2014 ALBC Christmas Party

                   2014 Christmas Party and Presentation

A wonderful day was had by our members on the 11^th December celebrating the annual Christmas get together first having a Ladies versus men bowls match where the ladies only just lost ?????

Most members were dressed traditionally in Christmas attire and thoroughly enjoyed their game.    A ‘Spider’ was played where Pat Deacon won a bottle of Brandy. During this Dot Lloyd and friend judged the members for the best fancy dress.  Sandra Brown presented prizes to the winning lady, Julie John with Catherine Patrick coming in second place, both dressed as fairies. Stuart Beetham was the best man with John Burgess coming second. After bowls everyone retired to the Miraflores Patio for refreshments prior to the Christmas Lunch. As usual the Carvery was excellent and the sweet just as good.

On completion of lunch the raffle took place with Eileen Phoenix, our Lady Captain, leading the way with the help of Sandra Brown and Christina Fitzgerald. Going well until it was pointed out that there were no green tickets coming out of the draw,

Whilst this was being sorted our Captain addressed the audience and thanked all those members who had made a difference during the year to make it the successful club it now is. These included Sandra Brown for her superb management of in arranging this party. Eileen Phoenix and co for running the raffle, Jim Pike and helpers, Graham and Catherine Patrick plus helpers for Christmas decorating the patio area. Ron Lloyd and Brian Hughes for the carpet and equipment management.  Graham Patrick and Tony Mullen and helpers for the new steps on to the greens and carpet laying. Stuart Beetham for his hard work on making our fixture program operating well, despite dealing with problematic situations. He also thanked the Miraflores staff for looking after us and presented a healthy money collection from us to them to be shared by all the staff. Finally yours truly for my work in making our club competitions operate correctly. He then handed over to me to start the presentations of prizes.

I announced that team photographs wouldn’t be taken this year. As photographs are always taken on completion of competitions there was no point. However if anyone wanted photographs I would email them and If not on line then I would print them off.  On completion of the presentation a photograph would be taken of all winners and finalists.

With the help of Stuart Beetham and with Eileen Phoenix presenting the cash prizes the presentation was completed. The Raffle then reconvened with this time green tickets included and nice to know there were no ‘punch ups’

John Lodge then in his normal excellent way entertained us and members enjoyed dancing to complete this great occasion. Roll on next year !!!!

 Vic Parsons   Press Officer – Vice Chairman

PS  John wishes to apologise for not thanking Chris Ewer and Chris Brown for all they do for the club, also for omitting to thank Colin Wright for all he has done for the club over the past year as your new Captain, I promise you I will get it right eventually.
And a special thank you to all the members for making it such a wonderful day.  Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
John & Chris

Whilst writing my apologies for not mentioning the work that Chris Ewer does to make my job easier when getting the prize monies together. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Vic & Joan