The group meets at the Bowling Alley, Madison Heights, Maldon. There is a fee that includes 2 hours of bowling, shoe hire and refreshments. The group has a varied level of skill from beginners to experienced and everyone is welcome to come and join in. A certain amount of fitness is required. The games are played for fun although there is an element of competitiveness amongst the players.

27th March 2025

I wasn't there for the last bowl of March. Sunny days in England are rare so I didn't want to miss one, preferring to enjoy the great outdoors. I did miss some good music with tunes from the 60's being played, and I would have made the numbers right - we do like multiples of 3.

Steve took the first round with 122. Tim, after only 82 in the first game, had the highest score in the 2nd with a 134. Suzie took the 3rd round and had highest score of the day with

138. Chris had 2 strikes in a row and with all her games over a 100 was well pleased. Ian was unusually under par, and Diane was down on her high scores to, but at least it gave others the chance to shine.

High series Diane C – 360; Steve 336; Chris 333. Well done Christine.

Allowing for the Easter school break our next bowling is in 3 weeks’ time, on the 24th April.

13th March 2025

With Diane Caulkett safely back from her adventures down under, it was our intrepid explorer that was in charge for this session. I had warned her I would be late so when I arrived everyone was already in place on their lanes. Six lanes of three bowlers. I was playing alongside June B and our 3rd bowler was Mr. Anonymous, made up to keep us on track with the other lanes. It was jolly hard work, especially as we played through the tea break. June and I took it in turns to bowl for Mr. A. so every other turn we bowled, mostly - four times on the trot.

Diane C, amazingly, got 169 on her first game, how can you be away all those weeks then bowl a blinder? Steve was just behind me in the 2nd round, I had 135 he was on 130. Chris bowled a good average. Diane Raddon was 1 pin short of getting a Turkey. I bowled 3 strikes in a row but one of them was when I was bowling for Mr. A., so I still didn't get my Turkey.

But today’s session was about the team rather than individual scores. I was so proud of June - she did a sterling job, there's not much of her and we were both tired but we somehow kept going; our reward was, we had the highest team score. We had a prize given by Diane, presented at tea break after the bowling, which I said June should have. It was a stubbie, a bottle holder for cold beers, all the way from Oz. As we drink warm beer in this country, maybe use it as a pen holder?

-Lynne Leech

February 2025

With Diane C off on her adventures down under, it was myself in charge for the next two bowling sessions.

• The last time had been hectic but it never gets any better, and with a record number turning out to bowl, and another lane added due to a late arrival, we had 7 lanes. It was the poor man behind the desk I felt sorry for as he was running himself ragged attending to us. I had got him to change the rather heavy rock music, he did but we had endless Rihanna squawking and wailing for over an hour, I daren’t ask him to change it again. He was managing the place single-handed, from fixing the machines to making the tea – who says men can’t multi-task?

Only 7 of the 19 bowlers got over 100 in round one. Ian just sneaking ahead of myself by one point with 121. Only 5 with 100-plus in round 2. This time I beat Ian by 2 points with 133 but our friendly rivalry was outplayed by Anne Wodhams with her score of 149, which was to be the highest of the day.

The tea break curse hit again (I must try a glass of Wine instead, even if it didn't work, you would be happy enough not to give a           )

Both Ian and myself very below average, it was Steve who took that round with 128, which nearly made him smile, (he's always so serious), Suzie just behind on 125.

High series: Lynne 370; Ian 346; Anne W 330.

• After a 3 week break allowing for Half Term we were back on the penultimate day of February.

Another new bowler, Barbara, made the number up to 15, perfect. 3 on 5 lanes.

My efforts to introduce a new way of picking team-mates backfired as not enough men so whoever was left was on my team. Back to playing cards next time.

I couldn't do much wrong in the first round, not many strikes but picking up all my spares, utterly amazed and finished on a very nice 187. No one else even close. Round 2 not quite so on fire, but still a pleasing score of 145, then tea break, uh, ohhh!! Thought I was Okay when I got a strike on the first throw but the wheels quickly came off and it was all a bit awful and right at the end my sole parted from the top part of my shoe making me walk like a clown and mucking up my approach, so I can blame my shoes for ending on 92 (though it wasn't).

