Christmas Lunch Saturday, 11 th December 2010

When Foxy came dressed as a fairy

With his legs so lumpy and hairy

His obvious delight at wearing his tights

Made the whole thing a little bit scary!







Christines' Christmas Cake


Carolyn Tuthill reports:

Now that we are enveloped in snow, snow and more snow on the way - we must reflect on how lucky we were to have such a mild window to enjoy our Christmas lunch at the Foresters on December 11th. It was very fortunate that we had such a good turnout and that most people who had booked for the previous week were able to attend. A few folks could not make it but then there were others who could now come, so it balanced out in the end and Karl & Linda did us proud serving a lovely meal to 44 of us.

The day started with much hilarity when our esteemed Captain decided to show us his feminine side by donning a tutu! whether this really went with his thick yellow tights and walking boots is another matter - he was also wearing makeup which had been applied by the elf (aka Ingrid)!

Ian arranged play in two teams, mostly triples as with such a high turnout we were using the terrain to its capacity. The first game always ends in much laughter if not a fair bit of danger as we had to play with our opposite hand. Some members claim to be ambidextrous so they had an advantage! This round went to the Santas as did the next two making them the overall winners of some chocolate santas, the runners up, the Reindeers, were not forgotten!

After the first game we went into the pub for coffee and a slice of Christine Kateley's excellent Christmas cake, beautifully decorated as always, play then resumed and we had a regular game followed by one in which we had to throw the boule standing on one leg. Some of us who do Yoga fould this a lot easier than others! Although Ian had said that we could have a supporter! Again much hilarity.

We finally went into lunch at 1.30 and started on the crackers and poppers before enjoying our meal - it was then time for a visit from Santa and, as usual, a weird and wonderful array of presents was distributed amongst us. I'm sure some members go to a great deal of trouble to find just the right thing and it all adds to the ambience of the day.

As I write this, I am wondering just when we will all be able to play again! The weather has been something else and I am wondering just how my Christmas guests are going to fare in getting here - no doubt many of you will be in the same boat.

I will take this opportunity on behalf of all the members and the committee of Amities Boule Club to wish all who read this a very happy Christmas and a Guid new year!

Christmas Party

Due the inclement weather, the Christmas Party has been postponed to next Saturday, 11 December ... same time, same place!

ABC 17th AGM - 27 November 2010

Carolyn Tuthill reports:

We had been quite apprehensive about the weather with all the warnings of snow, and were concerned that we would not have a large enough turnout of members to allow the AGM to go ahead. However we need not have feared as we were lucky enough to drive to Kirdford in hazy sunshine, but bitter cold! 42 brave souls joined us for the AGM at Kirdford Village Hall. As has become the custom, members were greeted with a cup of coffee and biscuits kindly made by Melanie and Jill Myles, I'm sure this was most welcome in the cold weather.

Paul welcomed us all to the meeting, reading out a list of apologies of those who could not be there, including Lucienne and Geoffrey Cooper who we were hoping would join us for our Christmas lunch next week. However, unfortunately, Geoffrey had a fall on Thursday evening and ended up in the Royal Surrey with a broken hip. He was due to be operated on that day, which was also his 91st birthday. Cards were produced to wish him well, these were taken along to Lucienne by Joan Dyas for onward transmission to Geoff.

The meeting was a good one, Paul gave a report on his last year as Chairman outlining some of the highs and lows of his time in Office. He advised us that there would not now be a contest for his successor, as Ian Fox had stepped down in favour of Mike Kateley. Ian had made this decision as he felt that there could be a conflict of loyalties, and lead to a division in the Club. Paul commended Ian for his selflessness and hoped he would continue in his role as Club Captain which he does so well.

Paul then read the Treasurer's Report on behalf of David Lipman who was on holiday. The minor blip on the dates had been corrected!

Ian gave his report as Club Captain and hoped that we would have a more successful year next year.

After this respite, Paul then reported on the progress that had at last been made on the agreement with the Brewery - also telling us that our host pub - the Foresters Arms had been voted Pub of the Year by Hall & Woodhouse (The Brewery) We feel that our presence there must have given Karl & Linda a great boost!!

The Brewery Document is now in its final stages, almost ready to sign and Paul will continue to oversea this to its conclusion.

Paul then called upon Valerie Esplen to clarify what she meant by asking us to consider a change to the Club Strip. I think some members were rather disappointed at this stage as they had read Club Strip on the Agenda and expected something quite else!! - far too cold I'm afraid. In the event, Valerie said that many members did not think the yellow polo shirts were at all flattering - (some bright spark remarked that the colour seemed to suit Anne Widecombe all the more reason for a change!!).

A short discussion followed and it was agreed that a sub committee would be set up to investigate other possibilities.

We then came to the election of Officers and Committee for the next year. Paul of course,was stepping down as Chairman, this left a vacancy on the Committee and this would be filled by Bob Webster. The remaining members of the Committee would serve for a further year.

At this point Paul officially handed over the Chair to Mike Kateley who had been returned unopposed as Chairman. Mike then thanked everyone for their support and Ian for standing down in his favour, and said he looked forward to serving as Chairman for, hopefully, the next three years.

There being no other business, Mike closed the meeting at 11.05pm

During the proceedings, Ingrid had been accepting Subs, any members who have not yet paid are invited to do so at the first available opportunity.

Commitee for 2010/11
Committee Members:
Chairman - Mike Kateley
Secretary - Carolyn Tuthill
Treasurer - David Lipman
Club Captain - Ian Fox

Others:
Ingrid Richards
Sonia Lee
Bob Webster

2010 Competitors Lunch

Carolyn Tuthill reports:

Remembrance Sunday 14th November, was indeed a day to remember for 28 of our members who met in the Band Room in Cranleigh for the annual end of season party. As always an array of delicious dishes was brought along by not just the ladies! We enjoyed an afternoon of good company, good food and a few glasses of something to help it on its way! Paul welcomed us all to the party and advised us to tuck in! Ian had a few words to say afterwards - the fewer the better I think! Unfortunately both David Lipman and Mike Kately were unable to attend - David & Hazel are in the USA visiting relatives and Mike & Christine were up in Liverpool for their daughter's wedding, so we were unable to have reports from them as team Captains! Ingrid, who Captained the Wasps this year, was there but thought the least said the better! Ian encouraged us to look forward and do better next year! To anyone reading this who was not invited; take part in the matches next year and an invitation will come your way - what better incentive to you need! Many thanks to all the cooks who, as usual, did a splendid meal for us all, to Sonia & Ingrid for helping me on the day, and to Ian for putting out the tables, and mostly to all who came along and made it a very happy day.

