The Corals Charity Tournament, in aid of the Komar Children's Orphanage in Sri Lanka, took place at Tenby Bowls Club on May 30. A full entry of 20 pairs took part, including players from Tenby and others from Ammanford, Kidwelly, Neyland and Pembroke Dock. The day was perfect for bowling, and it was an early start for the the first players who were on the green at 9 am. Initially, the tournament featured a round robin format, with four groups of five players playing each other, with the top two from each group going through to the quarter-finals, which were as follows: C. and J. Davis v V. Williams and P. Diment; L. and C. Guymer v T. and R. Hissey; M. Evans and P. Evans v J. Davis and D. Fowler; R. Holly and M. Marquiss v P. Haines and S. Brown. All games were keenly contested, with two games going to the wire, only being decided on the final end. The semi-finals saw V. Williams and P. Diment play L. and C. Guymer, while J. Davis and D. Fowler took on P. Haines and S. Brown. The Guymer boys took the experienced Paul and Vera pairing to a tie, with an extra end having to be played to decide the winner, with Paul and Vera eventually going through. Well played young Luke and Craig, your time will come. The other semi went to the young men from Ammanford, Paul and Sam, who achieved a nine shots to five win. The final lived up to all expectations, with some excellent bowling from all players, but once again it was Paul and Vera who won the last end to take the spoils. Now, with the family, they are off to Coombe Martin in Devon for a seven-day holiday in a magnificent ancient thatched cottage, with the compliments of Joan Powells Cottage Holidays, Saundersfoot. The runners-up, Peter and Sam, will enjoy their long weekend break in Tenby, thanks to Timothy Brace, partner of F. B. Mason Holidays, Tenby. After the tournament, an excellent evening was enjoyed by all, with a bountiful buffet provided by 'my girls', Carole, Sue and Betty, with Mavis Holly in attendance (I believe a few were trying to make bookings). I am pleased to say we had Mrs. Judy Smith, with daughter Melanie, and Carole, staff member of our prime sponsors, Corals bookmakers Tenby branch, in attendance. Unfortunately, Mr. Bill Simmonds, Corals area manager, was unable to attend. I cannot express our thanks to Corals more. We are extremely lucky to have their sponsorship of £400 for the tournament. This year, Bill allowed us to use the prize money towards the appeal, plus another £100. I was also pleased to welcome to our club, Mr. Christian Done, director of Powells Cottage Holidays, who kindly presented a wonderful holiday to the winners Paul and Vera. A big thank you also goes to Mrs. Joan Powell for the sponsorship. The runner-up prize, an extended long weekend in a holiday flat in Tenby, was presented by Miss Melanie Smith, as Mr. Timothy Brace, partner of F. B. Mason, was unable to attend. Thank you Tim for your kind sponsorship. Later in the evening, we had our own Lewis Hilling, who entertained us with his stroll down memory lane, of characters he has met and stories told, which he has embellished over the years. Like they say in Vaudeville, you had them eating out of your hand. Thanks Lew. Also, we had Mr. Tony Richards on the organ, and later on with Tony on guitar and Julie, they pleased the late stayers to lovely Welsh lullabies and folk songs. Thanks Tony and Julie (I believe they are booked for Gold Cup week (don't miss it). Thanks also to Brian for his long stint behind the bar - much appreciated. The total money raised for the appeal is £1,078 which will be sent to the Sri Lankan Embassy, and used in the construction of the orphanage at Komar. There are too many people and establishments to name, all the hotels and establishments that kindly allowed me to place collection boxes in their premises, but I will be writing to them all. I must however thank Mr. Paul Heywood, Butchers, Saundersfoot, for supplying most of the items for the buffet. A big thank you to my young pal Ron Hurlow. That's it folks, goodbye and thank you all.

SAM MAC