Julie had a good afternoon, Ian was improving but another cracking score came from Anne Wodhams. She saved her best to last, getting a Turkey (3 strikes in a row) on the 9th and 10th frames, a first for her and finished on her highest score ever, a fab 168. This would

normally be the highest score of the day, mine being an unusually high score stole her much deserved glory. I think Anne was chuffed to bits anyway.

Barbara was consistent with her bowling, 95, 90 and 91 so a good start for the novice. Sue Ritter had a mare, a lot of dashes on the score board, better luck next time Sue.

High series: Lynne 424; Anne W 375; Julie 345.

Next Bowl is on 13th March. Look out Diane you have some competition.

Lynne Leech

23rd January 2025

Diane has set up a Whats App group for the bowlers, which was to make life easy and know who’s coming, so we have a rough idea beforehand how many lanes are required. All good plans … Don and John turned up after a very long absence, so they weren't on the group Whats App. Some we hadn't known were coming; some we knew were coming but were late, usual chaos resumed. 19 bowlers! I was so glad Diane was in charge and not me - she is always as cool as a cucumber; I would have had a bad case of Tourette’s.

So, we had 6 lanes and a break down.

I got off to a brilliant start, a few strikes and picking up spares, to finish on a lovely 169. Diane C looked like the stress had got to her, then in her calm way, settled down to achieve a very respectable 147, Ian 3rd on 125.

The wheels came off for me in the 2nd round only getting 111. Our lovely Chris, who despite being in pain with a neck problem and having a headache, scored a brilliant 131, her other scores were 101 and 108, so the saying "No Pain, No Gain" rang true. Julie was triumphant in round 2 with a lovely score of 140.

Wish I could erase round 3 from my memory. Not sure what happened, tea break curse probably, Diane C put a spell on me? Can't blame the music, it was 60's, though I did want to dance and sing rather than bowl, and as I only got 88 (!) I should have done just that. Talk about humiliation.

So in joint 3rd were Julie and Ian on 118; 2nd was Peter on 124; and 1st was our team leader, Diane on 133. Diane also had best series with 399; I was 2nd with 368; Julie was 3rd with 359.

We are without Diane next time who is off on one of her grand adventures down under.

Next bowl is 6th February, then there will be a 3-week gap due to half term, resuming play on 27th February.

Because of numbers now, if you are not on the Whats App group can you let me know if you are coming, my mobile is 07388 409215. Likewise, if you have said you are coming and can't then make it, send me a message please. Can everyone try to get there by 1.45 to allow time to pay, sort shoes, find a suitable ball, and be allocated a lane so we can be ready to bowl at 2pm.

Thank you

Lynne Leech

9th January 2025

Due to our group leader being absent from our Christmas bowl, Diane wanted us to wear our Christmas jumpers again for our first bowl of the New Year, and for the delayed prize giving. We got a few sideways glances as we walked in, dressed in our glittery reindeer and bauble attire - Diane with her festive hat with Nordic blonde plaits.

We were pleased to see Anne and Tim Langley back after a long absence. Anne, a tad rusty, achieved the lowest score of the day in the first round of just 53, but not all bad as she was given a pack of biscuits, the booby prize, in the award ceremony later. I got off to a flying start with a 166, which was to be the highest score of the day, Suzie was second in the first round with 127, Ian 124.

Diane C was back on form in the second round with a nice 148, Phil had 127 and I had slipped below my average to get 122.

I claimed the third round with 148, Tim had a blinder with a 135 (he was bowling with me so had to keep up). Diane C was close behind on 134.

It was Diane R's last bowl for a while as she is off to warmer climes.

Our tea break (and awards) was taken after we had bowled our three games. Diane C kindly supplied and awarded the prizes, and worked out all the scores and averages over 2024.

Ian won a bottle of beer and retained the trophy, for his score of 185. Diane C was in second with 179 and myself 177. I took High Series with 451 and a box of Ferrero Rocher which people suggested I share - No Way - information is for sharing, chocolates, never.

Diane and Ian shared equal 2nd place with 418. First strike of the year, me; most strikes Suzie with 5. Prize for most improved player went to June T. I ended up with 3 prizes, not sure what the 3rd one was for, high score of the day? Anyway, I gave my M & M's to Tim for achieving his 135.

18th December 2024

Our last bowl of the year. We were looking forward to having Diane Caulkett back with us but she was required to help out a friend so the group was stuck with me again. Everyone had made the effort to look festive with the sparkly Xmas jumpers out. Ian looking like he was straight out of Santa’s sack in wrapping paper design jumper and matching trilby hat. He would have had a prize for most Christmassy.