2010 Competitors Lunch Pics

Double click on the photo to enlarge it

Halloween Boules Melee - Sun 31 October 2010

Carolyn Tuthill reports:

Sunday 31st October 2010 dawned wet but, fortunately, not cold!
We were very pleased to welcome members of Cranleigh Petanque Club to Kirdford for a Halloween Melee and in all 36 brave souls turned up to play in the rather murky conditions!
I am pleased to report that all entered into the spirit of things and we had many weird and wonderful costumes on display. We had more than a coven of witches headed by chief witch Sonia who rather excelled herself with stripy tights a hideous nose with a rather nasty wart on it, green face, wig and even purple wings! She had also very kindly made cup cakes with disgusting toppings for coffee time! No wonder the consensus of opinion was that she deserved to be awarded the prize for best dressed player!
Mind you she was up against some strong competition, Di & Mac were very striking as Dracula and his Mol! Mike was one of a couple of skeletons, his problem was trying to get out of his costume to answer a call of nature - I did offer to help him with the aid of our first aid scissors but he declined mumbling something about "the snip"!
Dan Dyas came with a Father Christmas hat on with the label - "Should have gone to Specsavers!" Several folks took pictures which I hope will be forthcoming to add to the Blog.
Although this was primarily a fun day, we did run a proper individual melee the results of which were:

Ann Z (Cranleigh) - 3 wins - +11
Barbara Porter (ABC) - 2 wins 1 draw - +17
Joan Dyas (Cranleigh/ABC) - 2 wins 1 loss - +23

Other end of the spectrum! friendliest players:-

Sue Fox
Roger Z
Peter Ball

It was difficult at times to know just who you were talking to as many players were wearing masks - however I think most of them decided that it was too difficult to play in them so all was soon revealed!
Christine K was very stiking in a purple wig which she complained about putting her off her game after she and yours truly narrowly lost our first game!
In all it was a very happy and successful day and Sonia & I are all set to repeat the event next year if there is enough support.

Carolyn

Halloween Pics

Double click on the photo to enlarge it

AGM Timetable 2010

Preliminary Notice of AGM 10th October Done - Carolyn Tuthill

Nominations to Committee 30th October Members

Members Motions for AGM 6th November Members

Final Notice of AGM 9th November Carolyn Tuthill

AGM takes place 27th November Paul Roberts

We’ve been together now for 50 years …

Don't forget you can double-click on the photos to see the whites of their eyes!

A soggy Saturday of Boules much lightened by the celebration of Mike & Christine’s 50th Wedding Anniversary …

Karl & Linda had thoughtfully decked out the terrain with bunting and balloons …

The champagne flowed and cake was shared by 21 members …

Happy Anniversary Mike & Christine … here’s to the next 50 years!

North Downs League

The play-off between Oxshott and Cranleigh to determine this year's league winner will take place on Tuesday, 5th October at Kirdford.

For the overall results of all teams playing NDL go to:

http://www.crondallpetanque.org.uk/ndl/results.html

North Downs Melee - Sat 10th October

Carolyn Tuthill reports:

North Downs Melee - a poster is on the notice board giving details of this which will be held on Sunday 10th October at Cranleigh. If you wish to take part you have to contact Lesley Lewis by October 5th. I have printed out slips with her e-mail which are at the Club, but I am also listing it here! lewisblue@talktalk.net. Her phone number is also on the slip but I do not have it to hand here! She will want to know if you are planning to stay for lunch, the cost of entry is £4 or £12 with a roast lunch. The choices are Roast Beef, Roast Lamb, Salmon or Vegetarian.

GUTs Charity Day - Sat 25 September

Carolyn Tuthill reports:

Saturday 25th September dawned reasonably bright after two days of constant rain. In fact the sun shone for us and we were treated to an Indian Summer's day! We had 16 pairs entered for the Charity Doubles, each paying £5 for the privilege of playing to raise funds for G.U.T.S. As we can usually only accomodate 7 teams we had to squeeze in an extra piste to cope with the vast numbers! This made things very cosy with many a shout to "get out of the way", very friendly of course! Competition was fierce, but in the end Lee & Tee (aka Sonia & Carolyn) triumphed with an unbeatable score of 3 wins and + 28! Runners up were our own dear Chairman, Paul and his better half, Melanie, known for the day as Two's Company. Prizes were also awarded to the friendliest team, the team with most room for improvement that is! which was The Merry Wives (Hazel and her daughter Jane).

We were pleased to see David Vanstone who came along with Jean who was partnering Bob Webster (team name V.W.) David took charge of the pound coin game which raised a tidy sum for the charity. Christine Kateley had been up all night with Mike counting out acorns into a Demi Jar, we then all tried to guess the number therein. This was won by David & Hazel's Grandson who went off with a small fortune in prize money!

The raffle was well supported and many of the members who were not able to be present had contributed prizes and bought raffle tickets in advance. Karl & :Linda bought some tickets and won a lovely lavender bush which we hope to see in the garden, Sonia is already planning to take cuttings!

Some interesting items appeared on the bring & buy stall and this too brought in a good sum.

David Lipman went off with all the money - that is he went off to count all the money! He later rang to say we had raised the grand total of £212.54, this sum has been made up to £220 by an anonymous benefactor (aka Mavis!). We will now be sending off a cheque for this amount to the Charity.

Just for interest I am listing the teams who competed as some of the names are quite amusing!

