AS PART of the Centenary celebrations this year for Penarth Belle Vue Bowling Club, they held an invitational knock-out event on Sunday, July 19, at the club.

Eight teams took part - a little disappointing considering 32 clubs were invited to enter teams which could comprise male bowlers, female bowlers or mixed.

The teams taking part were: Barry Central; Barry Plastics; Barry Romilly; two teams from Cadoxton; Penarth (Rectory Road); Windsor and Belle Vue. A big thank you to all these clubs for their support.

After a drizzly start to the morning the day turned into a ‘scorcher’, with some excellent bowls being played throughout the day.

A number of keenly contested games of one hour or 11 ends – whichever being the shorter – produced a final between Penarth and Cadoxton, with the Penarth team of Ron Birkby, Philip Davies (captain), Alan Stockham and Bob Hill (skip) running out the winners of a close, hard fought game. Presentation to the winners and runners-up was made by Janet Ackland, their own local bowls ‘legend’, and former World Champion, among other honours.

Refreshments were served all day – thanks to the efforts of a number of Belle Vue members. A number of donations were given by players during the course of the day which will be going to local charity.

The event was organised by Belle Vue treasurer Malcolm Thomas, and sponsorship provided by Nick Penberthy of Brooklands Autos, who specialise in supply, renovation and restoration etc, of rare and interesting Mercedes Benz vehicles.

Despite the poor response from the many clubs invited, the day turned out to be quite a success, filled with good bowls, and, hopefully enjoyed by all, so much so that a number of players suggested it should be an annual event at Belle Vue.

Belle Vue wish to thank, once again, all who attended and helped make this event so enjoyable...maybe see you next year?

On Saturday, July 25, Belle Vue played against Abercynon with Belle Vue losing on three rinks.

Abercynon won the day with an overall score of 76-69.

The winning rink for Belle Vue was skipped by Dave Purser, lead was Richard Fitzjohn, second Dave Smith and third Barrie Bagwell with a score of 24-10.

Rink two lost 24-12 and was led by Richard Brant, second Gerald Thomas, third Dave Miller and skip Brian Morgan.

Rink three lost 13-20 and was led by Frank Keen, Ray Patterson, Trevor Ford and skip Paul Peterson.

Rink four skipped by Len Fowler lost 22-20 with Paul Booth as lead, second Colin Scammell and third Alan Thomas.

Everyone at Belle Vue wishes Len Fowler all the best for his upcoming surgery.