Club Finals Weekend 23rd – 25th August 2025
This year’s knockout finals took place over a hot and sunny August Bank Holiday weekend. The dry weather this season has made the green ‘challenging’ with woods taking unexpected lines on occasions! And, unfortunately a couple of matches were abandoned when the heat and sun proved too much. Once again Alan organised the weekend, arranging matches so that players in more than one final could spread out their competitions.
The final matches were the Ladies’ and Men’s Championships, watched by an appreciative audience of club members and visitors. The prizes were presented to the winners by Alan Mathias, Roger Pedrick and Viv Kirkland. The first awards were donated by Jim Hosegood to the top three teams in our new evening Triples League. He has provided the winners’ cup and generously gave all twelve of the winning teams’ members smaller cups for them to keep, to mark the first year of the competition. Another new award this year was provided by Jean Hutchings, in memory of her late husband, for the Most Improved Male Player. (The Ladies have been giving a similar award for some years at their Christmas Lunch to the Most Improved Lady Player — winner to be announced later…)
The day concluded with a huge raffle and very tasty buffet.
Our thanks go to Alan for organising the competitions and this weekend’s programme, to members who have volunteered as markers throughout the knockout sessions and this weekend, to Angie, Jenny, Megan and Maria for providing the buffet and to everyone who made teas and coffees, manned the bar and cleared up afterwards.
And one for Viv K in appreciation of her hard work for the club, and the hours spent on Saturday mornings introducing new players to the sport — many of whom are now club members.
L-R: Ken, Charlie, Geoff and Nigel
For a complete list of winners, click here for the Winners Page
Club Finals Weekend 24th – 26th August 2024
The finals of the Club’s knockout competitions were held this weekend. There were 15 matches altogether to be organised, involving over 40 players and nine markers. The players were supported by a good-sized audience of club members. We had the whole gamut of weather from drizzle and rain to keen winds and bright sunshine, meaning the bowlers had to adapt to the changing conditions of the rinks as the games progressed.
Once the last match was finished the prize-giving commenced, with the worthy winners being awarded their cups. The day ended with a raffle and a substantial buffet.
Thanks must go to Alan for organising the competitions and this weekend’s programme, to members who have volunteered as markers throughout the knockout sessions and this weekend, to Alison, Jenny, Maria and Viv N for providing the buffet, to Nigel and Mick for manning the bar, and to our great team of greenkeepers who keep our green in such wonderful condition all season.
John Mansell (Club President) and Alan Mathias (Club Captain) present the prizes.
For a complete list of winners, click here for the Winners Page
August 2025
Okehampton Simmons Pub & Club Competitions
At the end of August, the Pub and Club competitions came to their conclusions, with the team of DIY winning both the Knock Out Shield and the League. The team named Dodgers were runners up in both competitions, and the London Ladies were awarded the wooden spoon for bottom spot in the league. The object of these competitions is to raise money for Charities, as well as for players to learn the game of Bowls. All non-club players pay a green fee which goes into the Charity fund.
August 2025
Okehampton Simmons Triple League
The final table shows it was a close-fought competition between the top three teams and every team earning at least two bonus points* for a win of 10 or more points ahead of the opposition.
Congratulations to Team D, ‘The Ditch Dodgers’ (Nigel Penna, Geoff Voaden, Ken Curzons and Charlie Bond) on winning the first of this friendly, evening mixed triples league.
The competition has been played with good-humoured camaraderie, a great chance to play in a friendly league, and to play against other club members, who we may not not usually meet in matches.
Let’s do it again next year!
Thanks go to Alan Mathias, for setting up and organising the league, and to Alison for her work on keeping the scores, and league table up to date.
| Tm | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts |
| D | 11 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 234 | 105 | *33 |
| A | 11 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 237 | 147 | *28 |
| C | 11 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 214 | 154 | *25 |
| G | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 187 | 152 | *18 |
| I | 11 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 188 | 173 | *15 |
| B | 11 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 201 | 221 | *14 |
| K | 11 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 180 | 200 | *14 |
| F | 11 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 137 | 184 | *14 |
| M | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 161 | 212 | *9 |
| L | 11 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 144 | 207 | *8 |
| J | 11 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 163 | 227 | *8 |
| E | 11 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 142 | 202 | *4 |
August 2025
New Junior Woods
After a generous donation from the Rotary, Round Table and Lions, the Club has been able to purchase two sets of Junior Woods.
