BOWLING IN ICKENHAM

Another Festival event offered visitors to Swakeleys Bowls Club the chance to have a go and receive some free coaching.  Those who attended, found themselves in a beautiful setting at the end of the Avenue, within the grounds of Swakeleys House. 

The bowling green dates back to 1946, when the Foreign Office occupied Swakeleys House and laid the green for their social club.  When the FO left, neglect followed but in 1983 when Swakeleys House Ltd had purchased the house and were restoring it to its former glory, a man called John Wilkinson took action.  John asked the new owners what they planned to do about the bowling green.  He was told that if he could get 40 people wanting to play, the owners would lease the ground to him. 

John rose to the challenge and found the required bowlers; an agreement was drawn up permitting access for 25 years at a peppercorn rent, and the new club was born.  Volunteers started work, cutting, raking and weeding, and pumping water from the lake.  From the outset, mixed bowls and a social section were promoted and members of the community encouraged to join.  And a Sports Council Grant and council loan enabled the building of a pavilion and other basic facilities. 

Now established beyond the original 25 years, the club has become a meeting place for members, both during the playing season and during the winter when carpet bowls are enjoyed.  Bar and refreshment facilities are available and there is a flourishing whist section as well as a nucleus of computer enthusiasts. 

There are currently vacancies for players of all ages and levels of skill as well as coaching where needed.  It isn’t difficult to become competent, and if anyone is interested they are welcome to turn up and try it for themselves without prior commitment.  So why don’t you have a go?  Contact Doreen Burchett on 01895 636754.

ASHLEIGH’S BACK!

The large and enthusiastic audience who attended the Festival’s ‘Music for Uganda’ concert was pleased to see Ashleigh Bairstow on stage playing her familiar saxophone.  Readers may recall that on leaving Vyners School, Ashleigh travelled to Uganda, on behalf of Project Trust, to teach underprivileged children there. 

Her time there completed, she is now at Manchester University reading Geography.  But during a break, she has been on a six-week placement giving talks at Secondary Schools about the Trust and her experiences in Uganda. 

DONATIONS

Receipt is acknowledged, with grateful thanks, for donations towards the cost of ICN, from:

Anon from Northwood via David Thorpe; Anon via Mrs Gwilt; Inner Wheel Club of Elthorne

Please remember there is no August edition of ICN.  Copy for the next issue, the September one, should be with the team by 12 noon on 13th August.