LIFE MEMBERS & CLUB OFFICERS
An updated roll of honour showing the fourteen members that have been awarded Life Membership since 1991 can be found by clicking on LIFE MEMBERS
Club Officers / Captains etc. for 2024 can be found by clicking on OFFICERS 2024
MENS & CLUB FIXTURES 2024
The fixture list for the 2024 season can be found in the Fixtures & Results section.
RE-ARRANGED MATCHES
With a promising weather forecast for next weekend, the Possibles v Probables match will be played on Saturday afternoon (20/04).
The Leach Pairs competition will be held later on in the season.
UPDATE RE GREEN.
Following an inspection of the green at lunchtime today (12/04) the Possibles v Probables match scheduled for tomorrow has been CANCELLED.
Not the news we wanted to hear, but the green remains very soft following the rainfall during the week and more showers are on the way!
All being well, the green will be OPEN for play from 11:00am next Wednesday (17/04).
Any further updates will be posted on Facebook and the website.
OPENING DAY 2024
The 2024 season at Pembroke Dock Bowling Club got under way last Saturday with the traditional rolling of the Silver Jack performed by Mrs Collette Bethwaite observed by over 60 members.
During the opening address by club chairman Richard Hissey, he welcomed old and new members and called for a minute’s silence to remember members who had passed away during the close season.
Richard thanked the working party who had worked hard during the past few weeks getting the club ready for the new season. Special thanks were extended to the band of volunteer greenkeepers for their ongoing work during the winter months resulting in an excellent playing surface.
As a token of appreciation for her exceptional service to Pembroke Dock Bowling Club over the years, Collette was then invited to roll the Silver Jack signalling the start of the 2024 season. Collette was recently awarded honorary life membership - the highest award that can be bestowed on a member.
Note: More photographs will appear in the Photo Album section soon.
The following message has been received from Collette:
President Diana, Committee members & Members of Pembroke Dock Bowling Club.
Firstly, I would like to thank our committee for inviting me and allowing me the privilege of delivering the Silver Jack. It is a great honour. Thank you.
I would like to say how well the green looks and to thank the greenkeepers who have worked so hard through the winter months and to our committee members who also work hard to keep the club running successfully.
We are at the start of another season; I hope you are all ready to once again enter the competitions not only at club level but also at County level.
I hope this year we will once again welcome many new bowlers into our club and into our coaching system.
A big thank you to Hugh Colley for all his hard work keeping the website up to date with all the scores and bowling news.
And finally, our ladies, headed by our President Diana Davies and all the ladies who work so hard in the club, Also, the club Captains and Vice Captains, and not forgetting the bar members who do a wonderful job. Thank you to you all.
Which just leaves me to say, I hope you all have a great season, good health, good bowling.
Let us all work together once again to support our great club.
TRUSTEE VACANCY
Mr. Ken Edwards recently stood down as a Trustee leaving a vacancy for one Trustee.
The following forms part of the Pembroke Dock BC constitution:
The club shall have FOUR trustees, who shall be empowered to sign documents on behalf of the club. Trustees shall be appointed at an Annual General Meeting for a period of FIVE years. On completion of their five year term of office Trustees may be reappointed for a further term.
The management of the club shall be entrusted to a committee comprising the President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Captain, Secretary, Treasurer, two elected ladies members, a member of the green committee AND the Club Trustees.
Note: Management Committee meetings shall be held as often as required throughout the year. (These are normally held every month).
If you are interested in helping to drive our club forward by becoming a Trustee, please ensure your nomination is appended to the list of nominations.
The list will be posted on the notice board during the forthcoming season.
PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY BOWLS ASSOCIATION (PCBA)
At the end of the 2023 season a Working Group was established by the PCBA to review the structure and format of Division One and Division Two (Men) matches ahead of the 2024 season.
Several proposals were compiled by the group and the following will apply:
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Ladies: Ladies will be permitted to play in both Division One and Division Two with unlimited numbers and in any position within the rink. This rule is not applicable to Carruthers Shield matches. Clubs must not cause detriment to the WWLBA League, e.g. selecting so many female players that a WWLBA match is postponed.
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Movement of players: Up to eight Division One players can play in Division Two sides but must only play Lead or Second. A Division One player being determined by having played THREE games within the same season (not including Carruthers). This rule applies to both male and female players.
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Five Arches: Five Arches will remain in Division One for the 2024 season.
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Division 2: Division Two will remain a 4-rink championship.
