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Friday, 18 December 2009
Sunday, 6 December 2009
ABC Xmas Lunch 2009
Saturday, 5th December was our Xmas Lunch at the Foresters, Kirdford, a really super do organised by our Committee with Ian Fox playing a leading role in managing the event on the ground. Attendance was probably an all time record with just under 50 members participating in the 'knock-about boules' contest before lunch between two teams, the Father Christmas' and the Reindeers. The Father Christmas' won the day by a small majority! At the coffee break we all enjoyed one of Christine's superb Xmas cakes, dosed over the months with gallons of alcohol! We must congratulate and thank our hosts, Karl & Linda and their staff, for the superb welcome and delivery they accorded us all. The attached slide show will hopefully remind you of the event ...
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Boule Club AGM 2009
Our Chairman, Paul Roberts reports:
It is difficult to believe that another year has passed in the club’s history. This year’s AGM was held at Kirdford Village Hall at 10.00 am on Saturday 7th November. 35 members attended and a number of others tendered their apologies.
It is fair to say that 2009 was a less momentous year than 2008 but it is sad that we have seen the passing of as many as 5 good friends from our club. They will all be missed. On a brighter note we have seen a crop of good new members.
Following the introduction of our new Constitution, the committee’s main thrust this year has been to improve the communications within the club. Committee minutes are regularly published within a couple of weeks of the meetings and this blog is another important tool in keeping you aware of what is going on in your club.
There was a lively debate at the AGM concerning the U3A people who have been going to Kirdford twice a month for the past few years to play boule. We are grateful to Peter Molsher and Ian Fox for their tireless efforts in supporting U3A. The AGM gave us a useful opportunity to canvass opinions of the club members on possible developments in our relationship with U3A. Watch this space!
I also mentioned that we have now received a document from the Brewery which is in effect a tenancy agreement relating to the boule terrain. If any members of the club would like to assist the committee in assessing this document, please let us know. There must be one or two of you who have some expertise in this field?
One small disappointment for me was that there were no fresh volunteers to join the committee this year. This may not be such a bad thing because we had three new members last year. It may also show that you are satisfied with the way we are running the club on your behalf. If that is the case then it’s nice to have your support. However there are some good reasons why we need to get a good turnover of people on the committee:
Without new blood a committee becomes stale and can lose touch with reality;
At least two of us have been members of the committee for a very long time and feel they would like a rest.
So please think about whether you would like to join the committee at the next AGM and let us know. We would be very pleased to hear from you.
Paul Roberts
It is difficult to believe that another year has passed in the club’s history. This year’s AGM was held at Kirdford Village Hall at 10.00 am on Saturday 7th November. 35 members attended and a number of others tendered their apologies.
It is fair to say that 2009 was a less momentous year than 2008 but it is sad that we have seen the passing of as many as 5 good friends from our club. They will all be missed. On a brighter note we have seen a crop of good new members.
Following the introduction of our new Constitution, the committee’s main thrust this year has been to improve the communications within the club. Committee minutes are regularly published within a couple of weeks of the meetings and this blog is another important tool in keeping you aware of what is going on in your club.
There was a lively debate at the AGM concerning the U3A people who have been going to Kirdford twice a month for the past few years to play boule. We are grateful to Peter Molsher and Ian Fox for their tireless efforts in supporting U3A. The AGM gave us a useful opportunity to canvass opinions of the club members on possible developments in our relationship with U3A. Watch this space!
I also mentioned that we have now received a document from the Brewery which is in effect a tenancy agreement relating to the boule terrain. If any members of the club would like to assist the committee in assessing this document, please let us know. There must be one or two of you who have some expertise in this field?
One small disappointment for me was that there were no fresh volunteers to join the committee this year. This may not be such a bad thing because we had three new members last year. It may also show that you are satisfied with the way we are running the club on your behalf. If that is the case then it’s nice to have your support. However there are some good reasons why we need to get a good turnover of people on the committee:
Without new blood a committee becomes stale and can lose touch with reality;
At least two of us have been members of the committee for a very long time and feel they would like a rest.
So please think about whether you would like to join the committee at the next AGM and let us know. We would be very pleased to hear from you.