The ambition is to introduce young players to the sport, and to hold special coaching sessions for youngsters.
Tuesday 8th July 2025
Devon Ladies v Section 4 Ladies
Okehampton was chosen as the venue for this year’s event. Six teams representing Devon Ladies (all holders of a County Badge) played against teams from six of the Section 4 clubs (Chagford, Crediton, Morchard Bishop, North Tawton, Okehampton and Topsham).
The players enjoyed a close competition on a hot, sunny afternoon. The final result being a draw with three rinks each.
OSBC provided a buffet tea after nine ends, and the players had a welcome drink after the competition when prizes were awarded by, Rosemarie Mayne, Bowls Devon Ladies’ President.
Thanks go to everyone who helped to organise the day and contributed to making the afternoon a success.
18th May 2025
Four club members have a satisfying day at Bovey Tracey.
Congratulations, Lyn, Angie, Andy and Tony!
Sunday 4th May 2025
Mayor’s Charity Day
A fine sunny day for us to host the fourth annual Mayor’s Charity Day, this year held to raise money for Hospiscare.
Twelve teams, representing organisations from around the town and guided by club members, took part in a Triples Competition.
After two games of four ends each, we enjoyed a magnificent buffet lunch, provided by our ‘resident caterers’, who also laid on a cream tea after the afternoon’s games.
Allenton Fisher poised with the trophy which was awarded to the winning team from the Ashbury Hotel (who assured us they hadn’t been practising on their indoor rinks). Teams from the Rotary Club came second and third.
12th April 2025
New season begins
In keeping with tradition, the Mayor, Allenton Fisher, was invited to cast Sydney Simmons’ silver jack and bowl the first woods of the season.
He also officially opened the newly refurbished extension to the Clubhouse, where members can enjoy newly painted and re-carpeted, enlarged changing rooms, upgraded toilets and more storage space — the culmination of several years’ hard work from club members and professional builders.
January 2025
Invitation Friendly at Kingsley IBC, Westward Ho!
Twelve members of the club spent an enjoyable afternoon at Kingsley Indoor Bowls Club for a Friendly match. Kingsley have enviable indoor facilities and we played 18 ends of triples in a close-fought competition. The scores on each rink swung in favour of the Home and Away teams, with the final tally being 65 – 62 to Kingsley.
After the match we were provided with tea and biscuits, and several Club members won a prize in the raffle. We’d like to thank Kingsley for their hospitality, and look forward to meeting them again, at Okehampton, in September.
Presentations at the AGM 2024
The club was pleased to be able to present two local charities each with cheques for £500, money raised by the club’s Pub League over the past season.
Club President, John Mansell, presents the cheques to representatives from Hospicecare and Devon Air Ambulance Trust.
Okehampton Simmons Pub and Club League
Okehampton Simmons Bowling Club’s, Pub and Club League concluded its season at the end of August, with 9 out of the 10 League teams, playing on finals night.
The winners of the League were the Muppets, while the Legionnaires had the honour of the wooden spoon. The Knockout Cup was won by the team RAOB,
The Pub League teams have raised in excess of a £1,000.00 for charities, which will be presented at the Okehampton Simmons Bowling Club AGM in November.
Organiser Roger Pedrick thanked all club members and players who have helped throughout the season, and gave a special thank you to Okehampton Simmons Bowling Club.
League winners, the Muppets, left to right, John Donovan, Steve Cook, club captain Alan Mathias (non player), Paul Nosworthy and Martin Letchford.
The Legionnaires
The Knockout Cup winners, team RAOB, left to right, Club Captain Alan Mathias, RAOB team Ken Curson, Nigel Vaughn, Andrew Bourne and (not pictured) Martin White.
