Newsletter
NOVEMBER
Green Sweeping
A new page has been added to the website which brings updates and news about the important business of sweeping our green plus a copy of the current green sweeping rota.
On Wednesday 18th September, we had a friendly home game against Horsham. The weather was exceptional and the game was played in a very friendly enjoyable spirit.
The score was very tight but East Preston managed a win by just 3 shots.
On Thursday we had another friendly game at home against Goring Manor. Once again the weather was superb, in fact quite hot at times, as was the bowls. This game was also very tight with East Preston winning by 2 shots
It’s sad to think that these were our last two outdoor games, in what has been a good season, that passed so very quickly.
West Wittering Ladies Open
On Thursday 12th September a team of four ladies, Jan Cooper, Trish Baldwin, Maureen Davies, Hazel Comber, went to Witterings Bowls Club to play in their Ladies Open. There were twelve teams taking part and 3 sessions of eight ends were played, changing rinks at the end of each session. In spite of the exceptional weather, at one point playing through a hail storm, it was a very enjoyable afternoon as most of the opposing teams came from clubs that we don't usually play against, it was good to meet new clubs. The game was followed by a most delicious cream tea all served by some of the men club members dressed in suits complete with bow ties.
East Preston came second just a couple of points behind the winners, Crablands. This was a most enjoyable competitive afternoon and Witterings were thanked for their hard work and hospitality.
Competitions Finals Weekend
East Preston and Kingston Bowling Club staged a three-day Finals Weekend from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th September 2024.
Despite inclement weather, the bowlers were in good spirits, expectations were high, and the bowling performed to a high standard.
The presentations were held on Sunday afternoon, followed by an excellent buffet provided by our own team of volunteers.
The detailed results can be seen under "Club Competitions" on our website and photos of all the winners and runner ups can be viewed in the gallery. Just hover or click any photo for details. Any photo can be downloaded for home printing if needed.
Friday Afternoon Mixed Triples
After 12 enjoyable weeks of Mixed Triples, the season concluded on 30th August with another splendid afternoon tea, with a large selection of sandwiches, cakes, and other goodies provided by our catering team led by Jan, Ellen, and the excellent team of volunteers.
The weather was kind, the green in good condition, and bowling was of a high standard.
The winners of this our second year of the popular competition was won by The Beachcombers, led by Simon Smith, and Jan Cooper, Vince Harvey, Mick Bushby, Jo Solomon, Debra Baker and Bill McMurray. Each team member was presented with a cash prize of £20.
Runners-up by only Two points were the Unbelievabowls.
The superb organisation and management of the event was once again in the very capable hands of Fred Muddle, who received a loud ovation from the participants.
A photo of the winning team can be seen on the website Gallery.
Embassy Cup
On Wednesday 28th we played the Embassy Cup and what a wonderful sight it was to have 7 rinks of members playing in our green. The game was arranged for a rink shuffle which meant all the teams played 6 ends then all reams changed rinks, so 3 rink changes in the 18 ends. The game was played in a good spirit with lots of laughter and fun, the afternoon really enjoyed by all who took part.
The winning team presented with the Embassy Cup were Rita Bushby, Peter Lloyd, Ennis Allum. A photo of the winning team can be viewed in the Gallery.
Mens Tuesday Evening Triples League
The Mens' Tuesday Triples was won this year by the Footpads, comprising Bill McMurray, Jon Clear, Vic Ruocca, Simon Smith and John Halls and Stephen Tully (not in picture), losing only one game.
Ellen David, assisted by family members and her team, put on an excellent barbecue on the final night.
Fred Muddle did a great job of organising the ten-week tournament, keeping the league table up to date, and presenting the prizes. See Gallery for Photo of winning team without John and Stephen.
Ladies Monday Triples League
On Monday 19th August the ladies held their last Monday Triples game of the season. Although there was a clear winning team, 'Coopers Cuties' the last game was played in a good spirit and thoroughly enjoyed. Following the game a most delicious tea was organised and grateful thanks must go to the ladies who organised and prepared the tea. The Milly Allen Plate was presented to the winning team who were:- Ellen David, Helen Bender, Pat Charlton, Jan Cooper, Joy Granat and Maureen Muddle. See Gallery for Photo.