Paul Roberts
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Secretary's Cup - Kirdford 15th November 2009
On Sunday our Club hosted the Southern Counties Petanque Association (SCPA) Secretary's Cup match at Kirdford. This event is held as a thank you for the work that all the club Secretary's undertake during the season. This friendly event entails triples teams playing five games spread over the entire day with plenty of prizes. Kath Knight Regional Secretary did the organising liaising with Ian to manage the day with 16 teams (48 players on our terrain simultaneously) Cozy!! Mike, Ingrid & Carolyn represented the club (Spoon Runners Up). The Trophy was won by Shlimes (The Ship & Limesdowne). I think for the first time ever the lights failed towards the end of the last two games and hence prize giving took place in the gloom. You will have seen Kath Knight's report sent to members as an attachment, but I felt it too much for the Blog.
Monday, 2 November 2009
Friday, 30 October 2009
ABC Wasps posted their last and latest this season SCPA win
Ian Fox reports:
Yesterday evening 29th October, ABC Wasps posted their last and latest this season SCPA win, 3 games to 2 games against Hampshire Raiders. A closely fought match against strong opposition which if I say so myself deserved a better score than 3-2. Nevertheless a satisfying evenings work by all concerned. Well done.
Yesterday evening 29th October, ABC Wasps posted their last and latest this season SCPA win, 3 games to 2 games against Hampshire Raiders. A closely fought match against strong opposition which if I say so myself deserved a better score than 3-2. Nevertheless a satisfying evenings work by all concerned. Well done.
Saturday, 24 October 2009
ABC v Cobbetts A - Success
Ian Fox reports:
Today the 24th October, the ABC SCPA Wasp team achieved a significant success in defeating by three games to two the hitherto undefeated SCPA Division 3 leaders Cobbetts A in our penultimate match this season. Cobbetts A are already winners of Division 3 and are to be promoted to Division 2 for the 2010 season. This win secures our place in Division 3 for the 2010 season.
Today’s man & women of the match prize must go to Christine, Sonia & Michael in winning their triple and for Sonia’s performance in the double supported by Ian who’s pointing came good at the eleventh hour. Well done everyone!
Incidentally, during the post match discussion with Cobbetts A, it was suggested to me that we do not put more dressing/grit on the Terrain. It being said by two Cobbetts A players that the current surface provides plenty of character and surface variation to tax the abilities of more senior SCPA division players. Nevertheless, the decision rests with our members. Let the dialogue continue!
Today the 24th October, the ABC SCPA Wasp team achieved a significant success in defeating by three games to two the hitherto undefeated SCPA Division 3 leaders Cobbetts A in our penultimate match this season. Cobbetts A are already winners of Division 3 and are to be promoted to Division 2 for the 2010 season. This win secures our place in Division 3 for the 2010 season.
Today’s man & women of the match prize must go to Christine, Sonia & Michael in winning their triple and for Sonia’s performance in the double supported by Ian who’s pointing came good at the eleventh hour. Well done everyone!
Incidentally, during the post match discussion with Cobbetts A, it was suggested to me that we do not put more dressing/grit on the Terrain. It being said by two Cobbetts A players that the current surface provides plenty of character and surface variation to tax the abilities of more senior SCPA division players. Nevertheless, the decision rests with our members. Let the dialogue continue!
Christmas Lunch at the Foresters ...
Ian Fox reports:
I know it's early but you may be interested to learn that Karl & Linda, our hosts, at the Foresters Inn have held the cost of the club's Christmas Lunch at last year's price. Karl writes to me saying:
“Dear Ian,
Please find the attached menu for the Boules Club Christmas Lunch and we are happy to offer the same deal to the U3A.
Linda & I have set the price to include a glass of house wine to reflect our appreciation of the support that both of your groups give The Foresters Arms, thus we are unable to offer it to any other groups.”
The committee will announce the cost to members shortly, which will include a contribution to the gratuity we traditionally give to the management and employees of The Foresters Inn.
It goes without saying that we are grateful to Karl & Linda for this concession especially in these times of economic recession.