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Division 2 play date: Division Two games will play on Sundays unless prior agreed.
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Division 1: The structure for Division One will remain in place for the 2024 season.
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Promotion / Relegation play-off: The play-off fixture will remain in place for the 2024 season. This will have a set date at the start of September. Clubs cannot refuse to play in the play off.
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Clubs that have two teams in the same division: free movement is permitted except for open County players from the current season.
The Working Group will reconvene during the 2024 season to review the league format in readiness for the 2025 season.
TOP AWARD FOR COLLETTE
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Fourteen years ago, Collette qualified as an Umpire allowing her to officiate at home, international and British Isles competitions. Over the years she has given freely of her time to officiate at numerous events, often being the first to arrive and the last to leave at the end of play. She is recognised by fellow umpires and players as being ‘firm but fair’ when required to adjudicate.
Collette is also a qualified Welsh Bowling Association coach. Since Covid restrictions were lifted, Collette has provided coaching sessions on Monday evenings for over 30 people, the majority of her proteges have joined the club and play regularly in league matches and compete in competitions.
A delighted Collete responded to receiving the well-deserved award from club chairman Richard Hissey by saying, ‘Never in the world did I expect the award, this is a great honour and better than winning the lottery. George, my late husband, would be extremely proud’.
Everyone within Pembroke Dock Bowling Club and fellow bowlers in the County would agree that the prestigious award is richly deserved.
Mrs. Collette Bethwaite was made an honorary life member of Pembroke Dock Bowling Club at the recent annual general meeting. Life membership is only awarded to those who have provided a significant period of exceptional service to the club. Collette joined the club approximately 25 years ago with her late husband George and is highly regarded throughout Pembrokeshire and further afield as an adept bowler who plays the game in a competitive and sporting manner.
PEMBROKE DOCK OPEN LADIES TRIPLES
The annual triples competition was held at the Memorial Park on Saturday (17/09). Due to a number of late withdrawals, the competition consisted of a round robin format with the top four progressing to the semi-final stage, the winners meeting in the final.
Champions! Liz Gulley, Pam Bowen & Pat Price
The final was contested between a trio consisting of Eileen Chessell, Sally Carroll and Ann-Marie Main of Pembroke Dock BC and the Pendine trio of Pat Price, Liz Gulley and Pam Bowen.
Played in a steady drizzle, the result could have gone either way with the lead changing hands throughout the match. On the very last end of the 2023 season, Pendine clinched victory with an excellent shot and lifted the trophy which was presented by Mrs. Di Davies (Club President) to the delighted trio.
A FEW MORE PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND IN THE PHOTO ALBUM SECTION
LES & DI TROPHY
The annual Les & Di pairs competition was held at the Memorial Park on Saturday (09/09). The event consisted of a morning and afternoon session with each duo playing in a round robin format against teams in the same session. Winners and runners up in both sessions went through to the semi-final stage, the winners meeting in the final.
The final saw Margaret Lewis and Haydn John-Davies playing Daniel Bassett and Jackie Church with Margaret and Haydn coming out on top.
The pair were presented with the handsome trophy by Mrs. Di Davies, (Club President).
Photographs taken during the day have been posted in the Photo Album section
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REMBRANDT CLARET JUG TROPHY 2023
The final was held over from Finals Weekend and was played on a gloomy Thursday evening (14/09). The format is a two wood mixed pairs competition with the winner being the best of three sets of seven ends.
Watched by club members taking shelter from the steady drizzle, veterans Di Davies and Richard Jones took on youngsters - Sara and James John-Davies.
Excellent bowling by both pairs saw honours even after three sets, this required an extra end to be played to decide the winners. In the gathering gloom, the last bowl of the match saw Sara gaining shot with a perfect delivery thereby retaining the trophy they won in 2022.
The trophy was presented to the winners by Hugh Colley (Vice-Chairman)
FAMILY VISIT TO THE CLUB
Recently, Mrs. Jessica Fisher and family who were on holiday in the area from Devon, paid a visit to the club. Jessica is the great, great granddaughter of the late Councillor WG Lloyd. Councillor Lloyd was the Mayor of Pembroke Dock in 1925 and it was he that rolled the Silver Jack to formally open the bowling green.
Jessica, Robert (husband), children Noah, Seth holding the Silver Jack & Reu.
Jessica and her family were on holiday in Stackpole Quay. During a conversation with her mother (who did not know at the time that they were on holiday so near to Pembroke Dock), her mother told Jessica that she was at the presentation of the return of the Silver Jack in 1985. Jessica then visited our website and realised that the photos in the history section showed her great aunt, Mrs. Beryl Hall, presenting the Silver Jack back to the club.
