These are the words of Dawn Richardson the High Peak School and Sports Partnership (HPSSP) manager following the final afternoon of our annual Primary Schools Bowling initiative which we deliver alongside HPSSP and, for the first time this year, with Glossop Bowling Club.

The finale saw 48 children from four local primary schools  – St James’, St Mary’s, St Luke’s and Duke of Norfolk – coming together on our sumptuous looking greens (Thank you, Green Team) to show off the skills they have learned from an extended team of some 30 volunteers from both clubs.

As Dawn put it: “Over the course of the programme, pupils have discovered a new sport, developed new skills and experienced the pride of representing their school in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment.”

She went on to say: “The initiative is about opening doors to new experiences, helping children grow in confidence, work together, persevere, celebrate success and discover strengths they may never have known they had. Watching children flourish over the weeks, encouraging one another and leaving each session with bigger smiles than when they arrived has once again highlighted the incredible impact that sport can have.”

The winning school – St Luke’s – were presented with the Dave Collier Trophy by Mayor of High Peak, Councillor Barbara Hastings-Asatourian.

The trophy is named in honour of a true champion of junior crown green bowling and

Dawn, who worked on an early initiative with Dave, explained: “Dave Collier dedicated so much of his time to creating opportunities for young people to enjoy crown green bowling that it feels especially fitting that this initiative continues to inspire the next generation in his name.”

Manor Park Bowling has raised £200 in support of Mentell.

This was part of Mayor Dom’s combined fundraising efforts during his year of service, and we’re really grateful to have been included.

Every pound raised helps us continue creating safe, confidential spaces for men to talk and be heard.

The President v Mayor’s Match took place on Sunday 3rd May with teams of 12 playing three rounds of Pairs 7 Up. The Mayor’s team, pulled together by Mayor Dom Elliot-Starkey’s consort Jean Wharmby, was made up of members of Hadfield Bowling Club and Hadfield Conservative Club while President Maureen Hargreaves’ team mixed our Social and League bowlers, with many of the latter playing their first ever competitive match. The club’s Development Lead, Mick Owen said “It was huge fun. Everybody was keen to enjoy themselves, help out where needed and raise some money for Glossop’s Mentell group and, significantly, the predicted rain held off.” By the end of the morning the donations box held a total of £143.51 which will be added to money raised at the pre-season Triples competition making a charitable donation of nearer £200.00. Mentell supports men with mental health issues and chimes well with the club’s constitutional intent to “be part of the support system of our members”.

This year, in a break with tradition, we are playing not one, but two, Triples Trophies with the first one taking place on Saturday 28th March. Preparation began early with Luke Jones mowing both greens while dodging both rain and hailstones as he worked. Shortly after 1 o’clock, play began in what was, in fact, the 2025 edition of the event which was postponed last year due to bad weather.

Thanks to the sterling work of the Greens Team over the winter, we were able to use both greens and that saw eight teams playing in two half-leagues, with nobody who entered having to sit out and watch. After the groups had all played each other, and following a break for Afternoon Tea (we’re crown green bowlers, after all), the teams played off to determine who would carry away the 2025 K Dodd Trophy. The winners (pictured) were Jane Ingerson, Anthony Brierley and Tiarmi White who beat Luke Jones, Barrie Clayton and newcomer Patrick Cooke in a close match.

Getting our greens ready for the new season. Further treatment to top green on Wednesday 11 March.