It doesn’t seem long since the season ended and much has happened over recent months, so this is to update you on all matters on and off the green. 

The 2023 season was undoubtedly the most successful over recent years so we can be justifiably proud of our achievements this year. Let’s  hope that this success will continue in 2024.

Captain’s Report (Paul Anderson) 

As we completed the 2023 season we can happily say a hearty well done  to the men’s representative bowlers, which can be summarised as  follows: 

• A Team champions in the East Beds League Division 3. Won 12,  lost 2. Shot differential +202 

• Champions in County Rink Division 2. 7 wins, no losses. Shot  differential +114 

• Semi Finalists in the Pell Shield 

• B Team middle of the table finish in the East Beds League Division  5 with 5 wins, 6 Losses. Shot differential +36 

There were notable wins in the National Top Club completion away to  Stotfold and also away to Sharnbrook in the Pell Shield. 

2 Rink County League 

Twelve players were used across the season with player ratings used throughout. From this Gary Gunn was recognised as the most valuable  player, scoring 100% having played all games without a defeat. We did have six other players never being on the losing side but did not manage  to play in every game. 

Overall this league did not test our team very much but we will be in for a much harder season next year when we face the strongest opposition in the county. 

East Beds Division 3 – A Team 

Seven players used across the season with again player ratings used throughout. Dave Patient was recognised as the most valuable player with a record of 18 points from eleven games giving him an average of 1.64 points per game. 

Overall, this was a fantastic season having faced some stiff opposition, particularly from Flitwick and Shefford. Up to game number 13 we were sitting with a 100% win record but then lost our two final games. Most of the team was disappointed not to maintain a 100% record but we should recognise the achievement and take pride in winning the league and being promoted to Division 2 where, once again the opposition will be  much stronger.

With only seven players in the squad we were lucky to fulfil all our fixtures apart from one, which was rearranged. However, the advantage of a  small squad was consistency in the team and good rotation. The team  definitely benefitted from the introduction of Stuart Pater and Stuart Harvey this season. 

East Beds Division 5 – B Team 

Eleven players were used across the season and from the player ratings Malcolm Hazelwood was recognised as the most valuable player with a  record of 14 points from nine games giving him an average of 1.56 points  per page. The only player to play every game was John Clench. 

County Knockout Competitions 

There were notable performances from individual entries in the County Knockout competitions, most notably the Fours team led by Gary Gunn  progressing to the quarter finals. Also Brian Rawson who progressed to the quarter finals of the Tompkins Cup. 

Internal Club Competitions 

All the competitions were completed with some excellent finals at the end  of the season.  

Congratulations to the eventual winners: 

Ladies Singles – Teresa Hazelwood 

Men Singles – Leigh James 

Ladies Pairs – Bev Stevenson Stella Wilson 

Men’s Pairs – Stuart Pater Andy Philpott 

Open Handicap Singles – John Turner 

Mixed Pairs – Stuart Pater Chris Johnston 

Mixed Triples – Sandy Cornell Gary Gunn Jason Clarke 

Stan Lambert Trophy (Pairs) – Ian Maden Jeff Granite 

So another season has come to an end but what a season it was, the best in my eleven years at the club by far. However, with success comes tougher times next year but bring it on as I am sure we will be ready for season 2024. 

Best wishes during the close season and look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Ladies Captain Report (Teresa Hazelwood) 

East Beds League 

This season has been difficult for us in the in this league as the  competition was split into three divisions consisting of five teams. This meant we were up against the very best teams and subsequently ended  up bottom of our division. However, we didn’t let it affect morale and we fought hard in every game. 

As this year I am Lady President of the East Beds League; it was our honour to host a Ladies v Men’s game on 21 July. This takes a lot of organising and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone  for their support. The bar took around £340 and after expenses, such as  food, we still made a profit on the game’s fees, so it was worth everyone’s hard work. I received very positive feedback from many of  the players who attended this event.  

County Competitions 

Several of the ladies entered county competitions this year and against  very stiff opposition one doubles team did get to the third round. We will  all continue to make progress in the county competitions next season.  

Club Games 

All of our ladies are continuing to improve and I would like to thank Stella  for all of her in house coaching, this has been invaluable to the club.  

The ladies roll up sessions on a Monday afternoon has been very well  supported. We often have around twelve players turning up for practice, which shows great commitment to the ladies’ game. We also continue to play ladies friendly games against various clubs, I try to use these games to ensure the ladies, who are not in the EBL squad, get to play against tough opposition but in a more relaxed environment. 

Closed Season Activity 

Having talked to many of the ladies it is important that we continue the coaching work. Also, we intend to have indoor coaching sessions on rules, measuring, tactics etc. Stella has very kindly said she is willing to do this and we will plan sessions together to get the most from her excellent coaching skills. 

I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of all the Ladies, to congratulate the A team on their promotion and all the gentlemen who entered the various County and National competitions. Well done, you all had an amazing season and I hope this will be an inspiration, to our ladies, for next year. 

Finally, I would like to congratulate Stella on becoming the match secretary for the Ladies East Beds League. She is already doing a great  job and not standing for any nonsense. Keep up the good work Stella. 

Friendly Matches 

Friendly matches were very well supported this season. More often than not we were oversubscribed with members wishing to play. The results are summarised as follows: 

Matches played 30 

Matches won 13 

Matches lost 15 

Matches drawn 2 

Matches cancelled 4 

We had good representation from new bowlers and juniors this season which augers well for 2024. 

Junior Section 

The formation of a junior section this year has undoubtedly been a great success for Fairfield Bowls Club. Coaching sessions on a Friday evening  have been very well attended. It is a credit to the coaching team,  admirably led by Stella Wilson, to see the significant improvement the  juniors have made. So much so that many of them have participated in  friendly matches with great success.  

The junior members have integrated well into our club. It is a pleasure to have a great bunch of young people so enthusiastic about playing lawn  bowls. 

We hope to build on this success next season with even more involvement and competitions for the juniors to enjoy.  

Closing the Green 

Our call for volunteers to ‘Put the Green to Bed’ over three days in September was well supported. The green was scarified, hollow tined, over seeded and treated with various soil conditioners and fertilisers.  Thanks to all those who took part and helped on the green, rubbing  down, painting sheds, fences, planters and catering.

In addition to the thanks given to all those that helped we must thank the  Green Team who played such a large part in maintaining the Green throughout the season. Their work continues over the winter months  usually once or twice a week, weather permitting. Their contribution to the success of Fairfield Bowls Club is very much appreciated. 

Social Matters 

Although the bowling season has finished there will be plenty of opportunities to support the Club by attending the following social events: 

Friday, 3rd November 7pm 

Club Presentation night for all members including juniors. 

Awards will be presented to all winners. 

Friday, 10th November 7pm 

Club night will resume. Come along and play darts, cards, board games  etc. or just enjoy a chat and a drink. 

Friday, 1st December 7pm 

Club night 

Saturday, 9th December 

Quiz night. Details to be confirmed. 

New Year Future Events 

February 2024 – Race night. Date to be confirmed 

The bar will be open at all these events. It would be great if you could  give the Club your support. 

Bob Efford 

Since our last publication we were saddened to hear of the death of former member Bob Efford. Bob was a great supporter of our club and was always willing to lend a hand. Our thoughts are with his family and  friends.