Forest Hill Bowling Club
11 November 2022
Happy Birthday President Alan
Club members got together to wish President Alan Goodwin a happy 80th birthday and thank him for all he does for the club. Alan is a very “hands on” president- not only President and Green Ranger but also undertakes general maintenance at the Club.
He joins a select group of Club members of three who are in this age group. Alan in his speech suggested the we have a new over 80’s internal competition next year which, if there were a separate men’s and ladies competitions, the men would only have to play one match, and the lady would be declared Champion without having to play a match!
Those present enjoyed sumptuous and ample food, provided and prepared by club members. There was also music – but no dancing though!
Alan’s continued health was toasted with prosecco and a rendering of “Happy Birthday”.
The evening also gave the members a chance to meet socially during the winter off season.
Unfortunately your reporter forgot to take any photos of the evening, so the photo opposite shows Alan taking a well deserved rest after mowing the Green.
4 November 2022
Firework Night
The Club held its annual Firework night with some members bringing their children and grandchildren to enjoy the fireworks and hot food, hot dogs, burgers and soup, prepared by Glenys and Deirdre aided by Debs & Julie.
The evening started with the lighting of the bomb fire by David H & Tony, this was followed by the food and then the fireworks .
The fire works, including rockets and multi shot display quality fireworks, which produced an impressive and spectacle on light of sound. Chas as in past years, was responsible for the safe lighting of the fireworks.
The fire gives the Club the opportunity dispose of wood accumulated though the year from the wood, garden and Club maintenance, as well as waste wood from our members.
Thanks to those who helped to clear up the Club House at the end of the evening.
NB. There are no photos of the fireworks because they are difficult to photo, so again this year it’s another picture of the fire!
27 October 2022
Cutting back trees
Because some of our trees were effecting our neighbours we had to get tree surgeons in to trim back the oak trees at the back of the Green at a cost of over £1000. The work was done in a very professional way and they also cut back some of trees that were impinging on the green.
Can you spot a man with a chain saw in the tree?
Green Autumn Maintenance
October 2022
This time of year, after the Green is closed for the winter, the Club employs Roger, an outside contractor, to hollow tine the Green (remove plugs of soil) and top dressed with sand and a fertiliser. The green is also seeded. The picture shows Roger on his tractor, last year, spreading some of four tons the top dressing.
How does he get his tractor on the Green?(His tractor has tyres that don’t damage the green – I don’t know if he has flat shoe though!).
Hospitals Finals - Sunday 11th September
Congratulations to Alan Godwin, Alan Kent & Dennis Jackson on winning the men's Triples
Unfortunately Angela Pfaff & Jeanette Singer lost the Ladies' Pairs on the last end by two shots ,
Alan Godwin & Dennis Jackson lost the Men's pairs also by 2 shots.
Dennis Jackson,Alan Godwin & Alan Kent. Winners of the men's triples
Sunday 20 -21st August 2022 - Bob Whitcher,
We are sad to announce the passing of club member Bob Whitcher, who was a very active member of Forest Hill and Lewisham & Crystal Palace Bowling Clubs.
A tribute can be found on Lewisham & Crystal Palace Bowling Club Indoor Bowling Club site.
His funeral will take place :-
Bob Whitcher
Sunday 7th August 2022 - Men's & ladies' Captains' day
This year the Men and the Lady Captains held a joint Day.
During the afternoon members of the club played 18 ends in 6 end sections, of a variation of the game where everybody scored individually, points being awarded for shots, touchers and ditchers. Between sessions Deirdre provided ice creams and melon, which on such a hot day, were very welcome!
The afternoon ended with an ample buffet provided by the Captains and as usual a raffle.
The event raised over £200 for Living On a charity that helps bereaved families.
The “winners” were
Ladies’on shots – Pat Stark
Mens’ on shots – Malcolm Loverage
Most touchers Jeanette Singer
Most ditchers Ian Skelly
The Dress Code was "relaxed" -If there was a price for the" most relaxed", Mick would have won!
Sunday 12 June 2022 - President's FUN Day
On Sunday afternoon the Club held President Alan’s Day, when instead of an afternoon of the usual triples, we had a “Fun Day”. This involved various activities that involved nine games, including trying to knock down a rabbit (not a real one!), games of skittles, shove halfpenny using our bowls and trying to bowl though the legs of chairs. The afternoon ended with a buffet provided by the members, who each brought a plate of food. Everybody had a very enjoyable afternoon and look forward to the next Fun Days later in the year.
A sunny Fun Day
Thurs/Fri 2/3 June - Jubilee events
The club held two events for to celebrate the 70th Jubilee. The events were low key with members enjoying some bowling related games provided by Jeanette & "roll ups". This was followed by a delicious buffet that included two whole salmon and chocolate cake!
One of the "roll ups"
Mick never disappoints with his attire.
Too much fun for David & Pat
Friday 22 April 2022 -the club is ready for the new season!
I think that we can all be proud of our Club, its facilities and our members.
• The Club House, toilets, changing rooms and kitchen have been cleaned.
• The patio has been cleaned and white safety lines painted/repainted.
• One of our gazebos has been repaired and painted inside.
• The bank around the green has been repaired and painted – it took over 25 litres of paint!
• The front gate has been painted.
• The Green has been mowed and set up for the start of the season and is now ready for play.
• The benches, the front gate and the fence between the car park and the green, have all been painted. (The flag pole was painted during the winter).
• The gardens have been maintained throughout the winter - The garden has its spring flowers in bloom, the bluebells are quite spectacular at the moment.
• The bar has been made ready to serve us during the season.
I think that we can all be proud of our Club, its facilities and our memebrs.
Many thanks to all those who worked so hard to get the Club ready.
David & Glenys finish painting the Bank
Thursday 24 March 2022 - The garden in Spring
The garden in now coming into flower with daffodils and forget-me-nots in flower and tulips by the fence between car park and Green are coming into bud. We were hoping that some spring flowers might be in flower for the Opening drive, but they may have gone over by that day, so why don't you come and see the display of spring bulbs on Tuesdays or Thursdays (11am to 4.00pm), when the grounds are open for the Gardeners.
Daffodils in Flower on 24 March
26 Nov - Quiz Night
The Club held a very successful Quiz Night, hosted by Peter Gurlech from Queens Mead Bowling Club, with about 40 members, and guests enjoying the evening which also raised funds for the Club.
The questions stretched the breadth of the knowledge of the contestants. Categories included, “Seven Up”, General Knowledge, Song lyrics, London Knowledge and a music round. During the interval we all enjoyed fish and chips supplied and delivered by Sahab Fish and Chip shop, Perry Rise.
The quiz was won by “More Green” a team consisting of Janet Caning, Linda Sutclifte, Alan Godwin, Terry Burcombe, Derek Roberts and David Herbert, who were surprised to find that there were prizes of wine and a bowling themed mug, for winning not just the kudos!
This is a new event for the Club and we hope to have another quiz night in March. Many thanks again to Peter Gurlech for a very enjoyable evening!
The Quiz Master Peter Gurlech with " More Green" - The winning team.