Hesketh Arms Bowling Club

COMPETITION NEWS – JUNE 2025

HESKETH ARMS SUMMER PAIRS COMPETITION

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.

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.

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 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)

     12.00 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)

Coronation Cup Saturday 7^th June.

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.

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 15^th 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.

BLOWICK CUP – CHAMPIONS OF CHAMPIONS

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.

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.

Sunday 10th August – Private Booking

COMPETITION NEWS

ROSE BOWL

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.

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

MIKE MILNE                                       Floodlit Trophy ; Eagles Merit

ALEX RIMMER                                   Hobbies Merit

BRIAN SUTTON                                 Blowick Cup

GARETH TAYLOR                               Last Chance Cup

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.