Having just fought my way through throngs of Christmas shoppers in the supermarket and High Street my head was overloaded, so told people to just pick who they wanted to play with. 5 lanes in use (no funny lighting this time and the music was 'normal' too). I chose Ian and Phil, our only 2 men, to bowl with. Ian and I were pretty neck and neck through all 3 games. I started with a 148 which was to be the highest score of the day, in the 2nd round there was just 11 pins between all 3 of us - I had 134, Phil 133 and Ian 123.

The two Junes played together along with guest Caroline who beat June T's record of the most gutter balls thrown so this promoted June from the bottom. Diane R shone on her

lane, playing alongside Chris and Anne. She had 4 strikes on the last game ending on a 127 which was then equalled by Suzie.

High series Lynne 407. Ian 366, Suzie 343

First bowl of 2025 is 9th January. Reminder to please be there in plenty of time to pay, sort shoes and allocate lanes to start promptly at 2pm.

Happy New Year
-Lynne Leech

5th December 2024

Another traffic problem to contend with, so some late arrivals and many attempts at head counts. Final total 14 bowlers. 5 lanes in use.

The weather forecast was bad, heavy rain and strong winds but inside was pretty dull and gloomy too. We thought they had had a power cut. The lanes were dark with just the pins lit up, and a blue light on the lanes that made your ball glow as it travelled down, like the ones they had in discos years ago that made your underwear glow white through your clothes. We all got off to a bad start and blamed the new 'exciting' lighting that had been installed to give you a 'thrilling' experience, don't they know we're too old for new ways?

Lots of pouting and grumbling from Anne to the poor man on reception, who fearing a rebellious uprising by the u3a, rectified the situation, suddenly the alleys were lit up as bright as day, well not quite, it was dull and wet outside. With nothing to blame now for our inaccurate attempts to knock pins down we had to quickly find one, the music, rock bands playing on the music system, now you just can't concentrate with head-banging music. We function best with some sing-a-long tunes, even, dare I say it, some Christmas songs.

So, the first round was pretty poor, only 7 getting above 100. Ian having the highest with 136 beating me by 1 pin. Peter blasted his way to highest score of the afternoon in the 2nd round, with a 167, Julie who was bowling on the same lane was 2nd with 135. The tea break curse really kicked in and the final round was pitiful with the highest score being only 113.

High series Lynne 388, Phil 332, Steve 308.
-Lynne Leech

21st November 2024

Due to most of us being held up by road works in Latchingdon, it was a late arrival, and therefore start, for our bowling session. We didn't get told off, as I was in charge that day with Diane off on her exotic adventures abroad. As usual it was hard to get started, some wandering off to find balls, some paying and putting on shoes, some arriving later than I had, no one in the same place for more than a few seconds, each count of heads was different plus we had 13 bowlers so then I had to do maths as well. Finally sorted 5 lanes.

Ian and Peter bowled together and always seem to egg each other on (a man thing, though to be fair Diane and I are like that too). Ian got off to a great start with 136, Peter then took the 2nd round with 133 which Phil, at the last minute before tea break, equalled. Chris led on her lane, happy to reach 100 on the 3rd frame. Our lovely smiley June was collecting more dashes than numbers and her figures looked more like the statistics of a competitor in a Miss World competition, aahh. One day June, keep trying. I was bowling with Anne W. She was keeping up with me pretty well then triumphed over everyone to get the highest score of the day, a 137. Well done Anne

Best series: Ian 391, Peter 370, Lynne 366, Anne 363.

Next bowl 5th December then last one of the year 19th December, don't forget your Christmas jumpers and silly hats for that one.
-Lynne Leech

7th November 2024

Lynne is back in amazing style - 151 in the first round, brilliant, and the highest series of the day with a massive 440. However, after a disastrous first round of bowling - 75 - her high score was beaten by me bowling the next two rounds with 162 & 161.

