The meeting was addressed by Bowls New Zealand Coach Dave Edwards who pointed out how the New Zealand squad utilized a High Performance Plan and urged those present to take the opportunity of participating in the new initiative of Beckenham Bowls to develop a plan for club level congratulating the club on their efforts.

A presentation followed explaining how the HPP would be structured and how it would fit into the new Bowls Canterbury programme for the coming season. A number of questions were asked of Martin Abel who presented the plan with the general feeling of the meeting been positive with a number signing up to be included for selection.

Members are reminded to get their availability forms back to the club no later than 31 August. For those members not present forms will be posted out over the weekend.

The club looks forward to she how this will be accepted and the improvements to members play over the coming weeks.

Opening Day will be Saturday 18 September @ 1.00pm and we welcome all present members to take part that day and if anyone is considering playing bowls or joining Beckenham you will be made most welcome just make contact through the details on this site and we will be back in touch.

However we did have a part in the Men’s final with member Chris Terry winning over Parklands. While Chris played for Beckenham he elected to play his Junior bowls out of his former club South Brighton. Congratulations Chris.

This win capped off a very good season for Verna when she obtained her 5th Centre tile for her Gold Star.

March Upshot

Last weekend Verna Veint and Margaret Bruhns won the Women’s Pairs. This gave Margaret her Centre Gold Star - Well done.

The Men’s Pair of Garth Hames & Alan Hawes won their first and missed out on their second.

This week our Women’s Div 2 Inter Club team are in Palmerston North trying to pick up a New Zealand title - we wish them all well.

Back in March 2008 Vicky Sheard and Mike Abel each won there respective centre Junior Singles titles within minutes of each other. Well this week we have Vicky winning the Women’s Club Open Singles after a great game over Jan Khan. This was the second time these two players met, both games going to Vicky. Then we have Mike Abel taking out the Men’s Club Open Singles with another tight game seeing Mike coming out on top over Terry Williams.

Look out for the Champion of Champions - now that would be freaky.

February Upshot

Three games will be held with a  three bowl, four bowl & two bowl version of the game including position changes.

Get a team together and contact Martin Abel on 9606377 for entry and any further details.

We look forward to hosting you.

Martin Abel put up a great fight to go down to Kevin Diggs (Halswell) to finish 3rd =. In the women’s CJ Hargrave had a convincing win in the semi final and finished strongly to take the title - congratulations CJ. This is the second year in a row Beckenham has picked up this title.

Our Family Day, also last Sunday saw 40 players on the green on a beautiful afternoon during which they had a lot of fun and picked up some prizes. A number showed potential and interest in the game. We welcome any enquiry from those who may be interested in trying bowls at any time, you will always be made welcome.