Club Finals Weekend 24th – 26th August
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
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.
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.