We were 11 of us and others did well too; Suzie bowled every game over a hundred and Phil progressively bowled higher each round reaching 131 in the third. It was great to welcome June T back after many months of absence – she always brings laughter to our group.
-Diane Caulkett

17th October 2024

I’m not quite sure what’s happening to the group, everyone seems to be going downhill; Peter S was the exception scoring the highest scores in two of the rounds, his best being 147, and he also bowled the highest series, 397. Score wise it was a bit dispiriting but we all enjoyed the afternoon and vowed to do better at the next session on the 7th November.
-Diane Caulkett

3rd October 2024

With myself and Lynne both away, it was Anne W who took charge. From the scores it is hard to see what happened but out of the 8 bowlers, six of them bowled under 100 in the first round; Ian was the best with 105. The second round saw improvement with only 2 bowling under 100 and the highest score rising to 129 and bowled by June B. Julie, still bowling with her left hand, did really well coming in just behind her with 122. It was after the coffee break, in the third round, that the highlight of the afternoon came (perhaps caffeine really does have an effect), it certainly did for June B, she bowled 144 (her best), and also ended up with the highest series score of 365.

In Anne’s notes she records that the group were given a short seminar on the make-up of a bowling ball – I will have to get her to enlarge on that subject. I do know for a fact though that my 1960’s bowling ball is not at all like the modern ones.

Well, I did ask the group what they had learned from their talk but none could remember, but claimed they all found it very interesting!!
-Diane Caulkett

19th September 2024

Hooray, all the persistence has paid off for Diane R, she achieved an ambition of bowling three games of 100 or above (109, 100,111), brilliant. We were a group of 9, 3 lanes of three. Ian started with a high score bowling 151, then went gradually downhill. Steve did similar starting with 143 – however, his last score of 127 was joint best for that round, Anne W being the other person. Peter S likes to start low, peak in the middle and drop again – his middle score of 129 was the best for that round but his other scores were well under 100. Why is bowling so frustrating?
-Diane Caulkett

5th September 2024

We’re back after the school holidays and all a bit rusty, not Ian though he shone with a brilliant score of 185, well done Ian. His high score was helped by a Turkey, three strikes in a row, another achievement, and not only that he had a high series score of 418 – 81 more than the next highest on the day, me with 337.

However, it was Anne who got the ball rolling winning the first round with 128, just pipping Ian by one point.

A few gremlins in the machinery were a bit frustrating with one pair having to move lanes and Chris, on her last ball, also having to move to a different lane. She did well to keep her cool and bowled a good score on that last frame giving her a score of 111.

We were 10 bowlers and it was good to welcome Sue to the group. Sue was rustier than most of us but certainly didn’t disgrace herself reaching a score of 103 – a score of over 100 is what everyone aspires to.
-Diane Caulkett

18th July 2024

Seven were there for the last session of the summer. Once again Ian was exceptional and peaked with 165 (then two games under 100!) this though allowed me get the highest series of the day with 403.

Scores aside, if we had a ‘bowler of the day' it would have gone to Julie. Normally right- handed she arrived with that arm in a makeshift sling, and planned to try to bowl left- handed. I'm sure if I tried that I would get my feet in a tangle and fall over, but she was confident she would be okay. Although her scores were not high, she did bowl 100 in the first game beating her lane opposition Suzie by two points. Meanwhile, Steve bowled consistently with 141, the highest bowled in the second game.
- Diane Caulkett

4th July 2024

Only 8 people met as a result of holidays and that, so we played from 3 lanes. Peter, Diane and Phil played on one lane and they all won a game each. Their highest score between them was only 104 and there was only 4 points difference in their series totals. Ian, Chris and Julie played another lane and Ian got the highest score of the day in the first round with

161. Ian also won the second game and Julie won the third. Steve and June B. played the third lane and Steve got the highest score for round 2 with 113, then June B. got the highest score for round 3 with 126. Ian was the series winner with 380, then Steve with 334, and then Julie with 331.
- Ian Parrott

20th June 2024

I don’t know if it was the first early signs of summer sunshine but only a small select group of bowlers turned up yesterday. However we, as always, had a fun afternoon pitting our shots against those pins! How often are we left so frustrated with only 9 of them going down with the first ball! However, at the end of the session Phil turned out to be our winner with Steve, who also recorded the highest individual score of the day with 149, ending up in a very respectable second place. Well done both of you.
The next meeting is 4th July so hope to see you there.
- Anne Wodhams

6th June 2024

Only 8 of us met on this occasion due to holidays and stuff. June B. won the first round with a creditable 127. Ian won the second round with a 141 which was also the highest score of the day. He also won the third round with a 115 which assured him of the top series score of 381. Second series score was June B. with 312, and third was Steve with 309.
- Ian Parrott

