News, Events and information about Hesketh Arms Bowling Club
I have to inform you of the death of Alan Prole, the, who passed away on Sunday the 29th of September, aged 91.
Alan was a Honorary Life Member, Past President and long standing club secretary.
The funeral of Alan Prole is to be held at the Crematorium at 10 am on Wednesday 9th October.
LAST CHANCE CUP 2019
Despite the showery conditions, the club was able to complete it’s programme of internal competitions on Sunday, when members competed for the Last Chance Cup.
The top half of the draw saw Lynne Burrow and Mike Milne survive a scare in their first game when they conceded an eleven break before scoring against Laurie Townson and Roger Van Beever, eventually coming back to win the game 21-18. This was followed by wins against Terry Corfield and Jill Lloyd (21-10) and Chris Harding and Norman Simpson (21-6). Their opponents in the final were Alan Lloyd and Fergal Wright, who had overcome strong pairs in Sue Davies and George Hitchmough (21-17) and Sue Andersen and Alex Rimmer (21-15).
The final was closely fought in the early stages, but Alan and Fergal seemed to be in control when they led 12-8 after nine ends. Lynne and Mike won the next six ends, including a four to take a 19-12 lead but when Alan and Fergal counted four themselves to make it 16-19, the outcome was again in the balance. However, Lynne was to come in with the last bowl of the next end to count a second chalk to make the final score 21-16. Congratulations to Lynne on winning her first Hesketh Arms title and also to Alan Lloyd on reaching his first final.
The plate was won by Laurie Townson and Roger Van Beever with a 15-8 win against Peter Croston and Barry Pursall.
Many thanks to all those members who have supported the club competitions throughout the year. They have once again been well attended and we look forward to another successful season in 2020.
LAST CHANCE CUP
The final club competition of the season will take place on Sunday 22nd September, when we will play for the Last Chance Cup. This will be a random doubles, with pairings drawn on the day. Please report by 11.45 am for a 12 noon start.
OPEN DOUBLES – BERNARD O’MALLEY VICE-PRESIDENTS TROPHY
There are still a couple of places available in the Club’s Open Doubles competition for the Bernard O’Malley Vice-President’s Trophy, to be held on Sunday 15th September. The fee is £10 per pair with starting times at 10.00 am, 10.45 am, 11.30 am and 12.15 pm. Total prize money will be £320, paid out as follows :-
Winners – £120.00 – Runners-Up – £60.00
Semi-Finalists – £30.00 – Quarter-Finalists – £20.00
To enter please contact Chris Harding (07761733024) or Mike Milne (07752352065 / michaelmilne66@outlook.com )
All games will be 21 up, off scratch.
Spectators will be welcome on the day for what should be an entertaining day’s bowling and any help with marking and measuring will be greatly appreciated.
SOUTHPORT LV LEAGUE
Congratulations to the Eagles on winning the Southport LV League Premier Division, retaining the title they won last year. Out of sixteen games played, the team only lost two matches and finished 45 points clear of runners-up Fleetwood Hesketh ‘A’.
MAGHULL LEAGUE
Congratulations to Sue Davies and her Hesketh Owls team for gaining a second successive promotion in the Maghull League. Having won the 4th Division last year they lost only two games out of 16 in winning the 3rd Division by the clear margin of 26 points from runners-up Meadows. The merit winner for the Owls was Tony Wakefield with a 100 per cent record of 14 wins out of 14 games played.
The Owls made it a double success by winning the 3rd Division Knockout Cup, defeating Meadows by 194 chalks to 171 in the final, held at the Northern Club.
Pictured below are members of the successful squad. Well done to all involved.
LV INDIVIDUALS
Congratulations to Kez Adams on winning the LV League singles competition, beating Andy Draper in the final, played at Fleetwood Hesketh at the beginning of August.
SOUTHPORT FEDERATION
Southport’s final National League fixture of the season resulted in a 22-10 loss against Clwyd Dragons. There was an excellent 8-4 win in the home leg, played at Tarleton Bowling Club, which included wins for Chris Porter (21-14) and Fergal Wright (21-16). The team’s 2nd placed finish means that they will be playing in Division 7 in 2020.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Sunday 15th September – Open Doubles – Bernard O’Malley Vice-President’s Trophy (10.00am start)
Sunday 22nd September – Last Chance Cup (random doubles – pairings drawn on the day) 12 noon start
Ken Rimmer
You may have heard that our member Ken Rimmer collapsed on the green during the Vets Cup Final.
