest game on his way to the final was against Ian Grady of Skemersdale. At 19-20, Ian was lying game with two close bowls, only for Darren to rest on a side bowl to take the game 21-19. This was followed by close wins against Shaun Fisher and Aaron Backhouse, both 21-17.
The early stages of the final were close, with the jack changing hands and after 13 ends, Darren held a narrow 12-9 advantage. At this stage, however, Darren won 7 consecutive ends to run out a 21-9 winner. Congratulations to Darren on being the first player to win this title twice and to Liam on playing well all day to reach the final. 

The Hesketh Arms Bowling Club would like to thank all those who supported this competition by taking part or by coming along to watch. It was particularly pleasing to see a good number stay to the end, despite the weather not being as good as we would have hoped for. We would also like to thank the following :-   

• BIRKDALE INSURANCE GROUP for their generous sponsorship
• Everyone who helped out with marking cards and measuring
• Our referee for the day, Keith Andrews, who helped to keep the competition running smoothly
• Gill from the Conservative Club for preparing the sandwiches
• Lynne Smith for her help serving hot drinks
• Our Greenkeeper, Andy Bate, for preparing the green and surrounds

We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2026 for our open competitions. 

NEWS UPDATE

HESKETH BUZZARDS – SOUTHPORT LADIES’ LEAGUE

Congratulations to Debbie Barnes and her Hesketh Buzzards team on winning the League and Cup double in the 2nd Division of the Southport and District Ladies’ Afternoon League. The team lost just one game all season to finish three points ahead of Victoria Park ‘A’.  As captain, Debbie led the way, winning 12 out of 13 games played to finish top of the divisional merit table.

The Buzzards ended the season in style by defeating their rivals Victoria Park ‘A’ by 11 chalks in the final of the Knockout Cup, played at Formby Sports & Social.

SEPTEMBER CLUB COMPETITIONS

Please note that the Championship Cup, originally scheduled for Sunday 14th September has been re-scheduled – please see details below.

Although the end of the season is fast approaching, there are still club competitions to take part in.

THE LAST CHANCE CUP will be held on Sunday 21st September. This is a random doubles, where pairings are drawn on the day. There will be a plate competition for pairs losing their first game. To enter, please register at the green by 11.45 am, to enable the draw to be completed in time for a prompt 12 noon start.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP CUP has been re-scheduled and will now be played on Sunday 28th September. As the Ladies’ Championship was not played due to lack of entries, this competition will be open to ALL members. This is a singles merit competition played off scratch, with no plate. To enter, please report to the green by 11.45 am for a 12 noon start.

OPEN SINGLES – SATURDAY 30th AUGUST

This Saturday, the Club hosts the annual Open Singles competition when bowlers from around the area compete for the trophy and a first prize of £220 out of a total prize fund of £570. We are grateful to our sponsors, BIRKDALE INSURANCE GROUP, for their continued support. 

Previous winners of this event, first held in 2016, include Southport bowlers John Hughes, Andy Draper, Darren Edgerley and Fergal Wright, as well as county players from the Wigan area, Ray Bevington and Michael Heap. This year we have a full 32 player field, and spectators will be welcome to witness a day of quality bowling. The first session starts at 10.00 am. 

Any help on the day with marking cards and measuring would be appreciated, especially for the first couple of sessions. If any members could spare an hour or so to assist with this, the organisers would be very grateful. We will have prepared sandwiches available on the day and any assistance with selling these and making drinks for our visitors would again be greatly appreciated.  

NEWS UPDATE

CHAIRMAN’S SHIELD

Congratulations to Chris Harding and Mike Milne on winning the Chairman’s Shield with a 15-5 win in the final against Alan Hatton and John Townsend.

OPEN SINGLES – SATURDAY 30th AUGUST – SPONSORED BY BIRKDALE INSURANCE GROUP

Our Open Singles competition, sponsored by Birkdale Insurance Group, has a full entry with a reserve list. The first session will start at 10.00 am and spectators will be very welcome for what is always a great day of quality bowling.

We would also appreciate help with marking cards and measuring. Finally, if anyone is able to assist with serving drinks and selling pre-prepared sandwiches, please speak to Mike Milne or Chris Harding.

WEDNESDAY SESSIONS FOR NEW BOWLERS

The Wednesday afternoon sessions for new bowlers got off to a great start last week and we have already attracted several new members. Many thanks to those who helped out. I am sure more helpers would be welcome, please speak to George Hitchmough for further details. The sessions will be held each Wednesday afternoon between 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm until just before the end of the season.

SOUTHPORT FEDERATION
The Southport Federation team’s final fixture of the season ended in defeat against Flintshire by a narrow three chalk margin. The home leg was played at Fleetwood Hesketh and resulted in a 7-5 win and an aggregate advantage of 29 chalks.

Amongst the winners were Kez Adams (21-20) and Fergal Wright (21-19). The away leg resulted in an 8-4 defeat at Argoed Bowling Club. 2025 has been a tough season for the Southport team in which they have finished in 5^th place in Division 5.

They will be looking to bounce back next season when they will be looking to gain promotion from Division 6 of the National League. …

PRESIDENT’S CUP

Congratulations to Alan Hatton on winning the President’s Cup. This is Alan’s first win in a Hesketh Arms club singles competition.

The runner-up was Phil Richards and the losing semi-finalists were Alex Rimmer and Derek Wignall.

A plate competition was held and this was won by Andy Draper, who defeated Mal Green in the final.

BOWLS FOR FUN

Following a successful Open Day at the end of July, when over 40 people attended, it has been decided to run weekly sessions for potential new bowlers on Wednesday afternoons, commencing on Wednesday 13th August. The sessions will run between 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm and if anyone is able to come down to help, it would be greatly appreciated. For further details, please speak to George Hitchmough.

