Richard found this photo of Merrow players from 2010.

I’m sure many of you will recognise faces.

Back row: Richard Duddy, Tony Oldland, Ken Webb, Ray Owen, Roy Edwards, Mike Jordan, Derek Oliver

Front row: Charlie Boys, Dave Matthews, Daisy Stewart (Dave’s granddaughter), Tony Cekys, Steve Mable.

Apologies for the lack of more regular match reports but things have been busy on and off the green, so here is quick update for May working backwards…

On Tuesday 31^st a thunderstorm deposited enough hail to stop play and turn the Green white. An early tea gave time for the hail to melt, and the game resumed with a dramatic win for Stoke Park on the last end.

Despite the weather getting worse as summer approaches we have played all our fixtures and have had some success with friendlies both home and away. Notably we beat Burpham and Knaphill at home over the weekend 28^th/29^th May. We travelled to Oatlands Park for a new fixture and were made very welcome despite the rain.

League fixtures continue with varied success in Tuesday Triples, Knaphill Triples, WSBA Midweek league and the Surrey Ad. Again all fixtures have been played despite the weather.

Our Thursday Club Night league is proving popular with new and old bowlers, with 25 different members currently taking part. Skills sessions on a Monday afternoon are giving us opportunities to practise shots and track our progress. Everyone is welcome to join either of these – it doesn’t matter if you have not been before.

This year several members have entered Surrey and WSBA competitions for the first time and have had the opportunity to play singles, pairs, triples and rinks against other clubs and visit new grounds.

Lots of people have been involved in improving the green surrounds and environment led admirably by Barbara and Steve D. We now have a composting system to recycle our grass cuttings. The banks are full of colour and the two flower beds near the clubhouse are looking splendid. Len sourced two planters for us from the National Trust which were filled with manure and compost before being planted up. Ask Mike B or John W about collecting the manure!