Prince Arthur Road IBC at Potters – 2025

PARIBC Potters trip report and pictures = May 2025, (Fri 09/05/25 – Fri 16/05/25).

Just a very brief report, (mainly the stats!), of the latest annual trip, of yet another superb and very successful week away, for PARIBC, at the Potters resort in Norfolk.  At the end of the report, you will see a number of pics, which probably convey more, than the following blurb and my thanks go to Mick T Smith and Vaughan Jones for taking these, (along with a few other odd pics, from other sources).  Thanks are also due to all those who drove and gave lifts to others, to / from Norfolk.  The tour party, comprised 70 people, 54 bowlers, (see below) and 16 guests; Gill Briggs, June Cook, Dave Elliott, Vaughan Jones, Marion McHugh, Bernie & John Mercer, John Mollins, Jayga Muhammad, Alicia O’Shea, Janet Small, Gloria Smith, Fred Spears, Fran Sutherland, Adrian & Claire Williams.  Seven of the 70 people went for a 7 night break and the remaining 63 went for a 4 night break.  All seemed to enjoy themselves, both on and perhaps more importantly, off the green and it seems that the good social nature of PARIBC, shone through all week, which counts for a lot, to show off the Club in the right way.  Dealing with the bowling itself, PARIBC had 14 teams of 4’s, entered into the 49 team competition:-

(Unfortunately, we were two players short, for Team M, so Potters kindly allocated two other holidaying bowlers, to play in this team).

Team A = Dave Adams, Alan Cross, Gwen Green, Arnold Marsh => P4, W2, D0, L2. = 4 pts.

Team B = Roy Baston, Christine Heward, Tom Heward, Jean Lacey => P4, W1, D0, L3. = 2 pts.

Team C = Elaine Beard, Ray Ecclestone, Doug Whiteoak, Jo Whiteoak => P4, W1, D0, L3. = 2 pts.

Team D = Eddy Bell, Rose Bell, Chris Moreton, Soozie Moreton  => P4, W0, D1, L3. = 1 pt.

Team E = Jeanne Bingham, Roger Bingham, Henry Longhurst, Patricia Longhurst => P4, W2, D0, L2. = 4 pts.

Team F = Gary Briggs, Sheila Knight, Gordon O’Shea, Mandy Watkins => P4, W2, D1, L1. = 5 pts.

Team G = Colin Capeling, Colin Lewing, Margaret Slipper, Tony Whitelock => P4, W3, D0, L1. = 6 pts.

Team H = Marc Carr, Dot Elliott, Derrick Small, Sue Smith => P4, W3, D0, L1. = 6 pts.

Team I = John Clayton, June Clayton, Joanna Greene, Patricia Wells => P4, W4, D0, L0. = 8 pts.

Team J = Sheila Collins, Bruce Robinson, Jan Robinson, Colin Talbot => P4, W2, D0, L2. = 4 pts.

Team K = Dave Cook, Val Cook, Mick Smith, Dave Sutherland => P4, W2, D0, L2. =  4 pts.

Team L = Phil Cook, Mike R Smith, Deidre Williams, Mike Williams => P4, W2, D0, L2. = 4 pts.

Team M = Peter Edwards, Tim Fletcher, David Humphrey, Kevin Rowe => P4, W2, D1,  L1 = 5 pts.

Team N = Gunnar Hreinsson, Sheila Matthews, Shirley Milton, Steve Timcke => P4, W1, D0, L3. = 2 pts.

From the guaranteed 4 matches, in the first round of the tournament, PARIBC manged to get 4 teams into the last 16 round, namely teams F, G H and I, with team M just missing out on also going through, due to a poor shots difference.  As seems usual, if one club gets a lot of teams into the last 16 round, then to ensure that this one club does not dominate the “final” stages, its teams are often paired to play each other.  Thus in the last 16 round, teams G and H, had to play each other, resulting in a close fought win for team G.  Of the other 2 PARIBC teams, team I also made it to the quarter finals stages, to give PARIBC, two teams in the last eight.  Both teams had difficult matches, against Oppo teams that would both go on to contest the final, Boston IBC and Mundford BC, with the latter, emerging as the fully deserved outright winners of the whole comp. and thus the valiant PARIBC effort ended at the quarter finals stage this time around.  So once again, a very good showing by all 14 PARIBC teams, with us just missing out on winning the Top Club Trophy, (based on efforts in the first 4 matches), as shots difference saw Boston IBC take this prize by the narrowest of margins.  And contrary to popular belief, having a lot of teams entered by one club, makes winning this trophy harder, rather than easier, but as said, still a good showing by all concerned.  All teams did well and put up creditable performances against all who they played and equally the excellent social and friendly side of the Club was very evident for all to see in all the matches.  Well done to team E, (the Bingham’s and the Longhurst’s), on your “Hot Shot”, whilst we shall quickly gloss over the dropped “Hot Shot” by the Club Captain’s Team (M).

Away from the green, the more important aspects of the holiday and enjoyment, took place.  Each day and night, there were numerous other activities to participate in, or alternatively, plenty of spaces to enjoy the un – seasonally very warm weather, (we were very lucky on that front) and relax, with a bit of peace and quiet.  Because it was so hot, most people were outside for the whole of the day, each day, when not bowling, enjoying the gorgeous sunny weather.  As is normal on these weeks away, there were numerous humorous incidents and events involving the tourists, too much to recall here, but if you ask any of those on the trip, they will gladly fill you in with the details.  One or two that stood out include:

John, “Jock”, Mollins, entertaining those there for the extra 3 nights, before the main party arrived, with numerous stories of his knees, his tractor and his women!  Tales all then repeated to those who came for the main 4 night trip.  You gotta love “Jock”………if only we could understand what he is saying?!