David Lipman and his grandson Rowan - Drowan
Bob & Coral - The Dream Team
Jean & Derek Bonham - The D. J.s
Ingrid & Bobby - B & I
Mike & Christine - The Speedbirds
Peter & Mavis - Smokey Joes
Gill & Alex Myles - Les Petards
Jean Green & Glynn - The Young Ones
Carolyn & Sonia - Lee & Tee
Bob Webster & Jean Vanstone - V.W.
Paul & Melanie - Two's Company
Benny & Margaretha - The Grunters
Tony Fox & Val Esplen - The Wild(life) Bunch
Hazel & Jane - The Merry Wives
Ian & Margaret Fox - Les Renards
John Sylvester & Sue Fox - Sue Vesta

So there you have it - Get your thinking caps on for next year's event. We hope to have another successful Charity day then as we have had for the last several years. Any local charity will be considered.

NDPL - ABC Wasps v Cranleigh PC

Ingrid Richards reports:

On Thursday, 2nd of September the ABC Wasps played their last game in the NDPL against Cranleigh PC.

The team was as follows:

Marie Helene Lopez and George Spiers
Margaretha and Benny Goodman and Tony Fox (we had one extra member as Margaretha was not sure if her back would hold out for three games)
Ingrid Richards and Tony Riches

Marie Helene and George and Ingrid and Tony managed to win their first game. Marie Helene and George won 13-10 and Ingrid and Tony won 13-6. Margaretha played with Tony Fox, but unfortunately, they lost 9-13.

After that, the fortunes changed and we all lost our remaining games. Marie Helene and George lost 7-13, Benny (who took over from Margaretha) and Tony Fox lost 6-13 and Ingrid and Tony Riches lost 10-13. The last game was slightly better, but unfortunately not good enough. Marie Helene and George Spiers lost 10-13, Benny and Tony Fox lost again 6-13 and Ingrid and Tony Riches lost 11-13.

I must say, the result does not reflect the actual playing - all matches were fought very hard.

Thank you to all the team for giving it their all!

Sociaboules - Cuckmere 22nd August 2010

Ian Fox reports:

On Sunday morning after some discussion the previous night and earlier that morning Mike & Christine Kateley, Ian & Margaret Fox set off to play at Cuckmere in poor weather with the prospect of it worsening. Mike being determined to defend his 2009 Melee win.

The morning play started around 1030 with 32 players mostly from Cuckmere and took place in occasional drizzle and general greyness, everything thing being rather wet. The terrain slow and soggy, the attitude light hearted. Lunch was taken around 1230 when the heavens opened. We decamped to the pub for lunch with the prospect of a limited meeting from 5 matches to 3. On restarting the rain stopped and we played all 5 matches.

Honours and prizes go to Christine with 3 wins and a plus 24 score. Mike managed 2 wins and Ian 3 wins. For the last game Christine & Ian played the club secretary Andrew Andrews & his wife. An excellent contest being fought point for point. With the club members putting gear away around us Ian capitalised on Christines pointing to win the game with a magic 4 point last end.

Our thanks go to Cuckmere club members for an enjoyable day in difficult conditions.

GUTS Charity Day - Sat 25th September 2010

ABC Bees v. Oxshot - Friday 13th

Peter Molsher reports:

Our visitors won 6-3.

Congratulations are due to Barbara and Bobby who won two
very closely contested matches by sheer determination;
one of which with the last boule of the last end of the last match.

Well done both 'Bs' !

The rest of the ABC team included Mac & Di and Muriel, Peter and Chris.

NDPL - ABC Wasps v Crondall - 10th August

Ian Fox reports:

A Close Run Match

On a rather damp and gloomy evening ABC Wasps played Crondall at home. Both sides were evenly matched for the most part but as luck and skill would have it ABC Wasps prevailed with a 5 games to 4 games win.

Wasps men of the match and honours must go to Tony Fox, Bob Callard, Margaretha & Benny Goodman with 2 wins to each pair. Sonia Lee and Ian Fox came good with a convincing 13-1 win in their last game to secure the match.

Congratulations to all who played. Well done Wasps.

Osborne Trophy - Saturday, 7th August

Peter Molsher reports:



On Saturday, 7th August, 29 members played in a competition melée at Kirdford, organised by Mike Kateley, for the Osborne trophy.

I was fortunate in playing in partnerships with Robert, Chris and John which, on the day, proved unbeatable.

The centrepiece medallion was given to the club by Rodney Osborne ( 1996) and subsequently put into a mount designed and produced by ‘ko designs’ – Rodney’s daughter Katy.

It brings back particular memories for me as I played as Rodney’s partner when he was captain of the Amitiés Bees team in the NDPL.

Congratulations are due to Barbara who also had 3 wins and thanks to Charmoine for making the presentations.

ABC Wasps - Southern Counties Division 3

Mike Kateley reports:

The Wasps recorded their second victory in a row having won against the Limesdown Marvels two weeks ago by 3 games to 2.

On Thursday 5th August, they won by 3 games to 2 against Adur Leisure. The team was Mike and Christine Kateley, David and Hazel Lipman, Ian Fox and Sonia Lee.
David Hazel & Ian won their triple by 13 points to 9, Mike Christine and Sonia lost theirs by 13 points to 3. In the doubles Mike & Christine won 13 points to 8, Hazel and David won by13 points to 6 in the third game, a very tight and nail biting event, Ian and Sonia lost by 13 points to 11.

We all enjoyed a very pleasant evening in a very friendly atmosphere.

ABC Wasps v Oxshott Bedouins

Ingrid Richards reports:

On Sunday, 18th July seven members of the ABC Wasps met at Oxshott Boules terrain to play the return match against the Bedouins.

It was a lovely day and we were greeted cordially by the Bedouins.

Sonia and Carolyn, Tony Riches and Jean Vanstone and Margaretha and Benny played the first two games. Margaretha & Benny won their first game very well but lost the two other games. Carolyn & Sonia lost the first two games but won the last one. After two losses, Jean and Tony Riches asked me (Ingrid) to team up with Tony to play the last game, which we won very well (Secret weapon!!)

So, the end result was a loss of 3-6 to the Bedouins. They were of course very pleased, as we beat them when they came to play us at Kirdford.

We then adjourned to the club house for a very tasty tea and a chat with everybody.

Thank you to all the players and the drivers.

Ingrid
Captain ABC Wasps

North Downs League Results Table - 25 July 2010

The latest published position of the full NDL results todate can be viewed on the following website:

http://www.northdownsleague.org.uk/

under Current Results.

Group A
ABC Bees are running in second place to Bordon with 5 games played.