After contacting our Secretary, Alistair Benn, who put her in touch with Ken Edwards, a visit was arranged for Jessica and her family to visit the club.
Jessica and family were shown around the club where they viewed photographs of her past family and were especially interested in the Silver Jack. They were presented with photos of her past family and also a census of WG Lloyd and his family from 1911, showing her grandfather, Howard Llewellyn Lloyd at the age of 9.
Jessica summed it up in her words “I had no idea visiting the area that I'd learn so much history about my family that I honestly never knew existed. It's so lovely my boys were there too as the next generation. It really has been so very special”.
COUNTY FINALS WEEKEND
With no league matches, the focus was on the County Finals played at Fishguard and Goodwick Bowls Club – the home club of David Humble, the current County President.
Ken Chadwick, Richard Jones, David Humble (County President) & Ken Edwards
On Thursday evening the trio of Ken Chadwick, Ken Edwards and Richard Jones took on the Saundersfoot trio of Dai Davies, Alan Brain and Myrddin Dennis in the final of the Senior Triples competition.
An excellent match saw the Pembroke Dock trio, who were cheered on by a contingent of fellow members, lifting the trophy with an 18 shots to 14 victory.
The trio will now represent Pembrokeshire at the Welsh National Finals at Llandrindod Wells in August where they will strive to retain the title that they won in 2022.
On Sunday, Richard Jones took on Alan Brain (Saundersfoot BC) in the final of the Over 60s Singles competition.
Alan Brain, Carl Hall (Marker), Richard Jones.
It was a double celebration for Richard, he stormed into a commanding 18 - 4 lead but Alan fought back to lose by just 21 shots to 17.
Later the same day Sara John – Davies played Liam Price (Whitland BC) in the final of the Under 35 Mixed singles competition. Despite battling hard, Sara was second best on the day.
Under 35 Singles Mixed - Sara John-Davies and Liam Price
HARRY PAYNE OBE CUP
The Harry Payne OBE Cup competition was held at the Memorial Park on Sunday (09/07). The event consisted of a morning and afternoon session with each trio playing in a round robin format against teams in the same session. Winners and runners up in both sessions went through to the semi-final stage, the winners meeting in the final.
Winners: Eirwyn, Richard and Eileen Runners-up: Brian, Janet and John
The final saw Eileen Chessell teamed with Eirwyn Davies and Richard Hissey playing against Brian Lavender, Janet Sutton and John Haig. On a fine afternoon, the final was played to a conclusion with Eileen, Eirwyn and Richard coming out on top..
OPEN WEEK IS A HUGE SUCCESS
Under bright blue cloudless skies, Pembroke Dock Open Week returned to the bowling calendar after a three year absence and what a huge success it turned out to be.
The tournament took place at the immaculate Memorial Park green with matches played in front of appreciative spectators. Competitors in the three competitions battled throughout the week for a place in the finals played on Saturday afternoon.
From L to R: Brent Davies, Haydn John - Davies, Paul Griffiths
Sudbury Bowl
The final saw Club Chairman Richard Hissey take on Haydn John-Davies in a closely fought battle that could have gone either way. The lead changed hands throughout the match but it was a jubilant Haydn that lifted the prestigious trophy winning by 21 shots to 18.
Alfred Phillips Bowl
The event saw Brent Davies take on James John – Davies who tried valiantly to match his father’s success on the adjoining rink. The game was very evenly matched and featured some high class bowling by both players. Brent, who only took up Bowls last year, emerged victorious 21-18. Incidentally, this was the first time in the 75 year history of the tournament that a father and son have both played in the same finals’ day.
Texaco Shield
Players eliminated during the first few days of the tournament compete for the shield and this year Paul Griffiths took on Steve Evans in the final. Again, there was fine bowling by both players but Paul’s greater experience led to him lifting the shield after a comfortable win.
Prior to Mrs Di Davies, Club President, presenting the trophies in front of a large crowd, Tournament Organiser, Richard Jones, praised those that had made the week such a success. Thanks were extended to the band of greenkeepers for preparing an excellent surface, the ladies for preparing food for players and spectators, Dave Finn and the bar staff for helping to keep everyone hydrated and to Mrs. Collette Bethwaite (Umpire) who officiated throughout the week.
