On Sunday 6th July 2025, the Hoole President’s Day began early, with this year’s President, John Medcalf eager for the competition to get going. The format would be a knockout, with a consolation ‘plate’ round for those losing their first game.
While those not involved in the first games looked on, John wandered around the green, marking cards and chatting.
To move the competition on in a timely manner, all games were 15-up on the day, which finished off the early rounds and quarter-final stages by mid-afternoon.
To break up the day and provide everyone with a bit of fun, a short break gave way to a game of “Statues”. The game, which had been a hit with our junior bowlers a few days prior, proved good fun for the adults too. With a long rope laid in a circle in the centre of the green, all bowlers stood around the edge of the green and bowled one bowl into the circle. Those whose bowl didn’t make it or over-shot and exited out the other side were turned into Statues – they then had to stand on the rope while the remaining bowlers tried their luck again.
After only a few rounds we were down to just two remaining players – Adele Thompson and Gail Cafferkey. The first two attempts saw both bowlers get past all the statues and land in the centre, but on the third attempt, Gail was the only one with a bowl in the middle!
And so to the semi-finals. A slightly more serious air overcame the green as the games began, with the following players facing each other:
Main competition – Anne Baines vs Peter Carr, Chris Coxhead vs Gill Johnston.
Plate competition – Chris Dover vs Dave Thompson, Brian Moorcroft vs Paul Cafferkey
The quality of players gave rise to some close games but in the end, Chris Coxhead and Peter Carr booked themselves a place in the main final, and Chris Dover and Paul Cafferkey a place in the plate final.
But before the finals, it was time for tea over in the Village Hall!
Chairman Peter Carr welcomed our President, John Medcalf into the hall to a round of applause, and gave a short speech to thank everyone involved in day for their contributions, as well as thanking our volunteers who take care of the green so well, and those who have created such colourful flower displays around the green.
With food put on by Billie’s Catering, Hoole Village Hall, everyone enjoyed the buffet and selection of desserts, before it was time for John Medcalf to give a speech.
John echoed much of what Peter Carr had said, thanking every single person who helps out at the club in any small way and gave special mention to all the team captains, who rarely get a mention for all the hard work they do. John recalled how friendly he found everyone when he first came to the club 37 years ago, but didn’t in fact end up joining the club until 27 years later! With a couple of poems and a bit of humour thrown in, John concluded the tea-time break and announced it was time for the finals to begin.
Back at the green, the finals showed promise, with two great pairings ready to roll. Points were quickly racked up in both games though, and before long, both sets of players were shaking hands after fairly convincing victories!
In the main competition, Chris Coxhead was victorious over Peter Carr, and in the plate competition, Paul Cafferkey beat Chris Dover.
Presentations were made on the green to all semi-finalists, as well as those in the finals. Notably, Peter Carr had the task of presenting himself with his runner-up prize! All the prize winners are shown in pictures below.
A fantastic day was had by a lovely bunch of bowlers on a beautiful green. Thank you to every single person who made the day such a resounding success! See you all again very soon.
Leave a Reply