I am very pleased to let you know that Ken is now out of hospital and recovering whilst staying at his daughters. Our best wishes go to Ken for a full and swift recovery.
Please note the green will not be Available from 10.00am until 1.00pm on Sunday the 29th September due to a re-arranged Burscough League game being played.
CORONATION CUP 2019
A decent turnout of sixteen members braved the showers on Saturday to compete for the Coronation Cup, the Club’s fourth and final internal singles competition of the season.
In the top half of the draw, Dave White reached the final with wins against Chris Harding (21-10), Lynne Smith (21-10) and Ken Rimmer (21-10). His opponent in the final was Jim Halsall who had overcome Sue Davies (21-13), Terry Corfield (21-14) and Tony Wakefield (21-19).
The early stages of the final were close as Dave won the first two ends but Jim was able to seize control at the thirteenth end to run out from 12-10 up to win the game 21-10. This was Jim’s fourth singles win at the Hesketh Arms and he becomes the first player to win all four Hesketh singles titles having previously won the Rose Bowl in 2013, the Championship Cup in 2014 and the President’s Cup in 2016.
The Plate was won by Roger Van Beever, who defeated Sue Davies 15-13 in a closely contested final.
The final club competition of the season will be the Last Chance Cup, a random doubles, which will be held on Sunday 22nd September, starting at 12 noon.
HESKETH ARMS NEWSLETTER – AUGUST 2019
CORONATION CUP
The Club’s final singles competition of the season will take place this Saturday, 10th August when we will compete for the Coronation Cup. Please register by 11.45am for a 12 noon start.
FRIENDLY v. EMMANUEL B.C.
Many thanks to all those members who supported the friendly match against Emmanuel Bowling Club on Saturday. This was the fifth time that we have staged this fixture and it was pleasing to see such a good turnout. The Hesketh Arms’ players took full advantage of home green knowledge to retain the Challenge Shield with a 13-5 victory.
At the end of the match, we retired to the Conservative Club for the presentation. Thank you to all those who donated cakes and helped with setting out the refreshments.
Finally, thank you to Kath Young for bringing her team from Emmanuel and to the Churchtown Conservative Club for kindly allowing us to use their facilities.
OPEN DOUBLES – BERNARD O’MALLEY VICE-PRESIDENT’S TROPHY
Entries are still being taken for the Club’s Open Doubles competition for the Bernard O’Malley Vice-President’s Trophy, to be held on Sunday 15th September. The fee is £10 per pair with starting times at 10.00 am, 10.45 am, 11.30 am and 12.15 pm. Total prize money will be £320, paid out as follows :-
Winners – £120.00 – Runners-Up – £60.00
Semi-Finalists – £30.00 – Quarter-Finalists – £20.00
To enter please contact Chris Harding (07761733024) or Mike Milne (07752352065 / michaelmilne66@outlook.com )
All games will be 21 up, off scratch.
SOUTHPORT FEDERATION
The Southport Federation team’s July fixture saw them take on Wrexham in a game which resulted in a 22 points to 10 defeat, despite some close games at both venues.
The home leg was staged at Fleetwood Hesketh and the teams had six winners each, with Wrexham narrowly taking the aggregate by just seven chalks. Southport’s winners included Fergal Wright, who defeated Andy Chase 21-20. The away leg in Chirk saw Southport gain four winners, including wins for Hesketh Arms’ representatives Dave Gordon (21-11) and Mike Milne (21-9).
The final regular Federation match of the season will take place on Sunday 18th August, when the opponents will be Clwyd Dragons in a play-off match that will determine which division the team will be placed in next season. The home leg will be held at Tarleton Bowling Club (2.00pm start) and Kyle Dawes, Chris Porter and Fergal Wright are among the twelve players selected. Travelling to North Wales to play in the away leg will be Arthur Adams, Kez Adams, Chris Harding, Mike Milne and Jon Roberts. Spectators at the home leg of this crucial match will be most welcome.
