Heatherton ladies singles champion, Mrs. Joyce Howe, travelled to Warner Breaks Bodelwyddan Castle Historic Hotel, North Wales, on Friday, April 29, to join 23 ladies, one from each of the indoor bowls stadiums throughout Wales, and their supporters.
These ladies had each won their respective stadiums Open Singles competition and were at Bodelwyddan to compete for the Champion of Champions. Bodelwyddan being the venue, owing to the generous gesture by Warner to sponsor the event, the first in the WLIBA history.
There were two ladies representing Pembrokeshire, Joyce Howe from Heatherton (seen front row, third from left) and Pam Smith from Pembrokeshire The Meads Stadium (back row, fifth from left).
Although neither was the eventual winner, they acquitted themselves well, with Joyce Howe losing narrowly in a two-hour 35-minute marathon, 7-5, 6-7, 6-7, to Hannah Evans from Newport.
Late on Sunday afternoon, the final was between Jealian Willis from Earls Wood and the defending Champion of Champions, Rita Jones. After an exciting game, Rita once again was declared Champion of Champions.
The general manager of Warners Bodelwyddan Hotel presented the cups and prizes to the finalists and announced that Warners, having seen the success of the championship, would sponsor the event again next year. Rene Silcox will be the Heatherton representative.
All participants and supporters agreed it had been a great weekend and, after a further night of celebration, returned home on the Monday. No one will forget the excellent bowling, the facilities and entertainment in the form of Jim Bowen of 'Bully' fame!
Well done Joyce! Heatherton members are proud of you and glad you enjoyed yourself. I am sure it is an experience you will never forget.
Foxy