Group B
ABC Wasps are flirting with Cranleigh for bottom of the league with 4 matches played.

ABC Wasps Captain, Ingrid, says "We have two more matches to play - one on 10th August against Crondall at home and one more against Cranleigh also at Kirdford. If we win those two, we should be in a better position than we are at present!"

SOCIABOULES AT KIRDFORD Sunday July 4th

David Lipman reports:

Our Sociaboules on Sunday was very successful, despite it being the anniversary of the day we let America loose on the world in 1776.

We had visitors from Worthing (5), Brighton (2), Adur (4) and Handcross (3) plus 14 of our own players, completely filling our terrain with games of 4 players.

Our Chairman, Paul, came at the beginning to open the play and at the end to distribute the prizes and thank everyone for a great day.

Five games were played in the sunshine, three before lunch and two after, as is the usual system.

The overall winner with +40 was Christine (someone will have to knock her off her pedestal soon or Mike will not be able to live with her!).

Second was Ray from Adur, followed by Melanie, Caroline and David.

Prizes were bottles of wine.

We also gave prizes to the “friendliest” players, one each from Worthing, Kirdford and Adur.

Caroline and Ingrid ran a very successful raffle which paid for the prizes and left some over to purchase more bottles for the future.

Altogether a day that was obviously enjoyed by all. Perhaps we ought to return visit these clubs on their Sociaboules Days.

BETTY’S PLATE Saturday July 3rd

The Winner, Christine Kateley

David Lipman reports:

Another sunny Saturday brought out 28 of our club members for a very competitive morning. It was nice to see more of those members who only come on rare occasions.

Kathy, who is still unfortunately unable to play, sat and watched and presented the Plate at the end of the morning. The overall winner was Christine Kateley, by a full 10 points ahead of anyone else.

The box of chocolates for the friendliest player went to Sue Ross.

Remember Clicking on a photo in the Blog will automatically enlarge it

The Anniversay Cup

Carolyn Tuthill reports:

I am about to have the Anniversary Cup engraved with all the past winners of this most sumptious trophy! My list is incomplete as I do not have a record of the 2005 winners. To jog your memories I can list those that I have:

2001 - Don Smith - Sonia Lee - Jean Vanstone
2002 - Jeff Fox - Jean Vanstone - Bobby Newberry
2003 - Melanie Roberts - Bob Knight - Joan Dyas
2004 - Jean Vanstone - Dan Dyas
2005 - ?
2006 - Joan Dyas - Paul Roberts
2007 - Benny Goodman - Sue Ross
2008 - Benny Goodman - Sonia Lee
2009 - Ingrid Richards - Mike Kateley
2010 - Sonia Lee - Carolyn Tuthill

Has anyone won this trophy who is not listed above? Otherwise I will have to go ahead and leave a blank - Carolyn

Anniversary Cup Competition 19th June 2010

Mike Kateley reports:

Twenty eight members competed in the 2010 Anniversary Cup competition at Kirdford on Saturday 19th June 2010. The competition was followed by an excellent Bar-B-Q supplied by Linda and Karl.

The winning team (Lee & Tee) Carolyn and Sonia who won all three games with 19 plus points, second position went to (D’azel) David and Hazel Lipman with 2 wins and plus 21 points followed in joint third place by (The foxy ones) Ian and Margaret Fox and (The Speedbirds)Mike and Christine Kateley both with two wins and a plus score of 11 points.

To the surprise of all present the booby prize was awarded to Benny and Margaretha Goodman with three games lost and a minus 18 points.

Being the wedding day of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden Margaretha made two typical Swedish cakes which we all enjoyed with our coffee after the first round.

The competition was efficiently managed by Mike and Christine who were thanked for their efforts by Captain Ian and all present.

We are given to understand the first Anniversary Cup competition was held on the same date in 1993, a very appropriate date for this year’s event.

Photos - courtesy of John Sylvester



The Winners



The Runners-Up



The Loosers

Semur visit - July/August

Ian Fox reports:

Hi Everyone,

As a club and group members of the Cranleigh Semur Twinning Association we have been invited to put on an event for the French delegation arriving in Cranleigh for the long weekend of 29th July – 1st August. Our slot is proposed as a boules session at Kirdford on Sunday 1st August AM. with lunch at own expense. Numbers attending are variable but could be around 30. I understand amongst the visitors will be persons who are interested in the boules playing element and with whom I would like to establish sound contacts for Boule exchange; more important than ever following the “Likely Ladettes” recent storming performance in La Belle France. More details will be communicated as I get them.

There is to be a casual drinks “do” at Cranleigh School in the evening of 1st August around 1800 hrs. to which we are invited.

I hope we can put on a good show for Semur and look forward to everyone’s participation.

Julia Brown the Chairman of the Association is short of beds for the visitors, if you can help in this respect, it will be greatly appreciated. Please let me know details asap.

SOCIABOULES

Carolyn Tuthill reports:


Sociaboules are a group of now six clubs in the Surrey, Sussex and Kent area who take turns in hosting a melee every year.

The melee consists of 5 games, three in the morning and two after lunch with prizes for the winners and runners up. Normal start time is 10 am.

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that we at Kirdford are due to host the next meeting which will take place on Sunday July 4th.

It would be much appreciated if we could have a good turn out of ABC members, so please put it in your diary!

In order to at least partly fund the event, we will be holding a raffle and prizes for this would be much appreciated.

These events are listed on the Club Event Dates for 2010 which I urge you to look at.

The final two Sociaboules dates are:

22nd August at Cuckmere

5th September at Worthing (Field Place)

Any questions to Carolyn, please ...

LES GIRLS BOULES TRIP TO FRANCE JUNE 2010

Carolyn Tuthill reports:

Tuesday 1st June , a new month – a new adventure. Four of us arrived at Gatwick, Ingrid, Sue Ross & myself, chauffeured by Tony Riches complete with hat! Where we met up with Sonia & Ray from Adur bound for Montpellier to take part in BBC13 – The Fanny Tour.

First obstacle – huge queues at Gatwick, however passengers for Montpellier were called out and fast tracked through check in & security to enable us to board our plane on time. Left Gatwick in 15C (or less) arrived Montpellier in 25C+ and sunshine – result!!