Mens WSBL Division 3
All games in this division for this season have now been played.
Maltravers were 1st, Marine Gardens 2nd, East Preston B 6th and Norfolk 7th.
Match against the Chelsea Pensioners 21Aug 2024
A team of 24 EPKBC Bowlers paid a return visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea as a result of an invitation given when the Chelsea Pensioners visited as part of our Centenary Celebrations last year. A friendly match was arranged as part of the day.
After a 3 hour journey by coach the team were greeted by Pensioner Ivan Sangster and given a guided tour, lasting almost 2 hours, around the Hospital and grounds including the Hospital Museum, the founders statue ( Charles II) a display of accommodations during the 300 years of the Hospital’s existence, the Chapel and the Great Hall, most of which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Ivan, who was very knowledgeable, gave a running commentary and answered any questions.
The team were then provided with a snack and tea and the match was then played on the 4 rink green within the hospital grounds. The match was played in a friendly but competitive spirit and each team won 2 rinks But EPKBC won overall by 4 shots. The green was described by some of the winning team as “Character Building”
After the match both teams adjourned to the Great Hall for a very pleasant meal of cold meat and salad and then to the residents bar for drinks and presentations. David Davies, as Chairman and CoD, thanked our hosts for a very interesting and active day and presented their Captain Mike Simmonds with a small memorial gift. Each of the Chelsea Pensioners team were presented with a button badge as a memento.
The EPKBC ream returned to the club at about 8pm and all members expressed their satisfaction at having had a very interesting and enjoyable day.
For Sale items
Don't forget to check out the “For Sale” items in the members area. New item added today. It’s a good time in the season to add an item too, just contact either Craig or John Collis.
Mens WSBL League 3
Congratulations to The East Preston B team who had their FIRST full points win in the West Sussex Bowls League today 7th August, playing away against Norfolk B. Lets hope they keep up their winning ways in their final two matches against Marine Gardens and Maltravers next week.
Short Mat Fixtures 2024/2025 now available to view on our Website Fixtures page.
Ladies County Senior Fours
After a very hard final played at Preston Bowls Club yesterday the County Senior Fours Team of Pam Tottman, Maureen Davies, Shelley Rindsland, Hazel Comber sadly lost against a very strong team from Polegrove. Our team managed to stay level shots with Polegrove for the first half of the game but then then fell away in the second half.
The team would like to thank members for all their support and good wishes also a big thank you to those members who made the journey to support us on both occasions when we played at Preston, all this support was very much appreciated.
A Special Message on the advice of our Green Ranger Tony Badain
Due to recent damage sustained to our green we regret to advise all our playing members that from now until further notice, ALL play must be East / West, morning, afternoon and evening only. No play to take place North / South, this is to enable the green to recover.
With this simple action we hope to restore normal direction of play as soon as possible.
Club House Security
Please can we kindly ask members who are the last to leave the Club, to take a moment and check before leaving that the Club House, changing and visitors rooms as well as the toilets and equipment shed are all properly locked and the alarm is set.
Ladies Senior County Fours
After a long, hard-fought game played against East Hoathly at Preston Park BC on Sunday 14th the Senior County Team of Pam Tottman, Maureen Davies, Shelley Rindsland and Hazel Comber won through and will play in the final against Polegate at Preston Park on either Sat 27th or Sun 28th July.
Mens Top Club
Last night (July 17th), our Men's A Team faced Hove & Kingsway in the Top Club Area Final at Worthing Pavilion. It was a fine evening and the sun was shining on a near perfect green. After sealing success in previous games and with East Preston showcasing determined and competitive play our hopes were high but it was sadly our opponents who emerged victorious in the end. East Preston have displayed a fine team spirit throughout theTop Club competition, putting in a strong team performance in this and all their matches to reach the final.
Upcoming Match Changes
The match against Sussex Masonic on August 1st is now 4 rinks NOT triples
The match against Selsey on August 4th is now 4 triples NOT rinks.
