Bowlers who want to celebrate the 2023 season in style by attending the League’s annual presentation dinner need to act fast!

They need to book places with their club secretaries this week – ahead of the League’s November executive meeting on Tuesday the 7.

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

A full list of everyone who is to receive prize money on the night can be seen under the ‘2023 Prize Winners’ post in Competition News

But all bowlers and 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.

 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.

If it’s change you want to see in the League next season then there is a key deadline approaching.

Member clubs have until October 31st to get any rule change proposals to the general secretary – in writing and in the exact wording they want them voting on.

That will be done at the League’s 2024 AGM – which is now booked for Tuesday 23 January at the Sir John Bayley Club at 7pm – BUT only if the proposal receives a ‘seconder’ at the December meeting.

Two proposals have already been received from clubs and the League’s officers are currently conducting their own thorough review of all the rules.

One consequence is that completely revamped Competition Rules will go before the annual meeting, at the instigation of comps secretary Rob Burroughs after his first year in the role.

Memories – good and bad – have been sparked for many players by the end of competitive bowling on one of the oldest greens in Mid Shropshire

Allscott Heath brought the curtain down on their 92-year-old green with a new open competition that was fittingly won by a legendary figure of the sport in the county.

Peter Farmer, the four-time County Merit winner and 1990 Mid Shropshire Merit champion made the short journey home to Bratton £500 richer while Allscott members were left with their memories – and the exciting prospect of moving ‘over the road’ to a new two-green facility.

And the old green and clubhouse are pictured, along with a glimpse of the new facility literally just over the road.

Bowls club chairman Chris Hayward ran the open and a club spokesman for the former British Sugar club said: “The club started with just one team in 1931 and we now have eight teams competing in various leagues throughout Shropshire.

“When British Sugar decided to close the factory and sell off the site where the club was located there were grave concerns.

“However, with the new housing development on the old factory site and the securing of a 99-year lease and grant from Sport England for the bowling greens, the club’s future is now secured.

“Part of the new facility, with clubhouse on the opposite side of the road, is the laying of two new bowling greens – one of which is artificial, the first in Shropshire we believe, which is causing great interest amongst the bowling fraternity.”

There’s rules and there’s rules . . .

The ladies of the League ruled at Trench to win back the Dave Ellis Shield on Saturday night – and 48 hours later the officers held their first rules revision meeting of the autumn.

The winners of annual challenge match against the gents are pictured celebrating after a five shot victory in the 14-a-side match.

Six winners from the 14 games were enough to give the ladies a second success in the end-of season challenge that has now been played five times.

Lucy Evans (21-4), Georgia Rawlins (21-8), Pauline Roden (21-10) and Linda Potter (21-11) were the key winners for the ladies as the curtain came down on a fine season for Trench, who marked their centenary year by winning the Best Green in Shropshire title.

For the full Dave Ellis results please see Competition News

The next day it was Allscott Heath in the spotlight as bowling officially ended on their 92-year-old green with the finals of an open competition, the £500 first prize being won by 1990 Senior Merit winner Peter Farmer (St Georges).

Bowls club chairman Chris Hayward was at the reins and members now look forward to moving across the road next month and playing at a two green facility next season.

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.