Every year, come the winter, I struggle to find something to write about each week. Why bother I hear some of you ask? I sometimes think that myself, when I bump into people and they make some comment about the 'rubbish' I write about. At times like that I can tell you, sitting down for a couple of hours to try and create something interesting to write about is furthest from your mind. I suppose really after 10 years or so of doing it, I should be hardened to it all. Then you bump into someone who perhaps has nothing whatsoever to do with the club or bowls, and they tell me how much they enjoy reading the column, and I think, yes, let's do it. So next time you read this and think what a load of rubbish, just think because it is not to your taste, somebody somewhere is enjoying it, it is not an easy task I assure you.

HOSPITAL PATIENTS

I mentioned last week about Mary Cavell getting back on her feet and getting some exercise, and honestly someone came up to me (I will not embarrass them by naming them) and asked me if it was true that she was running round the village in lycra. True, cross my heart, I thought they were taking the Mickey out of me, so when I explained it was a joke, they sort of looked all funny and nodded. I had better watch what I say in future, and anyway. I am sure she would look fine in a green lycra running suit. I wonder if John Evans will be joining her? He is another heading for the operating table this winter to try and sort out his leg problems, although somehow, John in lycra, I cannot envisage. To both of you, I hope the operations are great success stories.

BOWLERS' COMMENTS

Some more of those statements that we make on the green, but with what we are actually thinking, instead of saying. "You can do it skip," in other words, "never mind the fact that our nearest wood is two metres away and forming an impregnable barrier in front of the head for goodness sake do something," or a similar version of the same, "all skips think they are God's, about time you performed one of those miracle things, after all, can't you walk on water?" "Give me a back wood," but on those occasions could you do your best to keep it within the confines of the rink?

POSTAL VOTING

A number of enquiries have been made regarding postal votes for the annual general meeting. These can be obtained from the club secretary, Marion Evans, either by calling, arranging to collect them from the secretary, or by sending an SAE to the secretary requesting a voting form. The duly dated and signed forms have to be in the secretary's hands at least 24 hours prior to the annual general meeting, which is being held on November 16 in the pavilion. To qualify for a postal vote you must either, be ill and unable to attend, live at least 50 miles from the club, or be on holiday at the time of the annual general meeting. The full rules for postal voting are displayed in the club foyer, the postal voting forms will be available from the secretary as from the end of October. Only fully paid up club members or life members are allowed to vote at the annual general meeting.

WHIST EVENING

Once again, the Monday whist was well attended by the regular whisters, but there are still empty seats waiting for those who fancy having a go. Come on they are a friendly lot, and you will be made very welcome. If you are not a whist regular, don't worry, everyone will make sure that you get by okay. Last Monday, we had five-and-a-half tables running, and fighting it out and taking on all comers to land the top scorer award was R. Baggot, the nearest rival was Gladys Irvine, who took the award instead for first lady, her nearest challenger was Gladys Cleaton, taking second lady. The menfolk were not outdone with Robert Irvine coming home as first gent, while Graham Brace had to be content with the second gent prize. The first half top scorer who faded sadly in the second half was Gerry Meaney, while, Elsie Pendlebury wished her first half score had been as good as the second half. The booby prize is always keenly fought over, this week it was Jim Rose who took the honours, and the longest sitter award was forced onto Margaret Robb. The evening raffle prizes went to Jim Rose and Joyce Waters. There is no whist on Monday, October 24, instead the sessions recommence on Monday, October 31, usual time.

NARROW BIAS