Bingo Evening
Check your dobbers and eyes down for another evening of winning numbers with Jan and Alan on Friday 2nd August. Don't forget 6.30 for 7 pm start. Good luck! This is a new date as it was originally to take place on the 9th August. Check out all our upcoming social events on our Events page on our Club website www.epkbc.org.uk
Ladies Senior County Fours
The County Seniors Team, Pam Tottman, Maureen Davies, Shelley Rindsland and Hazel Comber will be playing in the in the County Semi Finals - 10.00am on Sunday 14th July at Preston Park Bowls Club, Brighton.
Mens Top Club Competition
Congratulations to our Top Club men’s team for a superb win knocking out Worthing Pavilion. They are now in the area final against Hove & Kingsway BC, which will be played at Worthing Pavilion at 6.00pm on Wednesday 17th July.
Mens PC CUP
Unfortunately, on 30th June, EPKBC's team were knocked out in the second round by Pulborough.
Please note that the Music Night planned for 5th July has been postponed. As soon as a new date is available, all will be advised and a new attendance sheet placed on the notice board.
MAY
Ladies Top Club
Congratulations to our Ladies Top Club players who beat the Middleton team last Saturday 18th May by 2 shots and are now through to the next round.
Sandy’s Day
The Sandy’s day tournament is held every year in memory of Sandy Dall who sadly died of Motor Neurone Disease.
On Monday 20th May and 37 ladies enjoyed a lovely day of bowls and delicious food. We held a raffle and played a spider. The tournament was won by Jane Eastwood, Pat Palmer and Sue Fordyce as Skip.
The day raised £500 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
WSBL Divsion 1
Our men’s A team have got off to a great start to the 2024 season by winning their first two games in division one and are currently in 2nd place with a game in hand.
Ladies County Triples
Our champion Ladies triples team from last year PamTottman, Shelly Rindsland and Hazel Comber, have re-grouped again for this year and played their first match away against Goring Manor and won 18 - 10. They play again on Tuesday at home to Maltravers. Good luck and well done for winning at Goring Manor.
Open Day
For anyone taking a look at our website thinking about taking up bowls for the first time or just simply wanting to have a go at bowling, we have the answer for you. On Sunday May 19th between 10.00am and 4.00pm, we have a free open day at our club for complete beginners or even those who have played once or twice and want more instruction and possibly looking to join a bowls club. All you need is a pair of flat soled shoes or trainers (no heels) and we will provide the bowls and other equipment. It is totally informal and very friendly and we will demonstrate how to bowl and try out the game yourself on our green with experienced bowlers and coaches on hand to help you though out the day.
Members Area
The Members area is now live on the website. All Members have been invited by email ( from Hugofox our website providers), to create their own login and password to enable access to the area. The Members Area is new and more items content will added soon. When you get this email, be assured, it is not junk or scam mail.
Updates to the Website
The Roll Up page is a sub page of “About us” and has been updated to include revisions to the Roll Up arrangements regarding the “Rink Book”.
In addition, an addendum to the competition rules has been added to the Competition Rules page. If you have entered any of the competitions, you should read the additional information provided in the “Addendum to Rules”.
Men’s League division 1 and division 3
Both leagues need more players to add their names to the list’s of the new season’s games otherwise we may end up not being able to provide full teams in the first few matches. If anyone is not sure about playing in the league teams, put your doubt’s behind you and just give it a try by adding your name to the list(s), you have nothing to lose, but a lot to gain in representing your Club.
Notification about change in match start times
The start time of the men’s Double Fours on May 5 and the Top Club match on May 11 have been changed fro 10.00am to 11.00am
Cancelled Mens Tuesday Triple matches and Mixed Friday Triple matches
Due to low numbers signing up for both of these competitions, the number of allocated match days is greater than is now required. As a result each competition has had 4 matches cancelled and are listed below. It's a great shame. Not too many years ago the Tuesday night triples had to have two leagues and played on 6 or 7 rinks because of the number of players involved . That amount of players meant a good social evening after matches.
Men's Tuesday Triples Cancelled:- 14 May, 21 May, 28 May and 04 June.
Mixed Friday Triples Cancelled:- 24 May, 31 May, 07 June and 14 June.
Durrington Short Mat League
The final league table is available to view on the match report page.