It’s going to be an emotional weekend for member club Allscott Heath with the last ever matches on its old green.

The village club is marking the end of its long history alongside what was once the Sugar Beet Factory with an open competition that has qualifying sessions on Saturday 14^th October and a finals day on the Sunday.

Then the old green will disappear under a massive housing development on the former factory site and the club will move ‘over the road’ to a brand new two-green base, one of them having an artificial surface.

 “The final of the competition on Sunday will be the last competitive game on the green, an event to do down in history and to be remembered as we look to host the competition annually going forward on our new facilities,” said bowls club chairman Chris Hayward.

Qualifiers at 10am and 2pm on Saturday will cater for 32 entries – home bowlers entered will be handicapped – and the last eight will battle it out for a £500 first prize from 12 noon on Sunday.

County President Mick Jones, his deputy Brenda Slingo and Mid Shropshire League officials led by President Mike Potter have been invited as guests to witness the historic occasion.

And it means Allscott Heath will play their League matches in 2024 on a new green!

Meanwhile, there’s still time for bowlers to sign up to play in the annual ladies versus gents challenge match for the Dave Ellis Shield at Trench on Saturday 14^th October (6pm start).

To take part in the match – and the more the merrier – simply contact general secretary Malcolm Fletcher by text to 07890-856525 ASAP.

Calling all Mid Shropshire bowlers – your League needs you!

We need a few more bowlers who want to play in the annual ladies versus gents challenge match for the Dave Ellis Shield at Trench on Saturday 14^th October (6pm start).

This is the fun match that’s played in a relaxed atmosphere that ends with a buffet and brings down the curtain on the MSBL playing programme.

It’s a last chance this year to play on the green that was voted the Best in Shropshire in 2023 at a club which marked its centenary with a special celebration in August.

Hosts Trench have a number of bowlers who have accepted invites to play and the organisers will do their utmost to match bowlers of similar ability on Saturday to ensure they have a good game.

To take part in the match – and the more the merrier – simply contact general secretary Malcolm Fletcher by sending a text to 07890-856525 ASAP.

The 20 bowlers who have already agreed to take part are:

LADIES  – Marg Fray, Carleen Doody-Millington, Shavorne Osborne, Pauline Roden, Linda Potter & Lucy Evans

Louise Cotton, Ann Rawlins, Denise Tonks, Georgia Rawlins

GENTS – Dan Wilson, Pete Gaut, Michael Cooper, Tony Garmson, John Rawlins

Pete Millington, Paul Osborne, Ken Bleasby, Ray Hyde, John McGill

Another 3 new Life Members of the League were confirmed at the October executive meeting – and they were . . .

CELIA MILES

 It’s only fitting to start tonight’s 2023 Life Members ceremony with ladies before gentlemen! Celia holds the proud distinction of being the longest serving officer of the League, having succeeded John Emonson as treasurer for the 2010 season. That came two years after she followed Roger Teague into the post of secretary of the Sir John Bayley’s bowls section.

Never one to blow her own trumpet, her succinct reports have become a trademark feature of League meetings – but rest assured she is never afraid to have her say.

Celia’s assistance with the annual presentation dinner has been invaluable and her attention to detail over more than a decade has helped ensure that the League remains in a healthy financial position. In fact her input is vital in the many officers meetings that are held to try and plot the best way forward to bowls in Mid Shropshire.

The sport was in her blood as she watched her father play for GKN Sankey, Kings Head and Trench. Herself a playing member of British Sugar, Ercall Magna, Sir John Bayley and Sinclair for 30 years, she always gives her all on the green. The League’s sincere thanks to you Celia Miles come tonight in the form of a deserved Life Membership.

GEOFF CLARKE

 In the 91 year history of the League, the playing records prove that Geoff is one of the greats of Mid Shropshire bowls. He won Senior Merit no less than four times – in 1984, 1999, 2001 and again in 2004 – having burst onto the county scene by winning the Shropshire Merit in 1982 at Prees when the great Dick Meyrick was one of his scalps.