16th May 2024

Fourteen again, what a good turnout. I’ll glance over the first round as a score of 117 was the highest – what happened!! (Could be Lynne’s away.) Anyway, I bowled 138 in the second which seemed to waken Ian who, in the final round, bowled the highest of the day 143 – not the highest series though, I beat him by 1 point with 367. At last Diane R has cracked it. She has gradually improved and although she didn’t bowl every game over 100, her average was and she bowled her highest score ever with 126 and her highest series too, so was well pleased. Not so June T who proudly shouted out halfway through round one that she hadn’t bowled a single gutter ball – but it was early days and, well you can guess what happened – but she always smiles through.
- Diane Caulkett

2nd May 2024

With Lynne away on her summer jaunts, Ian injured and myself absent from this session due to a vehicle breakdown, 9 bowlers battled it out for the top spot. Thanks to Anne W for organising them onto lanes and keeping the scores. It was not to be a high scoring start to the day but congratulations to Julie who in the first round bowled the highest score of 107. Her glory was short-lived and she was soon beaten by Steve who bowled an amazing 151 in the second round; not only did he get the highest score of the day but also the highest series of 343. Diane H tried her best to catch him up but couldn’t quite achieve it bowling 137 in the third round and she was only 6 points behind him in the series
score. Everyone else had consistent scores.
- Diane Caulkett

18th April 2024

Fourteen bowlers turned up for this session and it seemed to bring out the competitiveness in everyone. Ian started in the first round with a fantastic score of 168 and on a ‘normal’ day this would have been the highest score; however, it was Lynne in the second round who spoilt his day bowling a high score of 170. This was almost beaten by me and, had I got a strike in the last frame, would have beaten Lynne – but I didn’t and ended by equalling Ian’s score. Steve was his usual consistent self and Tim was thrilled to bowl three games over 100. Lynne had the highest series score of the day with 451.
- Diane Caulkett

28th March 2024

A little down on numbers but not enthusiasm just 12 for this session, just squeezed in before the Easter Holidays and the invasion of the little people.

Ian got off to a convincing start with a score of 132 which also turned out to be the highest of the day. Steve 2nd with 124 closely followed by Diane C on 123.

In the 2nd round, my team mate Anne W mistakenly took my turn but only got 4 down on her first throw so I got it removed in case I was on form for this game which could be the 'big one'. After all the palaver I joked "I'll probably get a gutter ball now" and to my horror that's just what happened. Anne thought it was funny, my 2nd bowl got just 4 down so how ironic is that and how embarrassing. Anne rubbed salt into my wounds by scoring 129, the highest score of the second round. Tim was second with 121.

The final round of the day was a joint win with Suzie and June B both getting 125, June played very well today and her beaming smile was the reward. Suzie did a few trick shots, one was hitting a split cleanly in the middle to dispense both pins.

Best series Ian with 350, just one point behind Diane C on 349 then Steve 343. Next bowl is in 3 weeks on 18th April. Happy Easter.
- Lynne Leech

14th March 2024

I don't know if it was because Diane was back, but our numbers swelled to 18. A baptism of fire for her as it’s so difficult to know numbers with people moving about to find balls, some paying, putting on shoes, late arrivals. Then to add to the confusion there are 3 Diane's, 2 June's, 2 Anne's. In the end we had 6 lanes.

Ian once again took the first round with 144, beating my 130.

Tim did well in the 2nd game with a decent 131 but, still seeming to be on track with my throwing technique, I got the high score of the day with 152.

The final round of the day went to our team leader Diane, whose form and nerves seemed to be restored after the edgy start, she nearly beat my high score of the day achieving a

150. Phew that was close. I had 142, Ian close on my tail with 140, Steve 120. High series Lynne 424, Ian 398, Diane C 389.
- Lynne Leech

29th February 2024

On the day that only happens every 4 years (my proposal was turned down again), 15 of us met up at the bowling alley. With persistent rain outside, nobody felt like they were missing outdoor activities.

June T was thrilled to get a strike on her first throw, but the delight was short lived when on frames 3, 4, 5 and 6 her ball managed to avoid any pins with 8 consecutive "gutter balls".

The score board with all its dashes looking like a coded cry for help. She still kept smiling.

Ian had a great start and highest score in the first round with a lovely 147. Anne W achieved 132 in the 2nd round but my 148 gave me the lead.

