The launch of entry forms for the various 2003 open tournaments, run by the Tenby Bowling Club, is very imminent. It is predicted that this year's entries will, once again, be prolific, partly due to the very attractive prize money on offer. Generous sponsorship by local and national businesses is a very important part of our open tournaments, for which we are very grateful.
Up until the early 1980s, the winning of prize-monies was banned in bowling circles. Winners were presented with vouchers, and quite often they had to be spent in the local shops, very cunning!
Fortunately, the prize money is not the only criteria for entering these popular tournaments, established over many years. The quality of the opposition and the very high standard of play is very much the most addictive attraction.
Tenby's 79th Open Week for men, August 3-9, encompasses the prestigious Tenby Gold Cup, the Percy Howells Silver Bowl, both singles tournaments, plus the consolation pairs - Five Arches Bowl. Total prize money this year is £2,090, and is sponsored by our main sponsor, Carlsberg/Tetley.
Two weeks later sees the ladies in action, commencing on Monday to Wednesday, August 18-20. Three days of continuous bowling in the 11th Ladies Three Wood Open Pairs, round-robin format, playing for the Kath Cole Cup and the Winnie Lamb Salver. Total prize money is £500, generously sponsored by Tenby House Hotel and Tenby's Famous £1 Shop.
The ladies' week finishes on Thursday and Friday, August 21 and 22, with the eighth Open (two wood) Mixed Triples, playing for the Keith de la Berthouche Cup and total prize money of £510, equally generously sponsored by Grandiflora (St. Florence) and HSBC Tenby.
Last and by no means least, the extremely popular Texaco Trophy. The Open Men's Three Wood Pairs round-robin on Saturday and Sunday, September 13 and 14, total prize money £400, generously sponsored by Texaco Ltd., Pembroke.
Entry forms for these open tournaments can be obtained from tournament secretary, Bert Barnikel, by ringing (01834) 842944.
WHIST
Results for Thursday, January 2, were as follows: Top score - Gladys Irvine; 1st lady - Joan Tester; 2nd lady - Mabel Whittaker; 1st gent - Bill Whittaker; 2nd gent - Roly Hughes; first half winner - Pauline Barnikel; second half winner - Robert Irvine; longest sitter - Enid Jones; raffle - Mair Marquiss and Bill Whittaker.
Saturday, January 4: Top score - Kath Sutcliffe; 1st lady - Mair Marquiss; 2nd lady - Joan Rees; 1st gent - Eric Sutcliffe; 2nd gent - Bill Whittaker; winner first half - Lelgarde McCartney; second half - Pauline Barnikel; longest sitter - Muriel Griffiths; raffle - Enid Jones, Roly Hughes, Eric Sutcliffe.
NB. Tenby Bowling Club whist is played at 7.30 pm sharp every Thursday evening and at 2 pm sharp every Saturday in the club's function room, Sutton Street. New members are always very welcome.