Arrived campsite 6.45pm met by Jeff & Janet Fox and Bob & Coral Callard welcomed by John & Janet Price and many others whom we had met before. After we had been issued with our new white polo shirts which you will be seeing us wearing on the piste!

We joined everyone for a welcome buffet at John & Janet’s Chalet, where we were debriefed as to what was planned for the next 10 days.

Wednesday 2nd June – woke up to clear blue skies and warm temperatures. Joined Sonia my chalet companion, for tea on the balcony awaiting the arrival of croissants for breakfast (brought along by Ingrid from the shop!).

After a lazy morning, we went off to Portrignes which was a new venue for our first matches, after some good games with the local club, they entertained us magnificently to a feast of paella and copious amounts of wine – we even came back with three bottles of wine each!

Thursday 3rd June – today we are having a melee at the campsite terrain, so we can enjoy a leisurely morning followed by fierce competition amongst some 40+ players from all parts of the UK We were delighted that Sue Ross managed to get into the semi finals. Unfortunately she came up against Pauline from Oxshott, whom many of you will know, who beat her 13-12 in the closest of games.

Friday 4th June – Off to Serignan to experience a traditional French Market. Then on to the local market at Valras which was much bigger so we were able to buy quite a lot of the local tat!

After lunch we went off to Lespignan where Sonia & I were at last able to play together and managed to win two out of our three games before enjoying another French feast in the grounds of a sadly rather neglected, but once magnificent, town house which we would all like to buy! Between us we managed to win 4 bottles of wine in the raffle which is more than we could manage on the piste!

It has been lovely to become reacquainted with old friends, especially Daniel who gave us the lovely plaque last year which is now hanging in the Foresters. He was proudly wearing his Amities shirt which was sent to him after our return last year. He had been looking forward to seeing Benny & Margaretha, so he was disappointed they were not with us. However it encouraged us to communicate with him in our very rusty French! He sends warm regards to all who know him, and has taken many photographs, which we hope he will send us in the fullness of time.

I must mention that for the last 3 days (almost since the beginning of our trip) Bob Callard had been wearing a “fanny” medal. It is traditional that this medal be worn
when you are fannied, to be passed on to the next fannied player! Unfortunately for Bob – nobody had owned up to being fannied and he is still wearing the medal – soon Coral will have to start polishing it!

Saturday 5th June – Another sunny day – we played in the afternoon here at the terrain entertaining over 40 players from Valras – the nearest local club. Personally I went from the sublime to the ridiculous, playing first with the local champion and securing an easy win and ending up with a holidaymaker from near Paris who was staying on the campsite – this was destined to end in tears – he WAS playing with leisure boules!

No places in the final for any of us this time, but we went on to spend a very happily evening with our French quests for a meal followed by a disco. One good thing – Bob has managed to pass on the fanny medal!

Sunday 6th June - No boules today, instead Jeff & Janet Fox kindly took Sonia & me with Ray to Carcassonne. After driving through heavy rain we finally got to the beautiful old town where we spent the afternoon browsing round the shops after a great lunch in one of the restaurants. (the rain had stopped by the time we arrived) leaving a perfect temperature for exploring. On our return to Valras, we went to have a BBQ with Mary & Mike Sheppard (Southern Counties players whom some of you will know). After this Sonia & I came back to our little chalet and played rummi-cub again!

Monday 7th June – again free morning then off the Serignon to play the local team Had good games 2 of us and 1 French man playing in triples – I played with Ron from Oxshott and our Frenchman let us down by shooting when he should have pointed in for game losing us a place in the finals.

However Sue Ross was on the opposing team (who beat us 13-11) and went on to win 13-1 in the final. She will be bringing home a big cup! Her French team mate commiserated with me by giving me his trophy – so I too have something to bring home! We ended the day with Boeuf en daube en plein aire on the boules terrain – tables and chairs were provided!

Tuesday 8th June – another free morning followed by a doubles competition here at the campsite – this was eventually won by 2 Frenchmen whom Sonia and I had beaten 13-6.

Strange or what! All to do with how many wins and points for and against. Sue’s luck ran out and she is now wearing a “fanny” medal.

Wednesday 9th June – in the afternoon we went to play not too far away with the club at Valras. 1 French & 1 UK against each other. Twice I played against Sonia – managed 3 wins out of 4 and +3 not good enough. We all got a bottle of wine and Sue compounded her losing streak by picking up another fanny medal! After the evening meal we had Karioke – Sonia was in her element although most of us had a go!

Thursday 10th June – Feeling very fragile today! Decided I could not play in the singles this afternoon however this cleared the way for Sonia to reach the final where she played against the local stud Claude! (She did suggest he should be her prize). Unfortunately she was narrowly beaten by him but with true gallic chivalry later in the evening she was awarded the trophy which you will see on display!

Friday 11th June – Well it’s over – very emotional goodbyes to all our friends and looking forward to next year.

Footnote: Ingrid, Sue, Sonia & I had to open our cases at Montpellier Airport and ditch what we could as we were all overweight! All the silverware you see.

Hope you enjoyed reading of our exploits – lol Carolyn

News from Anthony and Marji Simmonds-Gooding

Paul Roberts reports:

I think many of our members will be interested in the news from Marji Simmonds-Gooding. Many of the newer members will not know her of course. She is the daughter of Wendy Pennock, one of the original members of ABC. She used to live at Birchetts Brook, a large house at Holmbury St Mary, where they hosted the Pennock Trophy for a number of years. In the early days the trophy was played for by the ABC club members plus large numbers of members of Wendy's extended family. It was always a very sociable and boozy occasion with the drink provided by Anthony Simmonds-Gooding in bottles delivered by the wheelbarrow-load from his garage.

After Wendy's death the running of the Pennock Trophy moved to Kirdford and the Simmonds-Goodings came along and played a couple of times before they moved away to live in London.

The last time I saw Anthony, I was playing golf at Gatton Manor near Ockley. I was about to play my second shot on the third hole when a ball thudded into the ground no more than three feet from where I was standing. I looked to see where it had come from and there was a very large man striding towards me. I seized my 7 iron and walked towards him. It was Anthony, full of apologies, offering to buy me drinks in the clubhouse afterwards.

