Members in the South West recently enjoyed 2 matches held at The Royal Wootton Bassett BC in Wiltshire and Ottery St Mary BC in Devon.
On 14th May a mixed disability team headed to Wiltshire where 4 teams of triples played against members of the Royal Wootton Bassett BC. The weather unfortunately was not as warm as the welcome and although the players enjoyed a good battle on the green, everyone decided at 14 ends to retire to the clubhouse, dry out, warm up with a hot cup of tea and enjoy the very generous buffet.
The match itself was closely fought with the Disability team winning by 54 shots to 50.
The day was once again a tremendous success and the club immediately offered another match next season.
On 21st May members travelled into Devon to the very picturesque setting at Ottery St Mary BC.
With a few guests helping out, DBE managed to put out a team of 18 players who all enjoyed a glorious afternoon in the sunshine with a wonderful group of hosts.
The home team proved stronger on the day although Kevin Vernons triple managed an 18-17 win, whilst an ecstatic rink skipped by Winston Healey picked up a count of 6 on their last end to win by 23 shots to 22. Players and guests enjoyed a lovely “Devon Cream Tea” before making their way home.
The club, who have worked hard to ensure good facilities for players with a disability, enjoyed hosting the match and asked if the fixture could be repeated again next year.
These matches are a great way to raise awareness of how easy it is for clubs to accommodate players with a disability. They also bring together members of disability bowls England to play the sport and enjoy social yet competitive matches.
Thanks go to the players, their helpers and drivers who travel to these games, some from quite a distance, but through your efforts, Disability Bowls England is becoming well known and well respected.
Go to the gallery for photo’s taken in Devon:- Gallery
Mo Monkton
DBE Player Development
22.05.17