Geoff teamed up with Andy Stevens to win the County Doubles in 1989, but his service to the game was not limited to just on the green as, in tandem with past League chairman Gordon Lovatt, he took great pride in being a junior selector and encouraging youngsters into the sport.

Geoff played regularly for the Dun Cow from 1962 to its final game in 2008, skippering the team that won the League championship in 2001 before losing to Ford in the Premier League play-offs. He had 6 trophy laden years bowling for Donnington Wood before going on to play for the White Horse and lastly Madeley Cricket Club, where he was still playing in the Friday divisions in 2015.

Capped 42 times by Shropshire, and a past League chairman and President (1009 to 2000), it gives the League the greatest pleasure to award Geoff Clarke Life Membership.

MIKE POTTER – seen wearing his chain of office

 What more is there to say about our League President Mike that has not been said before? There can’t be many bowlers in the whole of Shropshire who either don’t know Mike or haven’t heard of him – and here in Mid Shropshire land he’s our greatest treasure.

We all know that Mike is a man who lives and breathes bowls, have been widely recognised as Shropshire’s top referee before twice serving as County President. Not content with that, he’s now the county’s competition secretary, with his wife Linda never far from his side, and is a mainstay of the Shropshire Referees Society.

 But some may not know that Mike enjoyed a pretty impressive playing career on greens all over the county before illness stopped him playing. He took up the game in 1979 and has played for Corporation (winning their averages for four years in a row), Minsterley in division one of the Shrewsbury League, then GWR, Donnington Wood (where he served for 3 years as club secretary), Wrockwardine Wood, Edgmond in the Whitchurch League and Coddon. Now he’s a respected member of Trench who played a big role in their centenary celebration day in August.

His best claims to fame as a bowler are winning the Clare Cup for the best newcomer at the County Handicap in 1984 and then triumphing in the Mid Shropshire Merit in 2006 – a remarkable feat for a third division bowler. Put simply, if anyone deserves Life Members of the Mid Shropshire League, it’s Mike Potter . . .

With the last divisional fixtures of the season tonight (Monday 2^nd October) the League’s bowlers have just one last chance for action – in the annual ladies versus gents challenge match for the Dave Ellis Shield at Trench on Saturday 14^th October (6pm start).

League newcomers Castlefields marked their first campaign by winning the Dennis Lewis Thursday Division and congratulations also go to Wrockwardine Wood’s B team on topping the third division at the first time of asking on Friday night with a 12-1 home win.

Hopefully, some of their bowlers will be interested in playing in the Dave Ellis fun match, plans for which will be discussed at tomorrow’s October executive meeting.

And after the formal business has been completed, the latest 3 Life Members will receive their awards at a presentation ceremony, followed by a small buffet.

Agenda for the October 2023 Executive Committee Meeting

To be held on Tuesday 3^rd October at Sir John Bayley Club at 7.30pm

1  Chairman’s remarks to open the meeting

2  Apologies & In Memoria

3  Minutes of the September Management Committee Meeting

4  Matters arising

5  General Secretary’s report

6  Correspondence

7  Fixture Secretary’s report

8  Competition Secretary’s report

9  Treasurer’s report

10 Dave Ellis Shield – ladies v gents match at Trench on Saturday 14^th October at 6pm

11 Annual Presentation Dinner – on Saturday 20^th January at West Stand @ TUFC

12 Shropshire inter-league reflections

13 County matters –items for next executive meeting on Mon 9^th Oct at Bridgewater

14 Any Other Business

15 President / chairman to close the meeting

PLEASE NOTE: This meeting will be followed by a presentation ceremony to honour the League’s Life Members for 2023 – Celia Miles, Geoff Clarke & Mike Potter

FAILURE to send a representative to this meeting will result in a £5 fine

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Executive on Tuesday the 7^th November at SJBC at 7.30pm

With the season nearly over it is time to start planning for the League’s annual presentation dinner.