Following the presentation ceremony everyone retired to the clubhouse to enjoy a buffet and the raffle with over 60 prizes up for grabs. To bring the afternoon to an end, both Richard and Haydn were thanked for their hard work in ensuring the tournament ran smoothly.
Note: History was made this year as this was the first time that ladies were allowed to enter the tournament. Although none of the ladies made it through to the final, they gave an excellent account of themselves.
LEACH PAIRS CUP
The 2023 event commenced on Sunday week (14/05) but owing to heavy rain, the semi-finals and final were held over to last Saturday (20/05) when the first competition of the season was played to a conclusion.
The final saw Pat Benn and Boyd Parry playing Penny Brickle and Tudor Harries who has made a welcome return to the game. The keenly contested final played on a beautiful sunny afternoon was won by Pat and Boyd.
From L to R: Pat Benn, Boyd Parry, Tudor Harries & Penny Brickle
The victorious duo will be presented with the trophy on Finals Day in September. Many thanks to Richard Jones who did an excellent job in ensuring the event ran smoothly.
Note: In 1949, a cup was presented to Pembroke Dock Bowling Club by Mrs. Leach in memory of her late husband. It was to be called The Leach Cup and the competition to be a pairs competition
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A WELCOME RAY OF SUNSHINE ON OPENING DAY
The 2023 season at Pembroke Dock Bowling Club got under way last Saturday when the opening of the green and the traditional rolling of the Silver Jack was carried out by two honorary life members namely Ken Edwards and Richard Jones.
Due to heavy rain on Saturday morning, it was touch and go whether the ceremony would go ahead. Thankfully, the leaden skies gave way to sunshine allowing over 60 members to enjoy the afternoon.
During the opening address by club chairman Richard Hissey, he welcomed old and new members and called for a minute’s silence to remember members who had passed away during the close season.
Richard thanked the working party who had worked hard during the past few weeks getting the club ready for the new season. Special thanks were extended to the band of volunteer greenkeepers for their ongoing work during the winter months resulting in an excellent playing surface.
As a token of appreciation for their exceptional service to Pembroke Dock Bowling Club, Richard and Ken were then invited to roll the Silver Jack. Their service has led to them becoming honorary life members - the highest award that can be bestowed on a member.
This season, the club will have two Mens teams competing in the Pembroke County Bowling Association league with two Ladies teams competing in the West Wales Ladies League.
To start the new season, a Captains v Presidents match will be held next Saturday (8th April).
More photos taken during the afternoon can be found in the Photo Album section.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARDED TO RICHARD
Club stalwart Richard Jones was made an honorary life member at the recent annual general meeting of Pembroke Dock Bowling Club,
Life membership is the highest award that can be bestowed on a member and is only awarded to those who have provided a significant period of exceptional service to the club.
Richard joined Pembroke Dock BC in 1989 and as well as being an accomplished bowler, winning competitions at local, county and national level, he has held various positions within the club. He is the current Treasurer and Competition Secretary, during the Covid pandemic he also undertook the role of Covid Officer overseeing the clubs’ implementation of Covid measures.
Richard responded to receiving the well-deserved award from club chairman Richard Hissey by saying, ‘This is very unexpected but I must say it has been a huge privilege to be a member of Pembroke Dock Bowling Club and a privilege to have played with some great bowlers. This is a great honour to me and I will proudly continue supporting my club and members for a long time to come’.
Everyone within Pembroke Dock Bowling Club and fellow bowlers in the County would agree that the prestigious award is richly deserved.
Note to members: The official opening of the green for the 2023 season will take place on Saturday 1st April with the traditional rolling of the Silver Jack.
FAMILY FORTUNES FOLLOWING PROBABLES V POSSIBLES MATCH
There was an excellent turnout for the traditional Probables v Possibles match played at the Memorial Park on Grand National Day (Saturday 15/04). With the club fielding two teams in the Pembrokeshire League, the fixture gave the selectors the opportunity to view the talent on display.
Following the enjoyable contest won by the Probables, members retired to the clubhouse with many settling down to watch the Grand National from Aintree.
The sweepstake, with a prize of £40 for the first past the winning post, was expertly organised by Haydn John – Davies.
Lo and behold, the holder of the ticket for the 2023 winner Corach Rambler, was Haydn’s son, James John-Davies.
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PEMBROKE DOCK BOWLING CLUB
The Memorial Park, Bush Street
Pembroke Dock SA72 6HQ
Founded 1925
For more information:
Phone: (01646) 622715
or
Email: Mr Hugh Colley (Secretary)