As in previous years the menu will be published and members will be invited to choose the menu they would like. This selection list will be passed to Karl for his Chef to assist with the catering arrangements.
I know it's early but you may be interested to learn that Karl & Linda, our hosts, at the Foresters Inn have held the cost of the club's Christmas Lunch at last year's price. Karl writes to me saying:
“Dear Ian,
Please find the attached menu for the Boules Club Christmas Lunch and we are happy to offer the same deal to the U3A.
Linda & I have set the price to include a glass of house wine to reflect our appreciation of the support that both of your groups give The Foresters Arms, thus we are unable to offer it to any other groups.”
The committee will announce the cost to members shortly, which will include a contribution to the gratuity we traditionally give to the management and employees of The Foresters Inn.
It goes without saying that we are grateful to Karl & Linda for this concession especially in these times of economic recession.
As in previous years the menu will be published and members will be invited to choose the menu they would like. This selection list will be passed to Karl for his Chef to assist with the catering arrangements.
Monday, 19 October 2009
More grit on the Terrain?
Our Chairman, Paul Roberts, has truly embraced the spirit of our new Blog site and has written as follows:
"One of the items for debate within your Boule Club Committee has concerned the depth of the grit on the terrain at Kirdford. I had intended to raise the subject at the AGM in a few weeks time. However, I am quite anxious to play a bit of boule that day, so I don’t really want to prolong the AGM further than necessary.
I thought this would be a good topic for debate on our excellent new Blog. The proposal is that we should add some grit to the terrain to bring it up to a level of about ¼ inch all over just less than 1 cm for those of you who work in new money. Some of us feel that we don’t want any more grit, some want a lot more.
We can’t please everybody but the committee would like to know what you, the members think.
So it’s over to you to have your say. We’ll gauge the reactions and announce the conclusion in a few weeks time. "
Please add your comments in the space indicated below and let the debate begin!
"One of the items for debate within your Boule Club Committee has concerned the depth of the grit on the terrain at Kirdford. I had intended to raise the subject at the AGM in a few weeks time. However, I am quite anxious to play a bit of boule that day, so I don’t really want to prolong the AGM further than necessary.
I thought this would be a good topic for debate on our excellent new Blog. The proposal is that we should add some grit to the terrain to bring it up to a level of about ¼ inch all over just less than 1 cm for those of you who work in new money. Some of us feel that we don’t want any more grit, some want a lot more.
We can’t please everybody but the committee would like to know what you, the members think.
So it’s over to you to have your say. We’ll gauge the reactions and announce the conclusion in a few weeks time. "
Please add your comments in the space indicated below and let the debate begin!
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Monday, 5 October 2009
North Downs League Melee
Sunday, 4 October 2009 at Crondall
Mike Kateley reported:
Of the 32 players, who took part in the 2009 NDL Melee, 14 were from our club. It was a very enjoyable day and successful for ABC, as Chris Molsher was the outright winner with 4 out of 5 wins and a score of +25. John Sylvester also won 4 games and won the 6th prize. the rest of our group put up a good show with no fannies in sight!!!!
North Downs League play off at Kirdford
Mike Kateley reported:
Amities Boules Club were delighted to host the final play off of the North Downs League between Oxshot and the Crondell Tigers on Saturday, 3rd October 2009. The result was a resounding win for Oxshott by 7.5 to 1.5 points. The event was hosted by Mike Kateley, who received sincere thanks from both teams. They enjoyed our terrain. The event was followed by a Cream Tea in the Foresters Arms enjoyed by all.
Mike Kateley reported:
Amities Boules Club were delighted to host the final play off of the North Downs League between Oxshot and the Crondell Tigers on Saturday, 3rd October 2009. The result was a resounding win for Oxshott by 7.5 to 1.5 points. The event was hosted by Mike Kateley, who received sincere thanks from both teams. They enjoyed our terrain. The event was followed by a Cream Tea in the Foresters Arms enjoyed by all.
Thursday, 1 October 2009
SCPA ABC v Limesdowne Marvels – Wednesday 30th September
Ian Fox reported:
Our 2009 SCPA season is drawing to a close with just four matches to play. On Wednesday 30th September last we played Limesdowne Marvels at home. A closely fought match with honours even at the end of the triples games with one game each. Ian, David & Hazel winning their triple 13-7.