Sunday 5th May Mayor’s Charity Day
Unfortunately the sun refused to shine for the Mayor’s Charity Day, and despite playing on in pouring rain, the games outside had to be abandoned at lunchtime. However the day was enjoyed in good spirit and raised funds for the Mayor’s Charities.
Torrington Mixed Triples Competition – Saturday 17th August
This is an annual competition hosted by members of Great Torrington bowling club and sponsored by Webbers Property Services of Great Torrington. The members give freely of their time to organise the competition and prepare coffee, tea ,lunch and afternoon tea for the players taking part. Clubs from all over Devon and Cornwall, including Barnstaple, Bere Alston, Bude, Chagford, Combe Martin, Abbrook Park (Kingsteignton), Launceston, Newton Abbot, Ottery St Mary and, of course Okehampton and Torrington took part: 28 teams (eight of which were from Okehampton) of mixed triples bowlers, a grand total of 84 bowlers.
Players on the day played three games, that consisted of 1hr 15mins or 11 ends.
The teams were split into two sections, A and B. Section A started at 9-30am, with the sections alternating games throughout the day. Section B finally finished their last match at 5-25pm!
Meanwhile the members of Great Torrington, prepared and served two sittings of two-course lunches, and later in the afternoon, two sittings of afternoon tea, which included sandwiches, quiches and cakes.
The day culminated with the prize-giving, followed by raffle draw prizes.
Okehampton fared very favourable in the competition, winning the first three top prizes. In first place was our Club Captain’s team of Alan Mathias, Roger Pedrick and club treasurer, Wendy Raymond. Second place went to our Club President’s team of John Mansell, Kath Mansell and Sue Hearne. Third place was taken by our Club Members’ team of Jon Randall, Maria Randall and Roland Allkins.
We send huge thanks, congratulations and best wishes to all members of Great Torrington Bowling Club on organising and promoting another great bowling event. We are all looking forward to next year’s Mixed Triples at Great Torrington.
Sunday 11th August — Shield Competition
This is the third year that the competition for the Mixed Triples Shield has been held, with Okehampton winners in 2023 and Bradworthy in 2022.
The Shield was played for at Bradworthy Bowing Club on a glorious sunny afternoon, between five of our local clubs – Bradworthy, Holsworthy, Morchard Bishop, North Tawton and Okehampton. Hatherleigh, who would normally also play, were unfortunately unable to raise a side this year. Each club had six players and the match consisted of two games of nine ends of mixed triples, with the clubs meeting different opposition each time.
A very welcome cup of tea, (or something a bit stronger) was provided after the first nine ends and the afternoon ended with sandwiches and a cream tea, provided by the lovely ladies of Bradworthy.
We’d like to thank to Brian Connold who calculated all the scores and overall rankings. The winning team was Holsworthy with 48 points. Okehampton took second place with 40 points, and third was Morchard Bishop with 30 points. Bradworthy and North Tawton were close behind with 28 and 26 points respectively.
All the games were played in great spirits, and the afternoon was enjoyed by all. The money raised by the event was donated to the Captain’s charity, North Devon Hospice Care.
Arthur Griffiths Memorial Cup
16th September 2024
Fifteen pairs of players started the afternoon of three rounds of matches. The first round was played in groups, each match being four ends. This whittled us down to four semi-final pairs, and then the finalists.
The final match was of six ends with the lead see-sawing between the teams. Watched by a supportive crowd, the contest saw Alan Mathias and Marian Bond take the victory, with Tony and Sue Hunt coming a close second.
Thanks go, as ever, to Andy for organising the afternoon, to Angie and everyone who laid on the refreshments, and to the willing helpers behind the bar, as well as to all club members who took part in yet another enjoyable afternoon of bowling and friendly rivalry.
This was the second time that the Cup had been contested, and a fitting way to remember a friend and dedicated former member of OSBC.
