Harlaw Bowling Club

Well that’s another season flown by. Rounded off in fine style by a 50/50 (under 50 v over 50) challenge match, the gauntlet having been thrown down, by Cracker, to George Simpson. It was a great afternoon, which started in fairly pleasant conditions, but after the tea break deteriorated rapidly. After a couple of ends, the heavens opened, and with the water pouring down and creeping up around the ankles, the game was curtailed.

The outcome was that the “young uns” had underestimated the skill and cunning of the “wrinklies”, especially Kenny Adams who, thanks to the playing of a joker, managed to score 14 shots in one end!
Cracker presented the “Simpson Beattie” cup to team captain George. There was then a general retirement to the bar, where, having realised that the stock had to be run down before the closure, several of the lads and lasses set about that task with gusto. It is intended that this become an end of season fixture, (the match, not necessarily the assault on the bar).

So to Sunday when, with the green still flooded, there was never any hope of play. Despite that, attendance was very good. Everyone had a good news and afternoon tea, following which, President George summarised the season’s successes, of which there have been many, and thanked all those who had contributed, organized, participated and supported all the Club events and matches. He also expressed a hope that the successes, particularily by the ladies, would encourage more members to put their names down for the various Association matches.

Finally came the annual prize draw, for which there were many donations (thanks to all for that). The main prize of £100 went to Roy Sands of Harlaw B.C.

And wouldn’t you know it, no sooner had the flag been lowered and the gate shut, than the SUN came out! Always the way.

Monday started the task of bedding the green down for the winter and let’s hope it survives as well as last year.

The celebrations are not quite done as we have the Trophy Presentation on Saturday (sometimes called “prize giving”, but that sounds a wee bit Sunday School). It was a great night last year and should be so again, even if you’ve nowt to collect.

Starts 6:30 for 7:00, 2 course buffet, presentation, then entertainment by Marie (Sandra Fowlie’s daughter) and the bar has been re-stocked. All for £6. If anyone hasn’t yet got their name down yet, let me know so you can be included in the catering and pay on the night.

We hope you all survive the winter relatively unscathed and will see you all again next season.

We’ve had a very successful season in competitions held
under the auspices of various area Bowling Associations

Aberdeenshire & Kincardineshire Bowling Association
Top 10 Winners against Pitmedden

Benachie League
Section A runners-up against Kemnay

Benachie Pairs
Runners-up to Pitmedden

Forbes Hendry
Gents and Ladies both runners-up to Pitmedden

Grampian Ladies
Section A winners
Runners up to Inverurie B.C. in play-off

Champion of Champions – Pat Clarke

Stevenson Trophy – Winners
First win since 2005

Craigie Ladies Triples
Winners against Ellon at Dyce

Well done to all involved

Been a very busy start to the season and haven’t had a minute, to get this first posting until now.

Opening of the Green, by Colin and Heather Tough, was a very well attended day.
President George did well in his first official duty and was pleased to show off the new wireless P.A. system.

The first big event this season was when we hosted the A&K Trials on 1st &5th May.
We had 8 taking part, with Lee & Steven Simpson and James Harper being selected.

May 15th was our, new, One Day Invitation Fours competition. This used to be played over a week, but was latterly not a success due to the long term commitment required by players. The day was a huge success, with sponsor, Colin Tough, presenting the 1st prize to Julie Barclay & partner (Methlick).

All the activity on the green that day helped to get it in prime condition for the County Game on May 21st, when A&K had a narrow win over Highland.

In the A&K Fours League, we’ve had a draw with Kintore, wins over Kincardine o’Neil, Kemnay, Laurencekirk and Potlethen, with a defeat by Belhelvie.

In the Forbes Henry, the Gents won against Torphins, Ellon & Pitmedden, while the Ladies defeated Ellon.

Although the Ladies lost their Craigie Ladies team match with Newhills, but Clarke won her Champion of Champion Match.

While Par Clarke won her Grampian Ladies match against Kintore the team lost to Newmachar. Subsequent encounters resulted in a loss for the Pairs, but a win for the Triples.

Our defence of the Benachie League Championship (not a typo – it really has only 1 “n”) with wins over Methlick and Oldmeldrum.
Our performance in the Benachie Knock-out has been mixed, with the Triples and Fours losing, but the Champ of Champ, Singles and Pairs going through.

The Scottish Senior Fours were beaten by Culter.

The Wedensday League is going well with numbers in excess of 30 most eweeks. Good to see Margaret Watt back in charge of the raffle. Is it my imagination, or is she giving out more prizes this year?

The Club Triples got off to a good start on Monday, despite an occasional run for cover on a couple occasions. This has been a very popular, fun(ish) tournament.
Contrary to what some seem to think this is not just for those knocked out in the first round of Club comps. but open to all. The line-up consists of 8 teams and as 3 have 6 players and 5 only 5 there is still room for anyone who wants to participate.

Everyone, visitors and members, have commented favourably on the state of the green so far. It has certainly survived the winter better than many in the area. Much of this is due to the clinker base laid down a century ago by the old Loco Works Boys and more recently by the work of Robbie and George.

The Coffee Morning was a resounding success, raising £766. A big thank-you to all who helped organise and run this. This thank-you goes also to all who have helped make all the big events so successful so far. The money raise goes a long way to paying for the new sprayer for the green, a vital piece of equipment in maintenance and disease prevention on the green. The old one, made years ago by Kenny Adams from bits and pieces, finally gave up the ghost. If you want to see where your money is going, Robbie or George will be happy to show it off.

Coming up, we are hosting one of the Scottish Championships Semi-Finals featuring Junior Singles, Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours and Senior Fours.
The end of June sees the Invitation Fours and in July we’re trying to arrange a match between a Harlaw/Inverurie Select and teams from neighbouring clubs to commemorate the 600th Anniversary of the Battle of Harlaw. The Garioch Heritage Society is supporting this endeavour.

The proposed Clubhouse extension now has Planning Permission and a Building Warrant Application has been lodged. Once this is granted, or at least looks likely to be approved without major changes, we will be putting it out to tender.

Finally, two of our members have recently been involved in strenuous charity fund-raising.
Jim Morrison completed a walk from Glasgow to Inverness (in kilt) via the Kelvin, West Highland and Great Glen Ways. Jim himself raised over £2.5k and with donations en route and corporate sponsors, the final total is expected to be £10k. This to be split between Maggies and McMillan Nurses.
Steven Simpson finished the Edinburgh Marathon in a little over 4 hours, raising well over £800 for MS.
Well done to both.

Please remember and enter the Club competitions, the closing date is Friday 22nd April 2011

Welcome to all for the new season, the sun is shining and the green looks in wonderful condition.

HAVE A GREAT SEASON !!

The Benachie League Fixtures 2011 will be published shortly.

For further information please contact Nicky Littlejohn, Match Secretary

The fees for season 2011 are:

The fees have been held for the last 3 years and there is also no joining fee for season 2011

Full Membership £45

Senior Citizen £35

Beginner £30

Junior (14-18 years) £12.50

Social £7

Locker Rental £2

Visitors £1 per person / game or

                 £4 per person / week

The club has sourced new merchandise for the coming season.

Ties, Polo Shirts and Blazer Badges will all be available to purchase on opening day

A price list will be published on opening day however should you wish further information please do not hesitate to contact Jim Wishart the Club Secretary or any member of the Committee.