🎉 President’s Day 2025 – A Groovy Farewell at Rockcliffe!
Sunday 6th July marked the final President’s Day for Bowls Northumberland Women’s Section, and what a send-off it was! Hosted by our current President, Dorothy Taylor, the event took place at her home club, Rockcliffe, with a vibrant 60s/70s/80s theme in support of her chosen charity, Tendercare Dog Rescue—a wonderful organisation that rehomes cats and dogs from desperate situations across the UK.
🌈 A Colourful Start
The day kicked off with players peering out the windows for a game of “Guess the Bowler” as a parade of psychedelic colours made its way to the green. Soon, the guessing gave way to laughter as bowlers danced their way up the pavilion stairs to their chosen entrance music—some with more rhythm than others!
👶 A Surprise Delivery
Things took a dramatic (and hilarious) turn when one of our 60s girls appeared to go into labour! Thankfully, three Newbiggin nuns were on hand to assist in the safe arrival of baby “Rocky”—who, in a twist of fate, later became the target in our spider competition. (Sorry, Rocky!)
🕺 Decade Dance-Off & Fancy Dress
Before the first match—President’s Team (Green) vs. Competition Secretary’s Team (Red)—players grouped by decade and danced to a hit from their era. Judges awarded prizes for best fancy dress—congratulations to our fabulous winners!
| 60’s | 70’s | 80’s | |
| Runner-up | AM Murray | C Brodie | M Ross |
| Winner | A Dunton | Newbiggin Nuns | T Taylor |
🍰 Sweet Treats & Spider Drama
After the opening game, players enjoyed a well-earned break with freshly baked goodies, sweet treats, and two monstrous cakes. As rain clouds loomed, we squeezed in a quick spider competition. Congratulations to T. Heron, who landed closest to baby Rocky in the centre of the green!
🏆 Final Game & Victory Cheers
The final match saw Bev Ware’s Comp. Sec. team trying to claw back a win—but it was not to be. The President’s team triumphed, with R. Cartwright and T. Heron emerging as the day’s top-scoring duo!
🎟️ Raffles, Remembrance & Rocking Out
As the day wound down, the raffle was drawn and the prize hamper’s weight revealed—11lbs, guessed exactly by T. Taylor! President Dorothy then raised a toast in memory of our dearly missed IPP, Margaret Maddison. A heartfelt tribute followed with everyone dancing to ‘Dancing Queen’—a fitting end to a joyful day.
💖 Thank You!
A huge thank you to Bev for organising the event, to the amazing volunteers at Rockcliffe for keeping everything running smoothly, and to all our players for raising an impressive £308 for Tendercare Dog Rescue. THANK YOU!
📸 See the Fun for Yourself
Check out all the fabulous photos on our Facebook page: Bowls Northumberland (Women’s Section).
Special thanks to Shirley Palmer, Bev Ware, and Rachel Cartwright for capturing the day in all its glory!