Saturday 31st August 2024
Barmy Bowls Fun Day
A new event for our calendar – an afternoon of fun and games. Thirty players signed up and were allocated at random into ten teams. We then had an afternoon of 19 ends, each with a twist. So as well as ‘normal’ bowling, we had ends with the jack and mat positioned at set distances (with only the bowls in front of, or level with the jack counting, or only the bowls behind, or level with the jack counting), ends where we had to get as close to the ditch as possible, ends where we bowled the woods and then cast the jack (team tactics involved here!), ends where we changed our role within the team, and most difficult of all, ends where we had to use our ‘wrong’ hand.
From the laughter and the head scratching, it seemed like everyone had fun this afternoon – although maybe some bowlers didn’t deserve the lucky wicks to always go against them.
Congratulations go to the winning team of Viv Kirkland, Mike Murphy and Marian Bond, with John Mansell, Mick Hatch and Brenda Isaac coming a close second.
The afternoon was completed with a raffle and a barbeque (and for once the weather behaved).
Our thanks go to Tim, for coming up with idea and organising, and to Jon, Ali and Maria. Also thanks to Sue, Angie, Bernie, Nigel and Mick for sorting out the teas and raffle and manning the bar, and to Andy for providing, cooking and clearing away the barbeque. Finally, thanks to everyone who participated, provided raffle prizes and spent their money to raise over £200 to go towards club funds and the cost of the extension of the clubhouse.
Saturday 10th August 2024
Ben Pook Cup
The competition for the Ben Pook Cup was held in typical Oke weather. But a bit of Dartmoor mizzle didn’t deter the 30 competitors who enjoyed an afternoon of triples-with-a-difference.
Each player played three games of six ends, playing with and against different team members each game. To make the arrangements even more complicated, each player played in a different position and on a different rink for each game. Scoring was similar to the 100-up competition, with the four woods closest to the jack being awarded 4, 3, 2 and 1 points.
The winner this year was Mark Poole with a score of 58. Nigel Penna came second and Alan Mathias was third.
Want to know more about Ben Pook? … Click here to head to the History page.
Saturday 22nd June 2024
Len and Myrtle Wonnacott Memorial Shield
Summer arrived at last for a glorious afternoon of fun to compete for the Len and Myrtle Wonnacott Memorial Shield. Twenty-four players were randomly arranged into 8 teams of triples and played 6 ends. The twenty-four were then rearranged into 8 new teams for 6 more ends, and then rearranged again for a last 6 ends. (Thanks go to Andy Smith for sorting out this complicated format!)
Each player scored according to their teams’ total points. The player with the most points at the end of the afternoon was awarded the Shield. This year’s worthy winner was James Burdus, with Mark Poole as Runner Up, and third place went to Alan Mathias.
Sunday 5th May 2024
Mayor’s Charity Day
Unfortunately the sun refused to shine for the Mayor’s Charity Day, and despite playing on in pouring rain, the games outside had to be abandoned at lunchtime. However the day was enjoyed in good spirit and raised funds for the Mayor’s Charities.
Saturday April 13th 2024, 2pm
Official Opening of the Bowling Green for the 2024 Season, by the Mayor of Okehampton Town Council, his worship Allenton Fisher.
The sun made a welcome appearance as the Mayor continued the tradition of bowling the first jack of the season, with the silver jack which was presented to the club by Sidney Simmons, on the first Opening Day, in 1923.
Equipment Store takes shape 2024
With the footings dug, the building begins to take shape throughout March and April.
From foundations to walls, the workmen make good progress despite the atrocious weather.
Roof on and almost finished. Note the beautiful wall behind.
Green Surround Progress 2024
A frosty January morning, and the composite boarding for the green surround is delivered from Cladco. Defying the cold, it was soon unloaded in readiness for installation.
As usual, behind the scenes, teas and coffees were supplied to the gallant workers.
And the first panels are soon in place.
Work on the Green Surround 2024
The new green surround is now under construction and progressing well. The side nearest the garden has been shuttered and concreted, and the side closest to the car park has had all the concrete slabs removed and ready to be dug out and shuttered, in preparation to be concreted.