Joan Dyas sends us the following email:

From: Marjorie Simonds-Gooding
Subject: RE: Pennock Trophy
To: dandyas@talk21.com
Date: Thursday, 10 June, 2010, 15:55

Hello Joan

 How wonderful to hear from you.... and many, many congratulations on winning the Pennock Trophy!

  I am so sorry that this has taken so long for me to reply but we have been in Ireland where we spend a lot of time and I lost my blackberry on the ferry on the way over and then to make matters worse the whole broadband system seized up on the system I was on – the trouble with being up a mountain on the far west coast of Ireland!

  We are now back in London and able to reply to you by email.  We are both thrilled to hear that the Pennock Trophy is still going strong.  I will forward your lovely email on to my sister Barbie and to our children (Wendy’s grandchildren) who will be very touched by this.

  Anthony and I were also very touched that you had the picture still of the grandchildren in 2001.  There are now 9 grandchildren and another due in November!  If it wouldn’t bore you too much I will send the cards since then – i think i have copies of some of the cards since then!  What is your address?

  We are both very well and think of you all very often – what happy days we all had together.
 
  I had breast cancer once (or twice) more since I probably saw you and I am now something of an amazing statistic as 3 breast cancers is very unusual if not unheard of, according to my oncologist and breast cancer surgeon!  I feel exceptionally well, play tennis (2 hours at a time at Queens Club or Hurlingham Club, which are both on our doorstep), several times a week, play a lot of golf, sit in Youth Court as a magistrate and see huge amount of all the children and grandchildren, nearly all of whom live very close to us.

 Anthony is Chairman of the new Rose Theatre in Kingston, which recently had Judi Dench in Midsummer Night’s Dream and has many other exciting productions and he is also still Chairman of other companies and charities.

  We both feel very privileged that we are healthy and have so many friends and family and we particularly value all of you, Les Boulistes and the happy times we spent with you.  We all still miss Wendy very much, but have such happy memories of her with all of you at Burchetts Brook and all the other boules venues going back as far as days at Crondal.

  Congratulations again on winning the Pennock Trophy

With love to you all from both of us

Marji

North Downs League

David Lipman reports:

On Tuesday, 18th May, the ABC Bees played Bordon.

Regretably we lost, but by only one point!!

Actualy they won 5 games to our 4, but the last game ran out of time with the score at 8 all.

"Last end" was called and they got one point!!! C'est La Vie

On Wednesday (today), 19th May, we were visited by 10 members of a recently formed Club from Hillingdon.

After lunch, with some of our members, we mixed up with 16 of our club and played at least three games each in the balmy sunshine, which was enjoyed by all. It was nice to play boules against people we did not know, with no pressure.

The County Club Boules Evening

Peter Rauch reports:

On Friday evening, 14 May, we hosted the annual Guildford County Club melee.

As usual player numbers, attendance and arrivals proved fluid and variable, but we managed to get in two games and a good fun evening was had by all, including Peter & Mavis and Mike & Christine, who dog's bodied, umpired, refereed and generally filled in the gaps in teams as ABC hosts.

Over the years the standard of play and participation has improved immensely. Play was followed by a jolly supper in the Foresters.

Richard Middlehurst won the Mens with 21 points and Laura Sexton won the Ladies, also with 21 points. There was fierce competition for the Consolation Prize which was won by Nick Butterworth with a minus 22 score card!

Cranleigh and Semur-en-Auxois Twinning Association

Newsletter April 2010

Schools
Park Mead school continues its links with the Remparts School in Semur via he ‘visio-conference’ and Glebelands School, Cranleigh Primary school (formerly St Nicolas) and St Cuthbert Mayne, have expressed an interest in this and contact details have been exchanged.
In addition, the Duke of Kent School has set up links with St Joseph school in Semur and both schools are encouraging their students to exchange correspondence etc. St Joseph school had already arranged a visit to England in May – and are including a visit to Cranleigh!

Student Exchanges
We are continuing to explore the possibility of further exchanges – if you know of any students who would be interested in visiting Semur or in hosting a French student from Semur then please do let me know. We have dealt with a number of enquiries from both sides.

Commerce
There is a page on the Chamber website that refers to the twinning and includes contact details for anybody wishing to get involved – see http://www.cranleighchamber.com/twinning-businesses/twinningwebsites.aspx

I provide updates to Cranleigh Initiative as well as the Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce regarding progress of twinning matters generally.

Visit to Semur by Alan Golden, Cranleigh Editor of the Surrey Advertiser
We hope that Alan will be able to visit Semur later this year. This would provide great publicity for the twinning as well as for the town and area generally.
Thank you to Alan for his help in publicising Café Cranleigh in the Surrey Advertiser.

Membership
Annual subscriptions (a very reasonable £10 per family) are now due for 2010. The monies go towards funding the local events to raise awareness, running and admin costs (e.g. the newsletter) as well as the visits from the French to Cranleigh. We do not receive any public funding whatsoever …….so every penny helps!

Village Signs
As you will hopefully have noticed the signs are now up! Whilst it took substantially longer than originally anticipated to organise, we are all delighted that they are now in place, and hope that they will raise awareness of the twinning.

Social Events
Drinks Reception and Wine-tasting
The Drinks Reception and Wine Tasting on 12th February in the Reading Room at Cranleigh School was a great success. It gave the opportunity for members to meet each other as well as other interested parties at a fun social event! Our friends from the European Friendship Club in Semur gave us some wine that was included in the tasting and some local gateaux. A big thank you to Cranleigh School for supporting us with this event.

Café Cranleigh - Coffee and Croissant anyone?
On 20th March we held a French themed morning in the Band Room, Cranleigh. As well as showing great waitressing skills in serving coffee and croissants children from Park Mead School entertained us by singing some French songs. Local Boules groups were there too giving demonstrations (or such as they could with the dismal weather!) The event was open to the public and we were very pleased with the response – so much so that we plan to do it again, hopefully in better weather!
The date we have arranged for the next Café is 10th July- put it in your diaries now!