There were some good scores in the final game, Tim and Julie both getting 128, Ian repeated his first score once again bowling a 147 but I was picking up my spares and with a few strikes thrown in finished on a very pleasing 177.

High series (total of 3 games) Lynne 447, Ian 402, Julie359.
- Lynne Leech

8th February 2024

The beauty of not being in a What's App group for our bowling is that you don't know who is going to turn up on the day. So we were delighted to welcome back two faces from the very distant past, Don and John. With 13 of us, we had 5 lanes as any more than 3 on a lane takes forever.

With Diane away on her adventures down under, came the chance for others to shine and with myself well under par for my first two games that honour was given to Peter Smith in the first round with 122. Our regular, and dainty, bowler Christine came close to taking the 2nd round
with a respectable 123 but she was pipped by just 5 points by Steve, who was impressing the two ladies on his team with his score of 128. Just as I thought I had taken the third round with a 135 - and high score of the day - Steve stole my glory, ending on a very nice 148. He also had
the highest scores of the day.
- Lynne Leech

25th January 2024

With two new members joining we had 16 bowlers so bowled on 5 lanes; hopefully we will continue to have that number, or more.
Once again Lynne bowled the highest series with 429, and once again also, Diane C got the highest score of 179. It was Tim though who scored the first Turkey of the year - well done Tim three strikes in a row is brilliant and 153 as an end score is good.
Next sessions are 8th February, 29th February and 14th March - if you do intend on coming please be at the bowling alley ready to bowl by 2.00pm
- Diane Caulkett

11th January 2024

The overall 2023 results showing averages and maximum scores were available for all to see. Some were disappointed, others pleased. In brief the highest score of the year went to Diane C 176, closely followed by Ian and Ron just a few points behind. She also got the highest series score of 451 with Ron second scoring 448. Most of the bowlers bowled better or around the same as the previous year with only two dropping
their scores.
New year, new start: and eleven of us bowled on our first session for 2024. We also had 2 spectators (Anne W, recovering from injury and who will be back soon, and Polly).
For once the lanes behaved well and, as we were the only ones in the bowling alley, we didn’t have to!! So, we requested the music we liked and enjoyed singing and dancing too - it was a really jolly afternoon. Back to bowling - Ian started slowly and then got going bowling 145 and 136 on his last two games. (As he was on a lane with only two people, he had time to bowl another game and I think bowled even higher than that, shame it doesn’t count Ian - but even so he didn’t beat the highest score of the day of 149). The highest series was 413 with Lynne coming second on 390.
- Diane Caulkett

14th December 2023

This was to be our last session for the year and also our Christmas one. Everyone came dressed in their Christmas attire: jumpers, hats, t-shirts etc. Ian even sported a jumper with festive koala bears - a jolly welcome back for me. It was a shame the bowling didn’t match this enthusiasm although perhaps the enthusiasm was there but the scores certainly didn’t reflect that. There were prizes up for grabs - highest score, first strike, most strikes, winners of each round and the five lowest scorers. The rule was that a person could only win one prize - Joan, in fact, could have won 3. In round 1 she equalled the highest score with Ian, 140; he claimed that prize as Joan bowled the 1st strike of the day achieving it on the 3rd frame. She also bowled the most strikes of the day, five in total, but that prize went to Julie in second place with three. The winner of the next round was Joan again so Steve, in second place, took that and I won the third round with 138. Ian had the highest series of the day with 362. The five lowest scorers were Lynne, Chris, Diane R, Ron and Phil. Over coffee the modest prizes were awarded. It was a fun afternoon and thanks to all the bowlers who have made our sessions throughout the year friendly and special; we commence battle in 2024 on 11th January.
- Diane Caulkett

30th November 2023

On a very cold afternoon we had a decent number turn up for our bowling session. Good to see Peter S and June back with us. We weren’t stuck up the corner, as usual, but the pins, as usual, were stuck up in the machinery. On the 3rd callout for the machine to be unblocked, we were told there were brand new pins on all the lanes; shame the rest of the equipment couldn’t be renewed too. I started off in a blaze of glory: strikes, spares and a fab score of 166 - I did utter, ‘it won’t last long’, and boy was I right and in the next two games only scraped past the 100. Peter S took the first round with a nice 132 closely followed by Steve with 123. Ian going in the right direction for the final game finishing on 139. High series was Lynne 391 and Ian 371 and 3rd was Peter S with 351 closely followed by Steve 347. Well done everyone for coming along.
- Lynne Leech

