On Saturday 11th May, Merrow bowlers travelled to Liphook for a match of four triples. Leaving Guildford in the rain and hail, we were pleasantly surprised to find Liphook sunny and dry.

The match was closely fought, with the lead moving first one way and then the other. After a break for tea and cake, both sides resumed battle much refreshed. The eventual outcome went in Liphook’s favour, with a score of 81-62. Liphook won on three rinks but congratulations to Ron, Len, and Bob on their win of 22-20. There was a narrow loss by a single point for Lorna, Debbie, and John; well played, you nearly made it.

We look forward to entertaining Liphook later in the year.

A very commited delivery

Don’t forget, it’s our first Open Day of 2019 on Sunday 12th. Come along for a roll-up and bring a friend if you can.

A very enjoyable fixture! Despite several interruptions for heavy showers and a pitch, much heavier than ours at Merrow, we competed well against very sociable and evenly matched opposition, losing by just 6 points overall but winning on two rinks.

To begin the 90th anniversary season, our first match on 28th April was againt Albury.

After a glorious Easter weekend, we were presented with a cold and overcast day with some light rain. However, spirits were high in anticipation of a good match.

We played four rinks of triples on a green that was a revelation after the problems of last year, running true and at a good speed. Albury proved to be very strong opponents, winning 51-77. However, two of our rinks did manage a draw. Rink 1 (Lesley, Tony, and David E) drew 15-15, while Rink 4 (Judy, Ken, and John) drew 18-18. Well done for such great performances against strong opposition!

Our thanks to Brian T for the half-time tea and cake. We all needed warming up!

2019 is the 90th anniversary year for Merrow Village Bowls Club. To help get this special year off to a flying start, our local MP Anne Milton came to formally inaugurate the season.

Anne was welcomed by our president David Matthews, chairman Brian Taylor, and two representatives from the parent club committee, Mike Eagle, and Jim Drey. After a brief introduction by president David Matthews, Anne made a short speech, extolling the virtues of community organisations such as our club, providing sporting and social activities. Following the speeches, Anne took on the challenge of trying her hand at bowls, with our coach David giving some advice.

After the speeches, there was an opportunity for some photos with the club members before Anne cut a special anniversary cake, baked and decorated by Debbie. Anne took this opportunity to speak to several club members before leaving.

Woo-hoo! We have been featured in the May edition of Merrow Pages, with Sue making a starring appearance on the front cover.

Let’s hope the article prompts some potential new members to get in touch.

Our unofficial opening to declare the green open for practice took place in glorious weather on Sunday, 21st April. Our President, David Matthews, sent up a longish jack and managed to trail it with his first bowl remarking it was something he had waited 25 years to achieve.
Three rinks were used for roll ups and short games and there were some very tidy looking heads achieved which bodes well for the coming season.
The Official Opening by Anne Milton MP will be 28th at 1pm followed by a friendly match against Albury. We wonder if David can repeat his jack trailing, come and see!

The new outdoor season is almost upon us. The green will be officially opened by our President, David Matthews, on Sunday, 21st April, giving us a week to hone our skills before our first match on Sunday, 28th April. The match will be preceded at 1pm by our MP, Anne Milton, opening our 90th season. Do come along and support your club.

Club nights start on Tuesday, 23rd April, so why not come along, have a roll-up, and meet up with old friends.

On Saturday, 13th April, we held our first jumble sale of 2019.

We were lucky with the weather, cold but sunny, which helped to bring the buyers.

Friday evening had been a very busy time, setting up tables and putting out the jumble ready for the early Saturday start. I’m particularly grateful to all the club members who turned up at 10:30pm to get us set up.

On Saturday, dealers were our first visitors at 8:30. They pay a premium for early entry, which helps boost our takings. At last 10:00 arrived and we were able to let the public in. It was good to see some familiar faces and there is always the opportunity for some freindly banter. Sales were brisk and, as expected, some great bargains were there for the taking. A first for this year was the cake stall, where all but two fairy cakes went to an appreciative home.

Eventually, time was up and we set to work clearing the hall. It’s always surprising to see items that one expects to sell still on the tables.

Once again, a big thank you to everyone who helped make the sale a success. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Our next jumble sale is on 26th October.

Yes, it’s our first jumble sale of 2019!

Why not come along to Merrow Village Hall at 10am on Saturday, 13th April and bag some bargains. We’ll have textiles, books, toys, and bric-a-brac stalls to temp you.

A new feature for this year is a cake stall. Indulge your taste buds and support the bowls club at the same time.

Doors open at 10am with an entry fee of just 50p. If you want first choice, you can pay £5 for entry at 8:30am.