It may only be July but the first championship race in the League has been settled.
So belated but sincere congratulations go to Donnington Wood, who are the inaugural winners of new Afternoon Division launched this year.
They enjoyed 10 wins from their 12 six-a-side fixtures as 7 teams contested the first season to pip Albrighton to the title.
The new division was the brainchild of Albrighton stalwart and League vice-chairman and webmaster Steve Wall, who is delighted at how the first campaign has gone – and hopes more teams will join in 2024.
Meanwhile, now that the local schools have broken up for the summer holidays, the coaches at one member club are enjoying a well earned rest after another superb effort.
County Development Officer Pauline Wilson takes up the story, saying: “How’s this for feedback for the coaching team at Charlton Bowling Club from Hadley Learning Centre (when asked about plans for next summer):
“Yes please. All the kids absolutely loved it – and the teachers!
“They all want to do it again . . . and we would love to have you back next year.
“You guys were amazing! Thank you so much on behalf of us all xx”
Pauline added: “The team is Ann Withington, Annette Lucas and Sharon Phillips & Paul Taylor and they completed 8 sessions with different Secondary Groups as part of their PE curriculum and 8 sessions with a Primary after school club.
“There was an average of 18 pupils in each Secondary group = 144 children & 12 children for the 8 weeks in Primary after school club
“It takes a lot of commitment from a club to run regular sessions like this annually – fantastic work. Well done to you all.”
And League officers are proud with the lead role they played in setting up the scheme and then encouraging Charlton to take it on to try and safeguard their club’s future.
Looks like it’s paying big dividends.