16th November 2023

Our meet up was well attended considering our group leader, Diane, was in Oz, and Anne Woodhams had, I heard, broken her wrist playing her much loved Padel tennis. A nice even number of 12, 3 bowlers on each of our 4 allocated lanes.
The scores in the first game were low - only 4 people getting over 100. Ian was in my team and was ahead until the 10th frame when I got a spare, then a strike, beating his respectable score of 135 by just 6 points. Ian did triumph in the next game with 138, but Steve on lane 2, having had some cola pops or something, played a blinder and scored an amazing 164 - unfortunately the caffeine in the tea break cancelled out the high and he was then under par. However, Diane, who was in Steve's team, then bowled the best score of the 3rd round with a 132. Best series was myself with 392, 2nd Ian with 376, and Julie, our newest member, with 363.
We only have one bowling session in December which is on the 14th which will be our Christmas jumper, onesie, baubles, or whatever you can put on to look festive.
- Lynne Leech

5th October 2023

12 of us played, 6 ladies and 6 men, so we had 4 lanes of 3. Ron got the highest score of the day with 172, Joan got the second highest in game 2 with 138, and Julie T. got the third highest in the first game with 120. Ron managed 2 doubles and also got the highest series with 388. Steve was second in the series with 325. Out of the 12 of us, the only two not to win any games at all were Diane R. and Ian. Better luck next time! I have to say that Peter only needed 3 points on his last turn to win the first game but put the ball in the gutter with both throws. Shame.
The next session will be on 19th October at 2pm.
-Ian Parrott

June 2023

The month of June saw the return of Diane C from her travels and, with the warmer weather, Ron & Joan emerged from hibernation. It was almost the day of glory for Ron but there is always someone who spoils it - unfortunately it was me! Ron started well with the highest
scores in both games 1 & 2, - 37 and 161 respectively - but with a flourish at the end Diane C bowled a string of strikes overtaking him by 7 points; he very sportingly took it on the chin. He did have his moment of glory achieving the highest series of the day with 448.
Anne W got better as the afternoon went on and after coffee (which by the way has improved, it is now hot and tastes like coffee), bowled 151, just 4 points short of her highest this year.
The second session a fortnight later, old spoil sport did it again, sorry Ian. Ian was almost bringing out the champagne when he got 132 in the first game but once again with a flurry of strikes, Diane C beat him by the narrow margin of three points, and in the second game sealed the challenge with 147. Play went downhill for everyone in the third game with the winner being Steve bowling 126.
I may be wrong but I think it was the first time Chris bowled all three games over 100; she really has cracked it and ended with her highest series so far this year, 316. June was so unlucky with the way the pins fell and had split after split but she smiled throughout. Peter S took a while to get going but seemed to regain control in the second and third games.

Our fan club, Polly, attends almost every session and it is she, with glass of wine in hand, who must see more than anybody our strange ways of bowling, our disappointments, sulky faces, smirks; it would be very interesting to hear what she has to say.
With school holidays looming we only have one more session before our summer break but there is all to play for - if nothing else we have a laugh.
- Diane Caulkett

18th May 2023

Seven of us played, 4 ladies and 3 men. Diane C was away on holiday and Peter S. was nowhere to be seen. Lynne got the highest score of the day with 154, Ian P got 150 and Anne and Lynne again both got a 144. Anne and Lynne both scored 2 doubles, and Diane R broke a hundred twice. The series winner was Lynne with 391, then Ian P with 373, then Anne with 363. Phil won the 4th game of the afternoon, but unfortunately for him, doesn't really count towards the totals. The next meeting will be Thursday 8th June at 2pm due to half term coming up.
-Ian Parrott

4th May 2023

Seven of us played, 4 ladies and 3 men. It turned out to be a day of records despite Diane C, and Lynne being absent. Four of us got doubles, namely Diane R, Peter S, Anne and Ian P. Diane R. got her highest score ever with a 130, Ian P. got his highest score ever with 173 which was the highest score of the day, and June R got her highest score ever with 116. Chris broke a hundred twice and Steve achieved his major goals by exceeding 100 in all three games. The highest series win was Ian P with 410
-Ian Parrott