GREEN BOOKINGS
Members are reminded that the green will be unavailable on Sunday 11th August, as it has been booked for private event. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
The green is also booked for an Aughton League Cup on Friday 6th September. from 1.00pm
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Saturday 10th August – Coronation Cup (singles handicap) 12 noon start
Sunday 15th September – Open Doubles (see above for details)
Sunday 22nd September – Last Chance Cup (random pairs) 12 noon start
HESKETH ARMS NEWSLETTER – SUMMER 2019
PRESIDENT’S DAY
Many thanks to all those who supported the Club’s President’s Day and helped with the refreshments, selling raffle tickets, marking and measuring. The final proceeds from the day totalled £157.55. Congratulations to our President, Sue Davies, on a successful day.
FRIENDLY v. EMMANUEL B.C.
Places are still available for the friendly match against Emmanuel Bowling Club, which will take place on Saturday 3rd August (1pm start). Anyone interested should contact Mike Milne ( michaelmilne66@outlook.com ) or write their name on the list in the Clubhouse. Refreshments will be served after the game.
OPEN DOUBLES – BERNARD O’MALLEY VICE-PRESIDENT’S TROPHY
Entries are now being taken for the Club’s second Open Doubles competition for the Bernard O’Malley Vice-President’s Trophy, to be held onSunday 15th September. The fee is £10 per pair with starting times at 10.00 am, 10.45 am, 11.30 am and 12.15 pm. Total prize money will be £320, paid out as follows :-
Winners – £120.00 – Runners-Up – £60.00
Semi-Finalists – £30.00 – Quarter-Finalists – £20.00
To enter please contact Chris Harding (07761733024) or Mike Milne (07752352065 / michaelmilne66@outlook.com )
All games will be 21 up, off scratch.
LAST CHANCE CUP
A date has now been set for the Club’s final event of the season, The Last Chance Cup. It will be held on Sunday 22nd September, starting at 12 noon and will be a random pairs.
GREEN BOOKING
The green will be unavailable to members on Sunday 11th August, as it has been booked for private event. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Saturday 3rd August – friendly match v. Emmanuel B.C. 1.00 pm start
Saturday 10th August – Coronation Cup (singles handicap) 12 noon start
Sunday 15th September – Open Doubles (see above for details)
Sunday 22nd September – Last Chance Cup (random pairs) 12 noon start
PRESIDENT’S DAY 2019
Congratulations to Bill Bloor on winning the President’s Cup for the first time with a victory over Fergal Wright in the final.
Bill had a tricky route to the final, winning through four tough games against George Hitchmough (21-14), Dave White (21-20), Terry Corfield (21-14) and Peter Smith (21-15). Fergal reached the final with good wins against Ken Rimmer (21-18), Kez Adams (21-15), Tony Wakefield (21-19) and Janice Hobson (21-14). This set up the third final between Bill and Fergal in the last two seasons, with Fergal winning last season’s Rose Bowl and Bill gaining immediate revenge by overcoming Fergal in the 2018 Coronation Cup. Bill led for most of the final and although Fergal won more ends, Bill counted seven 2s to Fergal’s three to edge the final 21-17.
The Plate competition was won by our President Sue Davies, defeating Les Miller 15-9 in the final.
Many thanks to everyone who helped on the day with refreshments and the raffle, which raised over £150.00 for club funds. The final amount will be reported in a future newsletter. Finally, a special mention must go to Sue Davies, for all the work she put in to organising a successful President’s Day.
CHAIRMAN’S SHIELD 2019
An impressive turnout of 32 members took part in the Chairman’s Shield on Saturday. For the first time, a club pairs was played on a non-random basis, meaning that members were able to enter the competition with a partner of their own choice. It is pleasing to note that the new format attracted several members who aren’t regulars at the Club’s internal tournaments. We hope to see them again at future events.
