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.
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.
Winners 2025
Runners up 2025
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 5th 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. …
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)
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 :-
On Saturday 28th 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 3rd and 4th 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
On Thursday 19th June the Club was pleased to host a Summer Pairs Competition for bowlers from the Southport Ladies’ League. This has become a regular and popular fixture on the local bowling scene. On behalf of the Committee, many thanks to everyone who helped out to make this event a success. Below is a report on the day from Noreen and Sue.
20 pairs entered the Hesketh Arms Summer Pairs Competition, we welcomed members from Ainsdale, Botanic, Crossens, Hesketh Arms, Mere Brow and Victoria Park. Once again, we were so lucky to have fabulous weather, the sun was out and some very competitive bowling took place.
The Hesketh Arms is a challenging green and there was some excellent bowling all day. Some games were nearly 2 hours long. Our semi-finalists were Irene Kermode & Pat Lough v Sue Andersen and Pam Allen and Lorna Simpson v Pat McArthur and Sue Davies.
However, due to the heat and the length of the games one match was not played so the final was between Pam & Lorna v Pat & Sue.
Some very competitive bowling in the final but Pat & Sue won through 21-17.
Congratulations to our 2025 Summer Pairs Winners Pat McArthur and Sue Davies.
WINNERS SUE DAVIES & PAT McARTHUR
We would like to thank all the ladies who supported this event and the Hesketh Arms who once again put on a very enjoyable and well-run competition. They look forward to seeing you all next year.
Noreen and Sue
OPEN SINGLES 2025 – SPONSORED BY BIRKDALE INSURANCE GROUP
The Club’s annual Open Singles competition will take place on Saturday 30th August, with the first session starting at 10.00 am. There is total prize money of £570.00, with the winner taking home £220.00. We are grateful for the generous sponsorship of Birkdale Insurance Group.
Although all the places in the competition have been filled in record time, we have started a reserve list in case we have players dropping out. For further information, please contact Mike Milne (07752352065) or Chris Harding (07761733024).
Spectators will be very welcome on the day, for what should be a great day of bowling and any help with card marking, measuring or assisting with refreshments would be greatly appreciated.
CHURCHTOWN CONSERVATIVE CLUB – B.J.P.O’MALLEY PRESIDENT’S TROPHY
Congratulations to Alan Lloyd and Alex Rimmer on winning the Conservative Club’s B.J.P.O’Malley President’s Trophy, hosted by our club on Saturday.
This trophy was presented to the Conservative Club by our late Honorary Vice-President, Mr. Bernard O’Malley and this was the first time the trophy had been played for since his passing last year.
Bernard’s successor as Conservative Club President, George Hitchmough, was on hand to present the trophy at the end of the competition. It is good to see the close links between the two clubs continuing.
WINNERS ALAN LLOYD & ALEC RIMMER
LADIES’ CHAMPIONSHIP AND FORTHCOMING CLUB COMPETITIONS
The next internal club competition will be the Ladies’ Championship, which will be held on Sunday 13th July, starting at 12 noon.
Dates for other club events are listed below :-
CLUB COMPETITIONS AND EVENTS
Sunday 3rd AugustPresident’s Cup (Handicap singles with plate) 11.00 am start
Sunday 17th AugustChairman’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)
12.00 pm 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)
Five hardy bowlers turned up on a wet Saturday morning, Colin Edge, Jim Hallsall, Mal Green, Steve MacManus, and Fergal Wright.
In the top half of the draw the preliminary match was between Mal Green and Fergal which Fergal won.
The first Semi Final was between Jim and Fergal who were similar handicap, Fergal took an early lead to 8: 5. Jim caught up and got to 13 across but Fergal with the jack extended his lead finally winning 21:15
In the lower half of the draw the semi-final was between Steve and Colin. Steves Handicap was minus 3 but he managed to get back to 12:11 at the mid stage of the game. Having the jack was crucial in the wet conditions and Steve managed to bowl out to a 21:19 win against Colin who was playing in his first Hesketh Competition.
The Final Was a great game of bowls with the weather having finally passed and was played on an increasingly drying green. Steve managed to get to 9:10 at the mid stage but Fergal with the advantage of leading the ends managed a 21:11 win.
WINNER FERGAL WRIGHT
RUNNER UP STEVE MACMANUS
Thank you to the players who played through some very wet weather.
Fergal was a worthy winner adding to his 2021 victory
BCGBA PRESENTATION TO LOCAL CLUBS ON WEDNESDAY 11th JUNE 7pm AT AINSDALE CLUB LIVERPOOL ROAD AINSDALE.