20th April 2023

It was a small gathering for our session on 20th April - just 8 of us, and that included Ian's sister June, on her visit over from Australia. Chris paired up with our guest bowler. Our resident June teamed up with Diane and Phil and I bowled with Ian and Peter Smith. Ian was on form and we shared first position on the first game each getting 122, Chris 2nd with 110, Peter 3rd with 102. Ian got a few pins more in the 2nd game with a 125 game, Phil upping his game with 117 and I was 3rd with 112.
The last game again was a close run thing between myself and Ian - he finished on a 139, I was behind so needed to spare on the last frame; I got 9 then spared on the remaining pin so with the extra ball I managed to grab the lead from him and won by just 4 points, a very
close run thing.
Phil and the girls’ lane was playing up so they were a few frames behind. With a score of 127 on the 8th frame Phil could have toppled my crown but as a few of us had gathered round we put the pressure on and the cough, as he was about to bowl, might have helped - he
unfortunately put the next two balls down the gutter, one each side. Plus the clock was showing just minutes until the machine would shut off due to our time being up, the onlookers urging him to hurry. So it was very unfair, but he took it on the chin still taking 3rd place with 133 so a good effort.
Ian had the highest series of the day with 386, I was 2nd with 377 and Phil 3rd with 343.
Next bowl is on 4th May
(Diane C, group leader, and Anne W were absent doing some ‘modelling’ - not sure if this was clay, Airfix or calendar girls…?)
- Lynne Leech

March 2023

On a cold, damp Thursday afternoon in early March the bowling group gathered to do battle. Good to see some faces from the past, June and then Suzie, her last visit was 2019!!! Once again, no big scores to start off the first round. Steve had 117 and June 109. The second game was much better, Peter Smith scoring 133, Lynne 138 but pipped at the post by Ian with 139, a score that included a Turkey (three strikes in a row). The tea break, as usual, interrupted the flow and concentration levels and the scores were way down, Lynne a clear winner in the final round with 136. Suzie only got to play 2 games having arrived late due to start-time mix up but she wasn't too rusty, getting 116 and 101 - so one to look out
for when she gets back into the swing of things.
The highest score was Ian's 139; Highest Series (total of 3 games) was Lynne with 375; Steve 2nd with 325 and Ian 3rd with 318. June’s first two games were 109 and 106 but sadly dropped to 56 after the tea break curse, so had the dubious honour of lowest score of the day.
The following session was unremarkable with Ian on the highest score of 139 - but he dropped form later with two of his games not reaching 100. Not so though for Diane C who, returning after a break, bowled the highest score of 176 and a series of 451, both the highest scores so far this year. Lynne still retains the highest score ever of 190 but still blames the venue’s coffee for her recent low scores! She has vowed to have a different beverage next time so watch this space for some amazing scores from her. Other successes were Diane H and Steve who bowled their highest scores this year, both scoring 129.
Next meeting is on Thursday 20th April.
-Diane Caulkett

February 2023

After a 3-week break due to missing the half term week and the little people, the group was back albeit a bit depleted with a number on holiday including our leader Diane Caulkett. Nine of us, four ladies five men, at least made it easy to have 3 players on 3 lanes.
The first round was less than thrilling with Pete Banham reaching the highest score of just 115 with Steve 2 points behind him. The 2nd round was a bit better with Ian regaining his previous form with 139 which was also the highest score of the day, Lynne second with 122.
The final frame was a close-run thing with all the 'Jack' team which was the two Petes and Diane H. Diane got her best score to date with a respectable 127, Pete S just in front on 128 and Pete B back on track with 133. Diane also 'spared' on some difficult splits - well done.
Next bowling date is 9th March.
-Lynne Leech

January 2023

New year - a new start and bowling their first balls of this year 40% of the bowlers got a strike! Not Peter S however, he bowled gutter ball after gutter ball and just scraped a score of 50. With encouragement from everyone, and determination from him, his next round was genius. He bowled a fantastic 140. He was pleased last month to get over a 100 but this brought the biggest smile on his face - what an achievement. He was not the overall winner, that went to Diane C with 144.
Peter S continued well a fortnight later but, playing on the same lane as Anne W, it was she who got the highest score of 156 - it was also her highest ever, well done Anne; she also got the highest series of the day with 350, once again beating her previous highest. Diane H
struggled throughout 2022 to reach 100 but today she bowled 116 - her highest ever.
As for the rest of us……………better luck next time.
-Diane Caulkett