The three new sides will then be clad with a plastic composite cladding, which is totally rot proof, and then artificial grass will be attached to the cladding, to give a similar finish as before.
All of these new rot-proof materials, will replace the wooden boarding and soil, that, after years of Okehampton rain, had become completely rotten and finally disintegrated causing the ditch to collapse.
With this in mind this should be a one-off job and should never need replacing.
Ladies’ Christmas Lunch 2023
The ladies had a good start to December with their Christmas lunch at the London Inn in Okehampton.
Sue presents Kay with a much-deserved
‘Most Improved Player’ Award.
Arthur’s Seat
Also pictured are committee members Barrie Cook and Bob Newton,
and Alan Mathias (Club captain)
Treasured Memories of Arf (Arthur) Griffiths — “Live What You Love”
Presentation of the Memorial Seat, in memory of Arthur Griffiths, who sadly passed away on 23.03.23.
The seat was donated by Linda Griffiths, Arthur’s wife, and presented to the Club on November 13th 2023.
The seat is made of recycled plastics and is completely maintenance-free.
Earlier in the year, Linda also generously presented the club with the Arthur Griffiths Memorial Cup.
The first Mixed Pairs competition to win the trophy was held on September 24th 2023 when it was won by Iris Gill and James Burdus, with Maria and Jon Randall worthy runners-up.
MIXED PAIRS COMPETITION 2023
Arthur Griffiths Memorial Cup
A great way to finish the outdoor Bowling Season
Congratulations to James and Iris, the first winners of the newly presented Arthur Griffiths Memorial Cup, presented by Lin Griffiths.
Well done to Jon & Maria our runners-up and a great afternoon, well organised by Andy our Vice Captain.
This competition marks the end of the season and the closing of the green for the winter.
County Unbadged Pairs Final 2023
Viv Kirkland and Sue Hunt won the Ladies Unbadged County Pairs Final on a wet day in September. Congratulations ladies, another successful year for the Ladies of Okehampton.
County Honours for Okehampton Bowlers
It’s not often that Bowlers from Okehampton Simmons Bowls Club get to receive their County Badge , but 2 of the men have done just that .
Alan Matthias – Club Captain and Tony Hunt recently travelled to St Austell to receive their badges having accumulated enough points from County Competitions.
Alan started his bowls journey playing for a pub side in the Club Pub League that raises money for local charities . Then 14 years ago, he was persuaded to join the club and has won many trophies at the club since then . Tony only started bowling 7 years ago but has now gone onto be one of the clubs best bowlers .
North Devon Ladies Triples League
Division 3 Winners
Congratulations to
Viv, Kath, Viv, Angie, Sue and Janet
PUB LEAGUE FINALS 2023
At the end of August Okehampton Simmons Bowling Clubs Pub League came to a conclusion, after a very close season it was shot difference that decided the winners which were the London Inn. Organiser Roger Pedrick presented the shield to the winning team here on the left, are left to right: Chris Back, Gary McCallen, Simon Chudley and Scott Hooper (Reserves Jamie Mallet, Sammie Diaz and Ian Gill).
The winners of the Wooden Spoon were the London Ladies who give their all every time they play and were delighted to win something at the end of the season, all be it the Wooden Spoon. Well done ladies.
Thanks to all teams who took part and helped the club raise in excess of £1,000 for charity, which this year will be Hospiscare Home Care. There will be a presentation at the Club’s AGM on 17th November 2023.
Ben Pook Cup 19th August 2023
What a lovely day it turned out to be, Andy Smith organised a new format for the Ben Pook Cup and it was lovely to hear so much laughing. A tie-break between Bob Newton and Tony Hunt was needed to decide the winner for the day, with Tony Hunt coming out the winner. Well done everyone on a good bowling day.
Torrington Open Day 12th August 2023
Three teams from Okehampton went to the Torrington Open day where the weather was a day of two halves, it was either raining or sunny. The bowls were a little of the same but one team, John Mansell, Kath Mansell and Sue Hearne played really well despite the weather and came 2nd. Well played in difficult conditions. The picture shows the team with Christina from Torrington who organised the open.
