The 10th anniversary of Thetford Short Mat Bowls Club was celebrated on the evening of Wednesday 2nd September. 35 club members and 35 invited guests, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Thetford, attended the event held at the club’s venue the Charles Burrell Centre in Thetford where a great time was had by all. The club’s founder, Pauline Barsby, said that she was particularly pleased to see many of those present who helped the club at the very beginning, as well as those who have helped with the growth of the club over those ten years. Particular thanks go to Harling Bowls Club who loaned 3 mats and all the equipment to get the club started 10 years ago.
Pauline also expressed her thanks to those who saw the potential of the club and referred to the initial fundraising efforts. An event to cover the costs that Pauline had accrued in her brave efforts to launch a short mat bowls club in Thetford was organised by NCSMBA Chairman Selwyn Goldsmith, NCSMBA Over 60’s Organiser Teresa Goldsmith and the then NCSMBA President Brian Saunders with the support of his wife Pat. Those four had funded Pauline’s early set-up costs and the event was held to recoup this amount with any extra funds raised given to the fledgling Thetford SMBC. The event, which included the participation of both the Norfolk County Squad and the Norfolk Over 60’s Squad, was a big success and helped put the club on to its successful path and on a sound financial footing initially.
The club has grown over the 10 years with help from members of other clubs in the Norfolk family and now has 45 members. With Pauline’s efforts they have attracted youngsters to the club and they have been very successful within the Norfolk Squad and also at National level where Chloe and Kacey Suffolk contested the National Under 18’s Final last season. It was lovely to see all club members in their shirts at the Anniversary event and all helping out where necessary. They displayed such good team work! Everyone were entertained by the super Wayland Shantymen (and still have some of those lyrics in our heads!) Here’s to the next 10 years! At this year’s NCSMBA Annual General Meeting Pauline Barsby was elected Vice-President of the Association in recognition of all she has done in forming Thetford SMBC and guiding them on to being a highly respected club in the Breckland League.
Pauline Barsby, NCSMBA Vice-President, cutiing the Thetford SMBC 10th Anniversary cake
Thetford SMBC members turned out in club uniform for their 10th Anniversary Celebrations
The Wayland Shantymen entertained Thetford SMBC members and their guests with a great selection of songs
The Mayor of Thetford makes a presentation to Pauline Barsby
Fun bowling games were kindly provided by Thetford's own Jason Martin and Clive Eke