These were followed by three doubles games Carolyn and Ian fought hard but eventually lost 10-13. Both Mike & Christine, David & Hazel came storming through to take both their doubles games 13-5. The match ending satisfactorily for ABC at 3 games to 2.
Ian Fox reported:
Our 2009 SCPA season is drawing to a close with just four matches to play. On Wednesday 30th September last we played Limesdowne Marvels at home. A closely fought match with honours even at the end of the triples games with one game each. Ian, David & Hazel winning their triple 13-7.
These were followed by three doubles games Carolyn and Ian fought hard but eventually lost 10-13. Both Mike & Christine, David & Hazel came storming through to take both their doubles games 13-5. The match ending satisfactorily for ABC at 3 games to 2.
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Mike & Ingrid winners of the 2009 ABC Anniversary Cup held today.
A fine, warm autumn day, the event was well attended.
The terrain gets more and more difficult to play as it dries out and the top surface wears away.
Challenges that perhaps we need to face ...
Ian Fox reported:
This annual internal competition took place today. This year it took the form of a doubles match. Blind draws were made to select the competing pairs and winners played winners in each of three successive rounds. A good level of play all round, however Ingrid & Mike’s play eventually produced a convincing win for them. Ian as Club Captain presented the Cup. Well done everyone, Congratulations to Ingrid & Mike It’s a large trophy and takes some polishing!
The 2009 Guernsey Open
The ABC Guernsey Team 2009
Christine Kateley reported:
For some time now I have wanted to return to Guernsey and play in their ‘open’. So this year I put it to the club and 12 of us signed up and off we went for 5 lovely days.
For some time now I have wanted to return to Guernsey and play in their ‘open’. So this year I put it to the club and 12 of us signed up and off we went for 5 lovely days.
We checked in at Gatwick and boarded our FLYBE flight and an hour later we were being met by the Hertz rep. at Guernsey Airport.
The hotel ‘La Villette’ was only a 10 minute drive from the airport also only 10mins from St. Peter Port and 5 minutes from the Guernsey Club de Petanque – ( once we had found it in the maze of little lanes) very convenient - location. Location, location!
A nice Hotel,which had just been refurbished, with a spa and indoor and outdoor swimming pools and friendly obliging staff, plus a Boules terrain for the enthusiastic to practice on !
That evening we eventually ‘found’ our way to the Club de Petanque to register and socialise with a glass of wine (or two! ) and Saturday morning we were back on the piste by 09.00hrs to start the doubles competition.
The weather was beautiful although quite windy but with indoor & outdoor terrains one could choose where to play. The indoor terrains are old converted rose growing green houses which are brilliant, they also house all the club facilities including a small kitchen and eating area.
The Guernsey Ladies worked hard to keep the many teams supplied with tea & coffee and delicious homemade cakes.
That evening, after a strenuous day’s play, we went to the Presentation dinner at the Peninsular Hotel at the top end of the Island, having first navigated the maze of unmarked, unsigned lanes. We had a fun evening although we didn’t win the Cup or the Plate, but some managed to get recognition in other ways!! As I always say ‘you either have to win or be Fannied, as there is no recognition in the middle!’
Sunday we played the triples completion, another great day all round, playing against old and new friends and a few England players!! We all enjoyed our matches and the scores did not always reflect the standard of play.
That evening we went to the farewell dinner this time at an Hotel only a 5 minute walk from our Hotel so no one had to drive, just stagger home later! Monday was a free day so everyone did their own thing... the Island is very pretty with a lot of things to do and see and the shopping is duty free!
There are also some excellent eating places as we discovered and that brings us to our last evening, which we spent together in the Hotel and as one can see from the pictures, we had a crab feast, which the hotel management arranged especially for us by request.....a meal NEVER to be forgotten!! Fabulous.
We returned to Gatwick on Tuesday evening again by FLYBE/wasp/hornet exhausted but a jolly good time was had by all....Christine, Mike, Mavis, Peter, Ian, Margaret, Benny, Margaretha, Carolyn, Sonia, Bobby & Sue.
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