General
The return visit by the French to Cranleigh this year will be on the weekend of 30th July -2nd August. We are finalising a programme of events but wish to keep it as informal and flexible as possible. If you are able to host a family then please do get in touch with me as soon as possible. Thank you to those who have already given their details. All the host families had a great time on the last visit and some long lasting friendships were made. At present we are not sure of numbers attending but please add your name early to avoid disappointment!

Julia Brown
Chair Semur-Cranleigh Twinning Association April 2010
cranleigh-semur@hotmail.com

Pennock Cup

We refer ABC members to the Cranleigh Petanque Club blog site:

http://cranleighpetanqueclub.blogspot.com/

for the latest news on the Pennock Cup event.

Wasps v. Cranleigh Petanque Club

Ingrid Richards reports:

On 24th April, the Wasps played their first away match of the season against the new Cranleigh Petanque Club in Cranleigh.

The team was: Margaretha & Benny Goodman, Carolyn Tuthill and Sonia Lee and Tony Riches and Ingrid Richards.

The terrain is rather "unpredictable" to say the least and we were struggling with it. However, we did not disgrace ourselves and the end result was 5-4 to Cranleigh. Margaretha & Benny won one of their games, Carolyn & Sonia won one and Tony and myself won two. Well done everybody.

We finished the afternoon with sandwiches in glorious sunshine.

Terrain Dressing

Ian Fox reports:

This is the first dressing to be applied to our Terrain since it was constructed about 10 years ago. The dressing is exactly the same as was originally laid thanks to some detective work by Paul & Ian. It took about 1.5 hours on Tuesday, 27th April 2010 to spread and level the dressing. A really good soaking and rolling now should consolidate the whole. We can all expect the playing characteristics to change from now on. My grateful thanks to all who helped on the day.

The Working Party and finished product


Spreading the dressing


The dressing heap as delivered

ABC Bees v. Bordon in the NDL

David Lipman reports:

ABC Bees played Bordon at Kirdford on Tuesday, April 20th.

We won. What else is there to say!!!!

Each couple (Kateleys Lipmans and Myles) won 2 games.

Special mention must be made of Jill and Alex's contributions as this was their first ever match for the club in the NDL - well done!!!!

Final Score 6-3

ABC Wasps v Claygate Bedouins

Ingrid Richards reports:

On Sunday, 18th April the ABC Wasps had their first match in the NDPL against the Claygate Bedouins, at Kirdford.

We started at 2pm and the Bedouins were there in good time to parctice and they brought 3 extra players, whom they used for substitutes during the match. The game was played in glorious sunshine.

Our team was Benny & Margaretha, Carolyn & Jean Vanstone and Tony Riches and myself (Ingrid).

Benny & Margaretha won all three games, Carolyn and Jean won two, but I'm afraid to say that Tony & myself were the "weakest link" and lost all our games (not for want of trying!)

The match stood at 4 games all with Benny & Margaretha trailing 11-12 when Margaretha managed to put her last two boules nearest to the cochonnet and with that we won the match - well done everybody!

We finished off with a cream tea in the pub. A great day!

North Downs League

Peter Molsher reports:

The Bees, represented by Valerie & John, Barbara & Peter(M), Muriel & Chris, played their first fixture of the season this month at Crondall resulting in a 6 - 3 win for the home side. Two of the lost games went to a close
finish.

This is one of the oldest fixtures in the NDPL calendar; we were invited by Crondall in 1993 to join them in starting a new league. The other founders were Arford (now Bordon), Leatherhead (now Oxshot), and Sun Inn(at Dummer). They were joined in the second season by Kingsclere, Chilworth(Percy Arms)[the club from which Mary Robson joined us] and Racing Club.

Clive Clarke was elected NDPL chairman for that season and made and presented the Runners Up trophy on behalf of Amitiés.

Grand National Draw

The Results of the Grand National Draw were:

First - Margaretha with "Dont Push It" ... £25

Second - Ingrid with "Black Apalachi" ... £10

Third - Margaret Fox with "State of Play" ... £5

Congratulations to all three ladies ... High Street sales will no doubt soar this week!

A Fox in Oz ...

A Report from the Antipodean Fox now back in his UK den.

Here are 4 pics. of our sole exposure to Boules in Oz.

This club one of several in the Perth metropolitan area is in an upmarket
suburb called Subiaco about a five minute drive from Perth city center and
the same from Kings Park, a part Bush, part planted area, several times the
size of any London park stretching from the city center to the Swan river.

Margaret on the terrain, one of several each considerably bigger than Kirdford. We learned that this club hosts many of Western Australia's largest ompetitive meetings.



Now that's a club house! Doesn't the grounds man keep it looking well? Part of a community facility we think.



Well that's enough boule playing, have a drink. The going rate in the club house was between 1&2$AUD (58p)-(1.16p)for all drinks. The temperature that day at around 1500hrs was at least 40 degrees and no breeze.



Some of the more serious players!
Margaret and I selected our boules from an ad hoc collection of mostly mismatched boule with the clubs apologies.

Carolyn’s Fanny takes the Title

Paul Roberts reports:

The first Trophy of the year was won by our Secretary last Saturday. In a keenly contested melee, the Committee Trophy was won by a narrow margin by Carolyn Tuthill with 3 wins and +23 points from Mr Consistent Mike Kateley with 3 wins and +17.

The last game proved decisive when Carolyn and her partner fannied their opposition (+13). Mike won his last game but could only manage 13-7 (+6). When asked the reason for her success Carolyn paid tribute to her partner in the last game saying “I owe it all to him!”.

North Downs League

ABC Bees & Wasps can find out everything they need to know for the coming season by going to the NDL Website at the following address:

http://www.crondallpetanque.org.uk/ndl/index.html

where they will find details of:

Rules
Fixtures
Current Results
Past Results
Team Contacts
Pictures

Our NDL teams for the 2010 season are as follows:

ABC BEES
David Lipman (Captain)
Hazel Lipman
Mike Kateley
Christine Kateley
Derek Bonham
Jean Bonham
John Sylvester
Valerie Esplen
Peter Molsher
Muriel Molsher
Chris Molsher
Jill Myles
Alex Myles
Barbara Porter
Melanie Roberts

ABC WASPS
Ingrid Richards (Captain)
Carolyn Tuthill
Ian Fox
Sonia Lee
Tony Fox
Benny Goodman
Margaretha Goodman
Mavis Rauch
Peter Rauch
George Spiers
Tony Riches
Bob Callard
Coral Callard
Jean Vanstone

Calendar for 2010.

