The Newsroom!

SOCIAL BOWLING COMPETITION 2025

Thirty social bowlers, including several from the recently formed U3A group, competed for the new Derek and Janet Clark trophy. The OSBC committee arranged for this new trophy to commemorate the time and effort that Janet and Derek gave to social bowling, (following the passing of the original organiser, Ian Gillogaley) and their stepping down earlier this year.

This annual event was organised by Christ Kershaw to whom OSBC are very grateful. OSBC President, John Fannin, opened the occasion with a few words of thanks for the contribution that the social bowlers make to the club. It is believed that OSBC are the only club (certainly locally) to offer social bowling.

After 4 rounds of 8 ends, the eventual winner was Graham Haycox, with Cynthia Hedley 2nd and Roger Burton 3rd. Roger was also the winner of the Spider Competition. John Major ended the day by reiterating John Fannin's thanks, announcing the winners, awarding the prize money and, ultimately, presenting the trophy to Graham Haycox.

BILL FRANCIS MEMORIAL BOWLS COMPETITION

The sun shone all day on the 32 bowlers competing in the inaugural Bill Francis Memorial Competition, held on the 10th of August.

The competition was originally planned for 2024, but the weather was so awful on the day of the event, it had to be cancelled. 2025 was the first opportunity OSBC, and Bill's family and friends, had to celebrate his life. He was a long standing member of OSBC and known to many throughout the bowling community in Shropshire.

The competition was organised by Martin Francis (Castlefields) and Tim Robbins (OSBC), and was over subscribed by people wishing to compete. It seemed fitting that the superb trophy was won by Bill's son, Martin Francis (Castlefields), with Shaun (Castlefields) coming second. £459 was raised for the Hospice charity, and both Martin and Shaun donated their prize money.

It's hoped this will be an annual event and a fitting tribute to Bill, who was, as etched on the trophy, "a loyal member and true gentleman".

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

The number of volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the club going, is very, very small, with only a handful of members helping to make the club the thriving place it is today.

There's always so much to do to keep the place looking as good as it does, and to keep funds coming in - from maintenance of the building and grounds, gardening, organising events, helping on the bar - the list is endless. If you have any spare time that you can offer to your club, please email lesley.osbc@btinternet. It doesn't have to be a regular arrangement - just now and then will help enormously.

DEFIBRILLATOR

You are probably aware that the club has a defibrillator located by the double doors on the balcony.

Hopefully, it will never be needed, but the committee has decided that all members should know the code to access the machine, should the need arise. This code will open it up and, when you start to use the equipment, it will "talk" you though what you need to do.

You should have recently received an email giving you the code - please make a note of it on your mobile, or on a piece of paper to keep in your bowling bag. If you haven't received the email or have lost the code, contact lesley.osbc@btinternet.com.