The Brannan family stole the limelight at Fitz Park Bowling Club’s annual presentation lunch, writes Keith Richardson.
Father and son combination, Dave and Ryan, won several trophies with dad Dave receiving no fewer than five awards.
However, the title Dave really wants to win and which – so far – has eluded him, the coveted Green Championship, was won by son Ryan.
Father and son never cease in their banter in claiming which is the better and more accomplished bowler (dad certainly rules the roost at present) and this friendly family rivalry will doubtless continue into the 2022 season as both are already looking forward to the new campaign.
The presentation, held in the Riverside Bar, Keswick, was well attended and enjoyed by all.
Club President Cliff Harding compered the event and presented Dave Brannan with no fewer than five awards and one runners-up prize.
The awards were as follows: Aggregate – Christine Weightman; Drawn rinks – Dixon Barwise, Dave Brannan, Mike Davies and Alan Hind; Drawn triples – Colin Mason, David Bragg and Christine Weightman; Drawn pairs – Owen Cooper and Keith Goldsmith; Swing Jack – Craig Phillips; Peter Towers Trophy – Dave Brannan; Ladstock Cup – Dave Brannan; Mixed Pairs: Dave Brannan and Glenda Holme; Women’s pairs – Lynn Hazell and Glenda Holme; Men’s pairs – Colin Mason and John Thompson; Over 60’s – Robin Phillips; President’s Prize – Dave Brannan; Women’s championship – Lynn Hazell; Green Championship – Ryan Brannan.
To conclude the presentations a special award was made to Glenda Holme in recognition of her 19 years as club treasurer.
Earlier in the week, the club held its annual general meeting in its Fitz Park pavilion where the President spoke highly of the club’s determination to survive the challenges to the sport and the club from COVID.
“Despite the lockdown the green and the clubhouse still had to be maintained, and I can’t thank enough the people who did all this volunteer work.
“It paved the way for the return of bowls through our own competitions and, once again, everyone rallied round and there was a tremendous competitive spirit.”
Last season also saw the return of league bowls with a shortened season for the West Cumbria League, and he hoped that the 2022 season would see a return for all competitions, including the Eden Valley Bowls League Tuesday and Thursday leagues, both of which had been suspended for the last two seasons.
Officials elected were as follows: President, Cliff Harding; Vice President, Keith Price; Junior Vice President, Adrian Gill; Secretary Derryck Corrighan; Fixture Secretary, Dixon Barwise; Treasurer, Phillip Pridmore; Safeguarding officer, Vic Emmerson; Club Captain, Mike Davies; committee – club officers and Colin Mason, Yvonne Davies, Sid Horsfield, Donald Holme, Lynn Hazell, Glenda Holme and Jill Preston.
Team captains will be appointed at a later date.
Extensive work has been carried out on the green during late September and the beneficial results of this are now showing through, enabling the club to build on its reputation for being one of the best playing surfaces in the county and certainly in the most scenic of locations.