Ingrid Richards reports:

Here are some fixtures which people can attend if they want to. I shall put this list on our notice board. If you want more info, please ask one of the committee members.

Cranleigh Petanque Club Competitions/Events
9 May. Pub and Club Challenge
29 August. Cranleigh Open Triples
October. North Downs League Melee

Regional Events
3 May. SCPA Adult and Junior Doubles, Burridge
25 May. SCPA 1st Regional Qualifier Crondall
16 May. 2nd SCPA Regional Qualifier, Farmhouse
10/11 July. SCPA Masters. Arundel
18 July. SCPA triples Southampton City
26 Sept. SCPA Singles and Shooting Competition, Shedfield
18/19 Sept. Inter Regional Championships. Brean Sands weekend.
24 Oct. SCPA Doubles
7 Nov. SCPA Secretary’s Cup, The Ship
21 Nov. SCPA AGM and Winter melee, The Limes

National Events
4 July EPA Home Nations Qualifier
7/8 August Home Nations weekend, Inverness
5 Sept. EPA Over 50’s doubles

Opens and Other Club Events
13 March. Admiral Cunningham open doubles
20 March. Hampshire Rose Open Triples
2 April. Bordon Open Triples
5 April. Crondall Easter Doubles
17 April. Admiral Cunningham Open Doubles
18 April. Arundel Open Doubles
1/2 May Jersey Open weekend
2 May. Farmhouse Open Triples
8 May. Worthing Open Doubles
9 May. Adur Spring Doubles
22 May. Portchester Charity Open
6 June. Handcross Charity Open Doubles
20 June. Redlynch Zimmer Frame Open (over 50)
27 June. Southampton City Open Triples
18 July. Adur Bastille Day Doubles
4 Sept. Admiral Cunningham Autumn Doubles
5 Sept. Shedfield Open Doubles
11 Sept. Limesdown Open Doubles
11/12 Sept. Guernsey Open weekend
10 Oct. Handcross Autumn Doubles
17 Oct. Worthing Juniors Open Doubles
24 Oct. Adur Autumn Doubles
24 Oct. Redlynch Halloween Doubles
14 Nov. Cobbets Poppy Open Doubles
28 Dec. Arundel Winter Doubles

CRANLEIGH – SEMUR-EN-AUXIOS TWINNING

Carolyn Tuthill reports:

Many of you will be aware that Cranleigh has now twinned with Semur-en-Auxios in the Burgundy region of France.

Last Saturday, in the pouring rain, Ingrid and I joined with Christine, Mike, David & Hazel at the Band Room in Cranleigh, to promote our Club with a view to hosting a boule event in the future with the folks from Semur. Tony Fox, John Sylvester and Valerie put in an appearance also. Christine had the foresight to take along two albums of archive photographs which she has produced. We must get her to bring them to one of our Club events soon as they are a real history of the Club and most interesting. (It looks as if we are heading for our 20th Anniversary next year).

We had a most interesting morning meeting with the Cranleigh side of the twinning group who welcomed us warmly and showed real interest in forming a bond with our Club.

I know that Ian Fox is keen to visit Semur, supposedly to play Boule with the locals but it is rather a famous wine producing region!

Cranleigh Petanque Club were also represented by Jeff Fox and Janet together with some of their members (a few of whom are also members of our Club!), so we will have some (friendly) rivalry!

Four of us were there from the Committee, a decision was made that it would be useful to join the twinning group as a Club. The normal fee is £10 per family, we felt this was stretching it a bit, so we have paid a subscription of £50 as a group membership fee. This will keep us up to date with what is going on with the twinning and hopefully enable us to capitalise on our membership at the first opportunity.

We will, obviously, keep you up to date with developments.

Carolyn

Grace Knight - Funeral arrangements

Ian Fox reports:

Grace Knight a long-term club member sadly died recently. A thanksgiving service for Grace is to be held at St Nicholas Cranleigh on February 9th at 1430. A private family cremation will take place in the morning.

Carolyn will arrange a club donation, as is our practice.

The Snow has gone ...

The snow has gone ... play has resumed, with a decent attendance last Saturday and we all look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Wednesday, 27 January ... it will be cold, so wrap up warm!

Adur Petanque Club Invitation

Paul Roberts reports:


ADUR PETANQUE CLUB

  
SNOWBOULES DOUBLES OPEN

TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY 31ST
JANUARY 2010

@ THE IMPULSE LEISURE CENTRE LANCING MANOR PARK
LANCING

REGISTRATION 9.30am for PLAY 10am
£8.00 per team

WELCOME TO BRING YOUR OWN FOOD/DRINK
BAR WILL BE OPEN FOR FOOD/DRINK

RAFFLE PRIZES WELCOME

  

In view of the current weather conditions if in doubt please telephone the evening before to check the event is still ongoing.
TEL: VERONICA TAYLOR 01903 503716

Snow on snow at Kirdford ...

Ian Fox reports:

Happy New Year to all.

I hope the membership attendance picks up soon.

It all looked rather pretty, if deserted this Saturday.

Regards

Ian - back from sunny Spain!

Message from the Club Secretary ...

Carolyn Tuthill reports:

I would like to wish all members of the Boules Club a very Happy New Year.

A suggestion has been made that the Committee should make out a duty roster telling folks when they are required to do their duty! We are finding that the voluntary list is sadly lacking in volunteers. To this end, Ingrid and I will hope to find out from members when they cannot do a duty, holidays etc., then we will draw up a roster with the idea that if anything should crop up to prevent someone doing a duty, they should endeavour to do a swop with someone else. Worth a try I think.

I have today received details of the Jersey Open which will take place as usual on the first May Bank Holiday week-end - May 1st/2nd - I will post details on the notice board next time I am in Kirdford.

S.C.P.A. Vice Presidents Award for 2009

Jeff Fox from Amities Boules Club and Cranleigh P. C. was recently awarded the S.C.P.A. Vice Presidents Award for 2009

This is presented each year to an SCPA member whom the committee consider has contributed in some way to improve Petanque within the region.