Presidents Day 2023
A very successful Presidents Day on May 20th, when 36 Members played 18 ends of mixed Ladies and Gents Triples in perfect weather conditions, members enjoyed a welcome Glass of Pimm’s and an Ice cream at half time which was followed at the end of the match by a very well deserved Cream Tea.
The Winning teams were presented with prizes very generously donated by The Dorset Bowls Resort, Nr Bere Regis, Dorset, who also Donated a generous sum of money to the Hospiscare Charity.
Many Local Businesses also donated items that were Auctioned, these were a Afternoon Tea for two, generously given by Adam & Laura Mounts at Strawberry Fields, Lifton, A Sunday Lunch for two from Mike and Sarah at The White Hart Inn at Bridestowe and our Vice Captain, Andy Smith your Local Business Handyman, Gave Himself as a Slave for a free days Labour, gardening, painting, cleaning or cooking a meal etc.
Special thanks to all our Members, Helpers, Guests and Friends who all contributed to make the afternoon such a Memorable and successful occasion and helped to raise a Grand Sum of £547-50 in aid of the Okehampton Hospiscare@Home. Pictured presenting the cheque to Hospiscare@home is club president and Hon Treasurer along with Heather Jones and Sharon from Hospiscare.
Sunday 30th April
The Centenary Celebrations continue
Re-Enactment of the first game played a 100 Years ago on Okehampton Simmons Bowling Green between Tavistock, Barnstaple (Ashleigh Road) & Okehampton 2023
BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE ORIGIN OF TODAY’S GAME
Okehampton was very fortunate to have a wealthy benefactor, Mr Sydney Simmons, who provided funds to buy and design Simmons Park and additional funds to build both the tennis courts and the bowling green on the understanding that the work be done by unemployed men of the town. Just over 100 years ago the first game of bowls was played. It was a day of great celebration with the band playing and children’s games taking place in the park. Today, we have very loosely replicated that game. Back then Barnstable Bowling Club played Okehampton beating them handsomely 51 shots to 18. I hasten to add Barnstable did have at least one international player. Tavistock Bowling Club then gave an exhibition match.
The annual subscription was 2 shillings and 6 pence – 12 ½ p in new money and the members were made up of men, white-collared workers, shopkeepers and councillors and rinks was the order of the day. Games were played in the evenings, Saturdays and Wednesdays this being half day closing. A motion was put to the council to play on Sundays, this was rejected, with even the President of the bowls club, a councillor, voting against it. Sundays were for religious observance and even the children’s swings in the park were tied up on Sundays.
There was a Pavilion in the park where the bandstand is now situated but the members under the guidance of Mr Lobb laboured for many months to build the present clubhouse which was opened in 1983.
Coming up to the present, the clubhouse, due to the generosity of Stan Cousins, is to be extended to improve the changing facilities.
Thank you for coming today to help us celebrate 100 years and long may bowls continue.
Unbadged County Pairs 2022
Janet Griffiths and Jean Hutchings won the ladies unbadged county pairs in September taking the honours on a lovely sunny day.
PUB LEAGUE FINALS 2022
On a lovely and warm September late afternoon, early evening, the Okehampton Simmons Bowling club held the final of the pub and club competitions.
Winners of the Shield ( Cup ) were the Muppets, from left to right are Steve Cook, Martin Letchford, Paul Nosworthy and John Donovan.
The winners of the League were the team DIY, pictured having a celebration drink from left to right are Steve Mills, Arthur Griffiths, Ian Priestly and Mick Hatch.
Club organiser Roger Pedrick said, “It’s been a good season, also the weather has been great and we raised in excess of £1000 for our Charities (Hospiscare & Devon Air Ambulance), which we will present to them at our AGM in November.”
Thanks to all teams that took part this year.
Ladies Shield Winners 2022
The ladies at Okehampton Simmons Bowls Club have had a successful season winning their division. They were presented with the Shield Trophy at the annual AGM for the ’86 Shield and Top Club held on Thursday 8th September in Okehampton.