The top half of the draw saw the Harriers / Ospreys pairing of Jason Chapman and Mark Rowlinson in fine form, enjoying comfortable wins against Kez Adamas & Bill Bloor (21-13), Dave and Sue White (21-12) and in the semi-final, Graham Meadow & John Unsworth (21-8). Their opponents in the final were Barry Lowe and Richard Rawcliffe from the Kestrels. Having reached the semi-finals with wins against Janice Hobson and Ken Rimmer (21-17) and Norman Simpson and Ray Sutton (21-10), they achieved a notable semi-final victory against the Eagles pairing of Chris Harding and Jon Roberts (21-13).
The early stages of the final were dominated by Barry and Richard as they won six out of the first eight ends to establish a 12-6 lead. A three at the next end saw Jason and Mark back within touching distance but four at the 10th end saw the Kestrels pair take a commanding 16-9 lead, which they were able to maintain to take the game 21-11. Congratulations to both players but especially to Barry on claiming his first competition win at the Hesketh. Well done also to Jason and Mark on a good run to the final.
The Plate competition was won by Sue Davies and George Hitchmough with a 15-9 win in the final against Jeff Brown and Roger Van Beever.
The busy season at the Club continues next Sunday, 21st July, when we will be holding the President’s Cup. We hope to see a big turnout to support Sue Davies in her second year as Club President. Please not that this competition will start at the earlier time of 11.00 am (registration up until 10.45 am).
Refreshments will be available on the day and donations of raffle prizes would be greatly appreciate
HESKETH ARMS NEWSLETTER – JULY 2019
CHAIRMAN’S SHIELD
Members are reminded that the Club’s next internal competition will be the Chairman’s Shield, which will take place on Saturday 13th July, 12 noon start. For the first time, a club pairs will be played on a non-random basis. Members will be able to enter this competition with a partner of their choice, who is also a member of the club. Entries will be taken on the day until 11.45 am.
FRIENDLY v. EMMANUEL BOWLING CLUB
Anyone interested in playing in the friendly fixture at home against Emmanuel on Saturday 3rd August (1pm start) should email Mike Milne (michaelmilne66@outlook.com ) or write their name on the list in the Clubhouse. Refreshments will be served after the game.
CHURCHTOWN CONSERVATIVE CLUB
On Sunday, the Conservative Club held their annual competition at the Hesketh Arms, when 26 members competed for the B.J.P.O’Malley President’s Trophy. Congratulations to Dave Bedford, who won the event partnered by Ray Lowe, narrowly winning the final 21-18 against Mike Milne and Tina Rothwell. The Plate was won by Chris Harding and Mike Stevens.
UMBRELLAS / PARASOLS
The Committee would like to thank Brian Mycock for providing the umbrellas / parasols for use at the side of the green. These will provide much-needed protection against the elements.
SOUTHPORT FEDERATION
The Southport Federation team had an excellent win in their June fixture, defeating Cheshire Parks 21-11. The home leg took place at the Hesketh Arms and the team enjoyed a resounding 10-2 win, dropping just six chalks in the process. The home representatives were Chris Porter and Fergal Wright and they won 21-14 and 21-18 respectively. The away side had a creditable five winners at Victoria Bowling Club in Stockport and there were wins there for Mike Milne (21-16) and Jon Roberts (21-14).
The team’s next fixture is against Wrexham on Sunday 28th July, with the home leg taking place at Fleetwood Hesketh (2.00pm start). Kez Adams, Kyle Dawes, Chris Porter and Fergal Wright from the Hesketh Arms have all been selected to play at Fleetwood Hesketh. Hesketh Arms’ players chosen to play away are Dave Gordon, Mike Milne, Jon Roberts, Tony Wakefield and Mark Wilde.
Southport go into this final group game just three points behind Wrexham, with an excellent chance of topping the division prior to a crucial play-off game in August. Supporters for the home leg at Fleetwood Hesketh will be very welcome.
GREEN BOOKINGS
Please note that the green will be unavailable to members on the following dates. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Thursday 18th July – the green has been booked for a private party in the afternoon.
Sunday 11th August – the green has been booked for a private event.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Saturday 13th July – Chairman’s Shield (non-random doubles – pick your own partner) 12 noon
Sunday 21st July – President’s Cup (singles handicap) NB Note earlier start time 11.00am
Saturday 3rd August – Friendly fixture at home against Emmanuel B.C. 1pm start.
Saturday 10th August – Coronation Cup (singles handicap) 12 noon