If you wish to find out more about the BCGBA the above meeting is free to attend. We have a great opportunity to hear all about the exciting new British Crown Green Bowling Association vision, structure and proposals to grow our game in the years ahead. Collectively we can develop Crown Green Bowling in the Southport and Formby/Crosby areas.
Join us at the Ainsdale Club, on Wednesday 11th June (7pm), for an inspiring evening dedicated to the development of your Bowls Club and the game in our area. Whether you’re looking to raise funds, apply for grants, grow or strengthen ties with your local community, this event has something for everyone. Steve Clamp, BCGBA Board Member and Ian Gill, Lancashire Development Officer will be on hand to share invaluable advice on these topics and more, including coaching and Club governance. You also can take part in a Q&A session covering the National Development Strategy, the new BCGBA website, and all things crown green bowls. Steve and Ian will be joined by a fantastic panel of experts from across both the County and the BCGBA, ensuring you leave with fresh insights and actionable ideas.
Please do not miss this chance to connect, learn, and strengthen your Club’s future. We can’t wait to see you there—come along and be part of the conversation. Plenty of car parking space and the bar will be open for ongoing chats after the formal meeting.
Sunday 15th June – LV pairs – Finals Day
The LV Pairs finals will be played at the Hesketh Green on Sunday the 15th of June commencing at 1pm.
Come along and see some good competitive bowling from bowlers around our local area who are in the Southport LV League.
The Blowick Cup was held on Sunday and in an extremely close final, Mike Milne won the title for the second time, with a 21-20 win against Steve McManus.
Winner MIKE MILNE
Runner up STEVE McMANUS
CORONATION CUP
The next club competition will be the Coronation Cup, which will take place on Saturday 7th June. 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.
AWAY DAY TO THE BLACK HORSE, CROSTON – SATURDAY 28th JUNE
Names are still being taken for the Club’s Away Day at the Black Horse, Croston on Saturday 28th June. Please see attached for details and notify Mike Milne (michaelmilne66@outlook.com / 07752352065) or speak to Bill Bloor if interested. A good number of members have already registered for this trip but we will need to know numbers well in advance in order to help with the catering arrangements.
This is the first time the Club has organised an away day for members and it should be a great day out at a superb venue. All are welcome, bowlers and supporters alike.
SOUTHPORT FEDERATION
Southport’s May fixture in Division 5 of the Federation National League resulted in a 19-13 defeat against Cheshire Parks.
In the home leg, held at Hesketh Bank Bowling Club, Southport won 8-4, with wins for Ray Atkinson (21-15), Kez Adams (21-8) and Andy Draper (21-20). The away team had three winners at Poynton Working Men’s Club, with Fergal Wright winning 21-16.
The next fixture will be in July, when Southport will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on Preston in a local “derby”. Details of the selection and venues will be published nearer the time.
CLUB COMPETITIONS AND EVENTS
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
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 dates when outside events will be taking place at the club. The green will therefore be unavailable for use by members :-
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.
The first club singles competition of the season took place on Saturday and was won by Mike Milne, with a 21-14 win against Andy Draper in the final.
A plate competition was also held and this was won by Mal Green, who overcame Laurie Townson 21-13 in the decider.
WINNER MIKE MILNE
RUNNER UP ANDY DRAPER
PLATE WINNER MAL GREEN
BLOWICK CUP – CHAMPIONS OF CHAMPIONS
The next event at the Club will be the Blowick Cup Champions of Champions which will take place this coming Sunday, 1st June, starting at 12 noon.
The Champion of Champions is an annual singles competition held at the Club for winners of club competitions and team merits during the previous season. The players listed below have qualified to play in this year’s event. The trophy presented to the winner is the “BLOWICK CUP” which originated at the old Blowick Hotel Bowling Club, which was situated on Norwood Road, Southport.
KEZ ADAMS Vice-Presidents Trophy
TERRY CORFIELD Hawks Merit
ANDY DRAPER Championship Cup ; Coronation Cup ; Owls & Vultures Merits
PAULINE DUNCAN Spring Pairs
DARREN EDGERLEY Last Chance Cup
LOUIS FAZAKERLEY Vice-Presidents Trophy
JIM HALSALL Spring Pairs ; Ospreys Merit ; Merlins Merit ; Kestrels Merit
CHRIS HARDING Floodlit Trophy
ALAN HATTON Sparrowhawks Merit
KEVIN LEDDY Kites Merit
NOREEN LEWIS Buzzards Merit
CHRISTINE McMANUS Chairman’s Shield
STEVE McMANUS Rose Bowl ; President’s Cup ; Chairman’s Shield