Clubs with honours to celebrate and bowlers who have won titles are expected to dominate the turnout on SATURDAY 20th JANUARY 2024 at The West Stand @ TUFC

But all bowlers, their families and friends are welcome to be part of what is firmly established as the biggest bowls prize-giving function in Shropshire, coming at a time of year when many people want something to look forward to.

As per league rules, all member clubs have been allocated and charged for 2 places for the dinner  – but lots of extra places are available at a cost of £26 adults and £15 juniors, the League sponsoring each adult place to the tune of £2.

They need to booked with CLUB SECRETARIES before the Nov ember meeting on Tuesday the 7^th.

The function starts at 5.30pm and the meal will be served at 6.30 and, to whet your appetite, here’s the 2024 MENU:

STARTERS –  HOMEMADE MINESTRONE SOUP (with croutons)

Or  ROSE OF MELON (served with mango coulis & berries)

MAINS – ROAST BEEF (with Yorkshire Pudding, roast potatoes & seasonal vegetables)

Or  MUSRHOOM & SPINACH WELLINGTON (with rich tomato sauce)

SWEETS – BREAD & BUTTER PUDDING & CUSTARD

Or  TOFFEE CHEESECAKE &CREAM

PLUS – COFFEE & MINTS

SPECIAL DRINKS PRICES

WINE £15 a bottle ORDERED IN ADVANCE – red, white or rose – payable on collection.

Please note a bottle of wine will cost £25 on the night!

Carling, Worthington & Thatchers all £4 a pint (pitchers £15)

VITAL CAR PARKING INFORMATION

People attending are to park on the football club car park, entering from Haybridge Road and then walking round to the West Stand entrance. They MUST enter their car’s registration on the ipad by the door. Failure to enter the correct registration will result in a parking fine and West Stand will not be able to help.

Congratulations go to Newport, Donnington Wood and Highley after 24 hours filled with high drama.

Newport pipped St Georges to the first division championship by the narrowest of possible margins after a thrilling last night on Friday.

They beat lowly visitors Allscott Heath 10-3 even though divisional averages winner and Senior Merit champion John Breeze suffered only his second defeat of the season.

The Dragons, runners-up last year to Horsehay, managed 6 winners at Sir John Bayley but missed out on the three aggregate points by a mere 8 chalks – and the final table shows that Newport’s better agg got them over the finishing line first after both sides tied on 178 points.

Donnington Wood had been in pole position in division 2 for a while and made sure of top spot by beating main title rivals Bylet 10-3 in front of an ecstatic Wendy House.

Then on Saturday 23^rd September it was Highley who were celebrating after winning the Harris Cup by battling back from behind to edge Premier League and local rivals Bylet at Sinclair.

It meant they won the coveted trophy for a second time – for details of how they added to their 2019 success see Competition News.

Looking further back, the League’s thanks go to skipper Michael Cooper and the bowlers who represented Mid Shropshire in the Shropshire senior inter-league championship at Chester Road.

They lost to eventual winners Whitchurch A by just 11 chalks but won their other round group game against Tanners Shropshire by 19.

Best wishes go to the League’s team in today’s – Saturday 16^th September – 2023 Shropshire senior inter-league championship in Whitchurch.

Michael Cooper will skipper a squad of 10 players for the 8-a-side event which has attracted just 6 teams to play in 2 round robin groups at Chester Road.

Despite his very best efforts, Tom Killen was thwarted in his bid to run a B team and so has joined what is now the sole entry.

The other bowlers the League is grateful to for making the effort to represent it are Peter Grimston, Harry Church, John Potter, John Roberts jnr, Chris Grocott, Peter Millington, Gary Owen and Simon Oldcorn.

Best of luck lads!

The issue of player behaviour and conduct was raised at a special meeting of the League’s management committee last night – Wednesday 13^th September – at Bowring BC.

It was in the spotlight after the receipt of a letter from Trench secretary David Evans following a couple of incidents at that club in a first division match this season.

And delegates at the meeting decided that the matter should be brought to the attention of all clubs and their members, starting with a post on the website.

