Presidents All

To mark her year in office, president of the Welsh Women's Bowling Association, Tenby's Julia King Thomas, recently presented a framed photograph to club president, Bert Barnikel, for display on the honours board (see right). The photograph was kindly framed by Ron Hurlow As reported last week, the presentation was made on the same day as Julia and her husband Dai's 40th wedding anniversary. Sincere congrats from us all. Back in the '90s another who achieved the men's Welsh presidency was Tom Osborne. The first club president who springs to mind, meanwhile, was Dr. Evan Williams, who used to live right opposite the club. A practising doctor, he always had a smile, ready wit and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He was followed by Bob Diment, a great bowler in his time, who was delighted when his grandson Paul took up the game. What he would have thought about Paul's magnificent success last year in winning both the gold and silver trophies would have certainly given him great pleasure. It was the ebullient Lewis Hilling who proposed the rule that the office of president should only be held for three years, thus enabling more members to hold the high office. Lewis was chairman when the new building was constructed, and brought the same enthusiasm to that office as he did to the president's office. Nothing was too much trouble for Lewis, always helping out where necessary. Still today he plays the occasional game and is chairman of the trustees of the club. His successor was Ben Owens, who made sure the playing surface was kept up to the immaculate state it is today, regularly consulting with greenkeeper Chris Jenkins and reporting back to the committee with remedies and suggestions. Finally, we come to our present incumbent, who has held nearly every office in the club. Bert is a wealth of information on the history of the club, always reminding people of little facts, anniversaries and helping still with the work around the premises. I always reckon that after Bert was made they broke the mould! He is great. whist drive

Results, Thursday, February 21: top score - Jean Salisbury (180); 1st lady - Gladys Cleaton (169); 2nd lady - Pauline Barnikel (166); 1st gent - Gladys Irvine (172); 2nd gent - Vera Burrows (171); first half winner - Joyce Waters (95); second half winner - Bert Barnikel (89); longest sitter - Elsie Breadnam (seven times); lowest score - Mary Draper; raffles - Bill Whitaker and Pauline Barnikel. Saturday, February 23: top score - Muriel Griffiths (173); 1st lady - Mary Renowden (173); 2nd lady - Mair Marquiss (165); 1st gent - Joyce Waters (173); 2nd gent - Pauline Barnikel (168); first half winner - Mabel Whitaker (84); second half winner - Vera Burrows (84); longest sitter - Jean Salisbury (eight times); lowest score - Gladys Irvine; raffles - Pauline Barnikel and Elsie Breadnam. Whist is played twice weekly at the Tenby Bowling Club, Thursday at 7 pm and 2 pm on Saturday. Visitors and new members are always welcome.

Maintenance

Slow start, but the ditches have now been cleared of all the winter debris and will be replenished with all the corks that everyone has been saving. If you have any at home, pop them along to the club please. Power-washing the front entrance will start next Monday under the expertise of president Bert, setting an example to a lot of the younger members. Ray Hine, as always, is a willing helper and has already started to clear the green surrounds. Meet Monday at 10 am for anymore volunteers. Bonus Ball

Would you believe it, but dear Kitty Bliss struck twice last week, Wednesday and Saturday. She is as deadly finisher as Shane Williams! Three so far

Can we make it four out of four Saturday week against the Irish. Great time last weekend, thanks to 'Simo' and his array of culinary skills - we even had table service. Although a lot of the regulars were missing, either watching the game live or on holiday, there was still a good crowd and atmosphere. Mick Dobbs, of pool fame, won the 'guess the score', while the juniors made vast inroads into the buffet. As we left, Archie was just starting to sing 'Flower of Scotland', but unfortunately it wilted in the trip across the Irish Sea, Stena Line of course! To make up for it, he did bring in some black pudding and supplied the bara (bread)! It was generally agreed next day that we would all unite behind him and cheer Scotland on against England if it will do any good!

Quiz

Tenovus are holding a quiz at the club on Thursday, March 6, starting around 7.30ish! Grateful thanks to Lee and Haley Richards, who prepare the questions. Rumour has it that Lee is now preparing to join the Eggheads on TV!