BURSCOUGH LEAGUE

Our two Burscough League teams played their final league matches of the season on Friday evening. The Vultures went into the last game needing a 6-2 win against Bretherton ‘A’ to clinch the 1st Division title for the second time. Sadly, it wasn’t to be as they lost 5-3 and ended the season level on points with Banks St. Stephen’s, just nine points behind the champions. Special mention must be made of Andy Draper, who won the 1st Division Merit with an outstanding record of 14 wins out of 16 games played.In the 2nd Division, the Ospreys had a new captain in Jim Halsall and they had a good season, finishing in 5th position. Jim had another excellent season, winning 13 games to finish in 4th place in the divisional merit.

SOUTHPORT FEDERATION

Southport’s final fixture of the season in the Federation National League will take place this Sunday 10th August when they take on Flintshire. The home leg is being held at Fleetwood Hesketh and the away team will travel to Argoed Bowling Club in North Wales. Both legs will start at 2.00 pm and spectators will be very welcome.

CLUB COMPETITIONS AND EVENTS

The next club competition will take place on Sunday 17th August, when we will be staging the Chairman’s Shield. This is a non-random doubles and will start at 12 noon. To enter, please register at the green by 11.45 am on the day, to ensure that the draw can be made in time to allow for a prompt start.

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

Sunday 14th Sept.      Championship Cup (Men’s singles – played off scratch, no plate)12.00pm start

Sunday 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)

     

OPEN DAY – SATURDAY 26th JULY

The Club is holding an Open Day on Saturday 26th July from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. The aim of this event is to introduce new bowlers to the game. Any help with hosting this event would be greatly appreciated. For further details, please speak to George Hitchmough or Chris Harding.

PRESIDENT’S CUP

The next internal club competition will take place on Sunday 3rd August, when we will be playing for the President’s Cup. This is a handicap singles with a plate for those losing in their first game. The event will start at the earlier than normal time of 11.00 am. To enter, please register at the green by 10.45 am on the day.

LADIES’ DOUBLES

Many thanks to Debbie Barnes and the Buzzards players who helped to organise the Ladies’ Doubles competition held in June. The sale of refreshments and a raffle helped to raise £155 towards club funds.

BURSCOUGH LEAGUE PRESIDENT’S DAY

Congratulations to Darren Edgerley, who has won the Burscough League President’s Day for the second year running, narrowly defeating Alec Everton of Croston Black Horse in the final. The event was held at the Longton VM in honour of the 2025 President, Duncan Crabtree.

OPEN SINGLES – SATURDAY 30th AUGUST

Our Open Singles competition, sponsored by Birkdale Insurance Group, has a full entry with a reserve list. The first session will start at 10.00 am and spectators will be very welcome for what is always a great day of quality bowling. We would also appreciate help with marking cards and measuring. Finally, if anyone is able to assist with serving drinks and selling pre-prepared sandwiches, please speak to Mike Milne or Chris Harding.

SOUTHPORT FEDERATION

Southport’s July fixture in the Federation National League resulted in a 22 points to 10 defeat against neighbours Preston. The home leg took place at Scarisbrick NSC, where the team had six winners and won the aggregate by 18 chalks. Amongst the winners was Andy Draper, with a superb 21-2 win. The away team travelled to Freckleton, where they had two winners.

Southport’s final fixture of the season will take place on Sunday 10th August when they take on Flintshire.

CLUB COMPETITIONS AND EVENTS

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

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

12.00pm start

Sunday 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 date when an outside event will be taking place at the club. The green will therefore be unavailable for use by members :-

Sunday 10th August – Private Booking

AWAY DAY TO THE BLACK HORSE, CROSTON

VICE-PRESIDENTS PAIRS TROPHY 2025

On Saturday 28^th June, 22 members and guests attended the Club’s first Away Day at the Black Horse, Croston. The weather was warm and sunny as everyone arrived at the venue for an 11.00am start. The bowling took the form of a random doubles, with the pairs divided into two groups of four. The early stages of the competition saw each pair play the other three pairs in their group in 11 up games. The top two in each group progressed to the main competition semi-final, whilst the 3^rd and 4^th placed pairs went into the plate. This ensured that everyone taking part played a minimum of four games. 

Following the group stages, the main competition semi-finals saw Alan Hatton and Fergal Wright defeat Alan Lloyd and Chrissy McManus 15-8 and favourites Darren Edgerley and Chris Porter reach the final by overcoming Jill Lloyd and John McCabe 15-10.

The Plate semi-finals produced wins for Jim Halsall and Jon Roberts and Chris Harding and Peter Smith. Jim and Jon clinched victory in the final with a 21-12 win.

The main final for the Vice-Presidents Pairs Trophy was between Darren Edgerley and Chris Porter and Alan Hatton and Fergal Wright and it was Darren and Chris who justified their status as competition favourites by running out comfortable 21-8 winners. 

Many thanks to Bill Bloor, who organised our Away Day, which included sandwiches and chips at lunchtime and an evening meal and quiz once the bowling competition had been completed. We hope everyone enjoyed the day and look forward to holding another day out in 2026. 

Croston Black Horse Away Day – Saturday 28th June 2025

There are 22 members attending the first “Away Day’ trip to the Black Horse pub in Croston. Unfortunately no further applications can be taken due to having to inform the venue in advance of meal choices.
Players will be competing for the Vice Presidents Cup and there will also be a plate competition.

It is requested that all those attending should arrive by 10.45am for a prompt 11.00 am start.

To allow for everyone to participate throughout the day, the competition will comprise of an initial round robin format, followed by semi finals and finals in both the Cup and Plate competitions.
Thank you for your support.
Bill Bloor