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Flue & Chimney Specialists Triples Tournament 2026
Posted 30/3/26
Saturday 28th March 2026 saw our 19th Annual "Flue and Chimney Specialists" Triples Bowls tournament, held at Winkleigh Sports Centre. 54 players from clubs across Devon and Dorset competed over 9 rounds to decide the overall winners.
Clubs represented included Anstey, Beaford, Bow, Broadclyst, Cerne Abbas, Christow, Goodleigh, Hartland, Ilfracombe, Langtree, Merton, Pancrasweek, Poughill, Withleigh and Woolsery.
The eventual Winners were a team from Ilfracombe, who went undefeated over all 9 matches. Team members Julie McCarthy and mother and son duo Matthew and Gail Richardson have only been playing together as a short mat team for 12 months. This was their first Tournament win which Matthew described as “Brilliant!” The runners up were from Withleigh SMBC.
Congratulations to our worthy winners and a huge THANK YOU! to all the Winkleigh members who worked so hard to ensure another successful and enjoyable day for all.
The winning Ilfracombe Team
Withleigh were runners up.
The Tournament was once again kindly sponsored by Rangemoors, the South West's leading supplier of Stoves and Range Cookers.
Rita, Graham and Lorraine
Mary Kent Memorial Triples 2026
Posted: 14/03/26
On Thursday March 12th 2026, the Final of the Mary Kent Memorial Triples final was held at Hatherleigh Bowling Club. The finalists were Lorraine Axtell (c), Rita Redstone, and Graham James from Winkleigh, against Fred Niven (c), Elaine Clements, and Paul Weeks from Great Torrington BC.
Fred’s team started strongly and built a lead that they held for a while. However, Lorraine’s team came back strongly and soon the scores were tied. Winkleigh’s team edged into the lead, and despite Fred Niven’s valiant effort (he was bravely playing despite a heavy nosebleed), Torrington were unable to close the gap and it was Winkleigh who finally secured the trophy.
Congratulations all the finalists and thanks to everyone who participated in the competition.
A special mention goes to Rob Calam of Hatherleigh BC for hosting the final, and to the members of Goodleigh SMBC who hosted the two semi-finals.
Festive Fun!
Posted 13/12/25
Club members and their respective Partners got together on 12th December for the Club's first Christmas Lunch in almost a decade.
The Venue was the New Inn at Sampford Courtenay, midway between Winkleigh and Okehampton. Following a relaxed drink in the Bar of this lovely old village pub, we were treated to a sumptuous Lunch which featured a fine selection of courses including traditional favourites like Roast Turkey and Christmas Pudding. The meal ended with Freshly brewed coffee and Mince Pies.
At the end of the meal the general consensus was that Christmas Lunch is a Tradition well worth reviving.
So here's to Christmas 2026!
40th Anniversary
Posted 28/11/25
On Friday 28th November 2025 we celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the founding of our Club with a party at Winkleigh Sports Centre. The event was attended by both current and former members of the Club, who came together for an afternoon of fun, games and a sumptuous buffet.
Proceedings got underway with 4 teams competing in variants of the basic game of Short Mat Bowls, including Target Bowls and "Aussie Rules" Bowls where participants alternate positions in the team after every end.
Bowling complete we then retired to enjoy a sumptuous Buffet including a 40th Birthday Cake kindly supplied by Dave Woollacott.
After Tea, Secretary Jan Ovenden gave a brief history of the club culled from it's minute book. Many names from the past were mentioned, some of which were relatives of our current crop of players.
Club Chairman Ron Indge then presented Jan with an engraved lead crystal Vase to mark her remarkable 25 years as Club Secretary.
For more images of the day visit https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCC7Cy
20 Years of Friendship
Posted 18/11/25
For the past 20 years we have been proud to host our friends from Liphook Bowling Club in Hampshire for a friendly match and a cream tea.
Every year they come down to glorious Devon for a few days at the Manor and Ashbury Resort near Okehampton. As well as enjoying the many sports and activities offered by the hotel, they always come over to Winkleigh for an afternoon of fun, friendship and of course bowling.
The match was played in the usual relaxed manner, with special rules applying on the day. This year's winners were Winkleigh, who avenged last year's triumph by the Liphook team.
The match was followed by a traditional Devon Cream Tea (Cream on first!) featuring fresh baked scones, Clotted Cream and sweet Strawberry Jam.
Club Secretary Jan Ovenden said " It was a pleasure to welcome both old friends and some new faces. We all had a lovely afternoon and look forward to doing so again for many years to come"
Winkleigh and Liphook Bowling Clubs, united in Friendship.
Liphook Captain Mike offered thanks for Winkleigh's hospitality
RBL Cup 2025
Posted 15/11/25
November 14th 2025 saw 16 Club Members assemble to compete in our annual RBL Cup Competition, so named because all proceeds are donated to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
The afternoon began with a "round Robin" session where players in 4 groups vied to compete in the Semi Finals. The eventual Group Winners were Jan Ovenden, John Redstone, Ron Indge and Richard Carney.
Jan and Ron were the successful semi-finalists who went on to compete in a close fought final.
The eventual winner was Club Chairman, Ron Inge who can be seen here being congratulated by Tournament Organiser Charlie Hill.
Other Prizes awarded were: Most Shots Scored - John Redstone, Most Shots scored by a member over 80 - Dave Ovenden, Most shots scored by a New Member - Richard Carney.
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