2013 St Patrick’s Report & Photographs

The weather started dull and a short spell of rain turned into a sunny and pleasant day which matched the occasion when our members attending the annual St Patricks Day celebrations. It was once again tremendous to see all those members enthusiastically in fancy dress, the Irish way. This year as usual it commenced with a Spider followed by a game of bowls. In order that all those attending were able to play our Captain, Colin Wright arranged a mixture of disciplines of Pairs, Triples and Rink, playing three lots of six ends. Colin had a great time fining players for slow play, answering back with silly questions, putting wrong scores up etc. On completion of the games it was prize giving time where the finalists are listed below. We were required to finish in a relaxed time to ensure we were ready for the buffet and music by our very talented camp entertainment team.

Siobhan Herrity, our little leprechaun was magnificent organising everything. This was the second year without Ray who was always by her side on this special occasion. Our thoughts were with her and her bravery in doing this. She was however supported well by our fellow Irish members, John and Eileen Phoenix together with Sue Mannall, Catherine Patrick, Sandra Bain and other members all helping to make the day so successful.

As you are aware all monies raised on this day go to a charity. This year it will be our pleasure to present it to Asprodalba. Thank you to everyone who helped with achieving the superb amount of 847 Euro. This was achieved by a club raffle where members donated prizes, a fabulous tombola organised by Margaret and Bob Bulmer- Kirby where contributions were collected throughout the Campsit and Leisure. Dawn of’’Iberian Funeral Plans’ donated a bottle of Brandy for the annual ‘Spider’ when bowlers deliver a bowl in the opposite hand to try and get nearest to a jack centred in the middle of the green. This was then released from the winner, willingly!!Catherine Patrick, It was then played for again, when members compete by tossing Euros along the deck towards the bottle, the nearest resting euro to the bottle is the winner. Graham Patrick did his usual great job in ensuring this went well, adding to the charity fund.

As mentioned above the winners of Bowls competition was Chris Brown, Bryan Thompson, Wayne Roberts and Siobhan Herrity. Best Irish Coleen, was Sue Mannall, followed by Shelagh Allen and Pat Deacon. Best Dressed Man, was John Andrews followed by Eddy Donley and John Mannall. Best Fancy Dress in the Miraflores Ballroom was Ladies: Doreen Patterson, followed by Jean Willouby and Catherine Patrick. Men: achieving the double was John Andrews with Ray Boulton and Dave Allen second and third. 

Before we all assembled in the Miraflores Ballroom, Colin Wright thanked everyone for making the day successful and the effort that members had made in achieving this.The fancy dress prizes  then followed. I am sure all those that attended the music and buffet will agree with me that this was another marvellous occasion.  The management, catering and restaurant staff was excellent. Our entertainment manager, John Lodge did his normal excellent job together with the guest singer Brendan O. Dee entertaining and presenting throughout the afternoon. A super day had by all. This report and photographs of the occasion will be found on our web site, www.bowlingalmeria.com

Vic Parsons

ALBC Press Officer & Vice Chairman