Expressing “great dismay” that he had been asked by his club committee to write to the League, David said: “Unfortunately, in recent times, it has been disappointing to witness a steady decline of participant behaviour by small minority in our game.

“Thankfully, these are mostly isolated incidents, with the majority of players playing the game as it should be, in a competitive but sportsmanlike manner.”

He outlined incidents of kicking bowls off the green and swearing, for which the player involved had apologised to his opponent during the game and again afterwards.

“Thankfully, on this occasion, no personal injury or damage to property occurred,” said David.

“However, at a time when we are trying to promote our game to generate more participants of all ages, any unsavoury behaviour by those participating is not a good advert for our League and crown green bowls.

“Following these incidents we suggest that a reminder is sent out to all MSBL club secretaries and a post put on the website.”

Trench and the League’s officers want to stress to everyone:

1 – Bowlers are reminded of their responsibilities and expected standards of behaviour, both on and around the green.

2 – All players should ensure they abide by and follow the League’s Code on Conduct – which can be read under Admin on this site

A special meeting of the League’s management committee will be held on Wednesday 13th September at Bowring (7.30pm start).

The League’s officers feel they need this extra gathering as so much has cropped up since the July executive meeting – and have changed the normal night of it to avoid fixture clashes on Tuesdays.

A big issue to discuss is finalising plans for the annual presentation dinner, booked for Saturday 20^th January 2024 at the West Stand @ TUFC.

By holding this meeting and agreeing a menu etc, before the playing season ends, it is felt that clubs will be able to get round their members to organise numbers etc etc

There is also player conduct, prize money levels, inter-league championships, the Dave Ellis ladies v gents challenge match, more rule change proposals and the resignation of an officer to talk about on.

“We hope to see all clubs represented as we have much to talk over,” said secretary Malcolm Fletcher

SEPTEMBER MEETING AGENDA

1  Chairman’s remarks to open the meeting

2  Apologies & In Memoria

3  Minutes of the July Executive Committee Meeting

4  Matters arising

5  General Secretary’s report

6  Correspondence – resignation & player conduct issue

7  Fixture Secretary’s report

8  Competition Secretary’s report – additional rule change proposals & new comps?

9  Treasurer’s report  – including prize money break down for season

10 Shropshire inter-league update

 – juniors at SJBC, seniors in Whitchurch on Saturday 16^th September

11 Dave Ellis Shield – ladies v gents match at Trench on Saturday 14^th October at 6pm

12 Annual Presentation Dinner – on Saturday 20^th January at West Stand @ TUFC

          Decision on Menu options & cost of tickets  

12 County matters –next executive meeting on October 9

13 Any Other Business

13 President / chairman to close the meeting

Holders Mid Shropshire will not get the chance to defend the Shropshire junior inter-league bowls championship this year.

The 2023 edition of the six-a-side competition for under-18s was due to have been hosted by the League on Sunday 10^th September at the Sir John Bayley Club . . . but not any more.

But League general secretary Malcolm Fletcher said: “We had no alternative but to call it off.

“The Tanners Shropshire League withdrawing its two teams on Wednesday left us with no choice, especially as there were issues raising a team from North Shropshire and question marks over some members of the Mid Shropshire B side.

“The reality is that we would probably ended up with three teams – two from Mid Shropshire and one from Whitchurch – making a mockery of what should be a countywide event.”

It’s a bitter blow for County Deputy President Brenda Slingo who, as a League junior selector, had worked tirelessly to cajole young bowlers and organise two teams for this season’s event.

And disappointed county chairman Phil Scott said the postponement would be discussed at the next county executive meeting on October 9, looking into the format of the event and its date in the calendar to try and avoid clashes of interest.

On a positive note, Sinclair members are now free to support Jordan Millman in the Midlands Masters final – and Mid Shropshire keeps the trophy for another year!

OUR PICTURE shows last year’s A team captain Joe Killen receiving the junior inter-league trophy from President Mike Potter after the final victory at Old Shrewsbury.