12-Oct-2026 – After the committee agreed at the meeting on 6th October to take on a short introductory course of Short Mat bowls for the school children, I have made arrangements for a maximum of 12 children to attend the club from 3.30 – 4.30 on the following dates:- 2 Nov, 9 Nov, 16 Nov, 23 Nov and 30 November.

I have 6 volunteers to help and rules will be sent to the school. Carol will do the certificates for presentation on their last session and they will also receive a medal. Hopefully these will be presented by the President.

MALCOLM

10-Oct-2026 HAWKINGE TOURNAMENT

From Malcolm Bubb, here’s a quick resume.

Three teams from Minster entered the tournament and all got through the league stage and into the knockout stage.

From here, Steve Keeler, Tim Keeler and Wendy George made it into the quarter finals, when they were sadly beaten. There was some hard competition, but a good day was had by all. Amanda thanked Malcolm Bubb for organising it and all are keen to play another time

Winners were Hawkinge, runners up were Ham Street.

28-Sep-2026
Yesterday’s PRESIDENT v CAPTAINS CHALLENGE was deemed a success by all who I asked. I was overwhelmed by the support by players and spectators alike, perhaps it was the lure of free refreshments and Nanette’s cakes and Bread Pud, for which I thank her.
President Glynn and Captain Len both thanked everyone for being there and supporting this inaugural event to mark the Closing of the green.
In my lifetime at the Club, well ten years anyway, the Challenge has never been on the fixture list, but I stand to be corrected on that. I suggested it as an annual fixture to the Committee who welcomed it with a little scepticism. When I explained that other sports have a similar contest Golf, Rugby and Cricket to name three, they told me to “try it and see how it goes”. Well, I’m pleased to say it seemed a success to me. Thanks from me to all who was on and around the Green for that.
The game was played with usual competitiveness, with a sporting and friendly atmosphere as you would expect. The banter on rink four became a bit rowdy at times but all taken in very good humour (I hope).
Thanks to Doreen & Terry behind the bar, Margaret, Carol and Jan in the kitchen for the teas, and those who helped them wash up. A special thanks to Margaret who agreed with me when I suggested we donated the cakes.
Oh, I nearly forgot the result! I don’t think the scores really matter, suffice to say that President Glynn’s team won by 17 shots. The Challenge Cup (donated by Captain Len) was presented by him to the President with a rousing round of applause from everyone.
How would a Ladies’ v Gentlemen’s Challenge sound for Opening the Green next season? Let me know.
Derek Lade

12-Sep-2026

Last evening’s Short Mat Pre-Season Meeting was opened by President Glynne Hibbert. He reviewed last season and reiterated that it had been a very good one for the Club, with three people gaining their County Badges, namely Carl Ashby and Derek Mardell to whom he presented trophies.

He said that it was no mean feat for the Abbots to finish fifth in Division one, against some of the best SM bowlers, and hoped that they would maybe improve this season.

He also congratulated the Hinds team, Tony Oliver, Julie Corby, Barry Harris, Diane Harris, Malcolm Bubb, Carl Ashby, Barbara White, Amanda Pilbeam and Mike Hodgson on coming top of the EKSMBL Division two, which moved them up a division for this coming season. He took pleasure in presenting them with their individual League trophies.

He mentioned the fact that a Monks team would be entering the League again now that we have “strength in depth” amongst our short mat bowlers.

He wished all teams every success in the EKSMBL for the coming season.

As Interim Chairman I echoed Glynne’s congratulations and encouraged members to enter the internal competitions and wished all who did every success.

Malcolm Bubb and Trevor Seager have decided that Abbotts and Hinds, both now in Division 1, should keep the teams the same as last year as they had worked hard to get that far.

The Monks, will enter the League in in Division four as a new team and will consist of a squad of 13 and all rotated throughout the season. This team will be run by Amanda. Malcolm is currently arranging friendly matches in which he hopes to play non league bowlers and made up with Division 4 players if necessary. This will give them all an insight into playing on different mats and meeting different bowlers.

There was comments about competitions having a few discrepancies which would be resolved for this season.

Finals Weekend was a complete success in terms of the weather and the standard of Bowls from all participants on the Green. It was an all Men’s affair, sadly of too few Ladies entering their competitions at the beginning of the season.

A number of people commented on how well organised the Schedule was, thanks goes to Comp Secretary Amanda Pilbeam for that.

We must be thankful to those who helped set up and officiate as Markers and Umpire, and to Alan & Jackie Johnson for the barbecue on Sunday afternoon.

 

Results can be found on the Outdoor Competitions page Microsoft PowerPoint – 20260905 – COMPETITION RESULTS.pptx

 

On Sunday 22nd August the Annual Ray Razzell Trophy was played out between nine teams each playing three games of seven ends. Points were awarded for a win (3), Draw (1), Loss(0).

 

After a damp start, the green dried out and the weather was cooler than of late. Some fifty spectators remained to see the Final played out between Team 5 – Rob Owen, Shirley, Farrant and Mick Dyer against Team 6 – Tim George, Terry George  and Glynne Hibbert.

 

After a show of some superb bowls the winners were Team 6 (Tim George). Second place Team 5 (Rob Owen) putting up a fight until the end.

 

Thanks to everyone, players and spectators alike, who contributed to a good days Bowls.

 

They did it, in the last game of Division 1

Away to Walpole Bay, three points in front.

We needed a win or draw to become

CHAMPIONS and they did it.

After fourteen ends it looked like being a draw,

but going into the final end on Rink 1 it was 14-14.

Terry Leagas’ final bowl at 4 down was a cracking shot,

astounding us all, made it three up it and a win 14-17.

The Team would like to thank the fifteen supporters from Minster

who turned up to support and enjoy a really good match.

Men’s Captain Len, Interim Ladies’ Captain Amanda,

President Glynn and I was there to congratulate our team

on their 6 point win and the Division 1 Championship.