As per normal, the last session of the bingo on the final night, offers up a huge winners pot and as per last year, it was one of our own, who was the winner.  Who said we are not a lucky club?!  Unfortunately she had to share it, as there were 2 winners on the night, but still a tidy sum to take home and a lovely end to the week for Jo Whiteoak, who we believe, still hasn’t stopped shaking!  Not sure she has told hubby Doug yet either, but don’t worry, your secret is safe with us…at a price!  Other big…ish bingo winners in the week, were Roy Baston and Jean Lacey, on separate nights, whilst we managed some winners on the daily “Val & Tony, (Hoy Hoy), bingo.  Meanwhile, Deidre “I never gamble” Williams cleaned up twice, big time, on the horse racing shown on the screens, winning more in £1 coins, than she weighs, (heavier now after all those profiteroles each day!)!  So well done to all these winners, enjoy spending your dosh!

The last night on the Thurs, was also very eventful, apart from the huge bingo win.  Firstly, the audience participation up on the main stage of the theatre, saw three of our own, John Clayton, (front end of horse), Phil Cook, (the beast), and Patricia Wells, (Belle the Beauty), cast aside their inhibitions, (if they had any to begin with that is?!) and get involved in the telling of the tale of Beauty and the Beast.  What followed was 15 mins of non – stop fun and laugher and if you speak with Soozie Moreton she has the video, which I believe may also soon be appearing on the Club’s Facebook page?  This shows, far better, all that went on, more than any explanation I can write hear.  And then later on in the evening, there was an unfortunate and severe medical incident, involving one of our ladies, but all was resolved with a happy ending and glad to say, the patient has made a full and speedy recovery and is back to her usual self now.  Thanks to all those who helped and assisted on the night, your involvement to get this stressful situation sorted, was very much appreciated.

Also on the last night, the tour group kindly presented the organiser with a more than generous collection.  This was certainly something very much appreciated, but very much undeserved, because as with all social bits we, as a club do, if people don’t support them, then they don’t happen, no matter how well / badly, they are organised. And contrary to popular belief, he will spend the money on himself, don’t you worry about that!

Thus looking ahead, hopefully next year’s possible fourteenth trip, will be just as enjoyable, rewarding and eventful, as the previous thirteen, so look out for the call up sheets, that will soon appear on the noticeboards.  And if you are interested in going, or just want to know any more information, then please speak with any of the people that have been in the previous years.  They will tell it, as it is, so it won’t be all good and hopefully won’t be all bad, but will give you a more balanced view of the trip, (both good and bad points) , rather than all of the above.  Everybody seems to mix and gel on the trips, you are not left on your own and we are a friendly bunch, even the miserable and grumpy old organiser, believe it or not!  In terms of numbers taken each year, the figures are as follows:-  In 2011 we took 35 people, in 2012 we took 52, in 2013 we took 57, in 2014 we took 64, in 2015 we took 67, in 2016 we took 68, in 2017 we took 79, in 2018 we took 58, in 2019 we took 28, in 2022 we took 36, in 2023 we took 49, in 2024 we took 55 and this year we took 70.  So roll on 2026, when we hopefully do it all over again.

Kind regards, your correspondent,

The Thin Man.

*********

Roger Bingham, Jeanne Bingham, Patricia Longhurst, Henry Longhurst.
Steve Timcke, Sheila Matthews, Shirley Milton, Gunnar Hreinsson.
Dave Adams, Gwen Green, Alan Cross, (missing team member, Arnold Marsh).
Roy Baston, Jean Lacey, Christine Heward, Tom Heward.
Jo Whiteoak, Doug Whiteoak, Elaine Beard, Ray Ecclestone
Gordon O’Shea, Sheila Knight, Mandy Watkins, Gary Briggs – who reached last 16
Colin Talbot, Sheila Collins, Jan Robinson, Bruce Robinson.
Derrick Small, Dot Elliott, Sue Smith, Marc Carr – who reached last 16.
Tony Whitelock, Colin Capeling, Margaret Slipper, Colin Lewing – who reached quarter finals.
Mick T Smith, Dave Sutherland, Val Cook, Dave Cook.
Mike R Smith, Mike Williams, Deidre Williams, Phil Cook.
John Clayton, Joanna Greene, Patricia Wells, June Clayton – who reached quarter finals.
Kevin Rowe, Peter Edwards, David Humphrey, Tim Fletcher.
Eddy Bell, Rose Bell, Chris Moreton, Soozie Moreton.
The group.
John Mollins, Peter Edwards, Dave Cook, Val Cook, Derrick Small, Janet Small, Dave Sutherland, Fran Sutherland, Gloria Smith, the half consumed carafe of wine, that of Mick T Smith, (taking the pic!).
Mike R Smith, Tom Heward, Christine Heward, (unfortunately hidden!), Jean Lacey, Roy Baston, Vaughan Jones, Margaret Slipper, Dot Elliott, Dave Elliott, Marc Carr, Sue Smith.
Steve Timcke, Sheila Matthews, Shirley Milton, Gunnar Hreinsson, Gwen Green, Fred Spears, Jo Whiteoak, Doug Whiteoak, Elaine Beard, Ray Ecclestone.
Dave Adams, Alan Cross, Sheila Knight, Mandy Watkins, Rose Bell, Eddy Bell, Chris Moreton, Soozie Moreton, Joanna Greene, Colin Capeling.
Roger Bingham, Colin Lewing, Jayga Muhammad, Tony Whitelock, Marion McHugh, Arnold Marsh, Patricia Longhurst, Henry Longhurst, Jeanne Bingham.
John Clayton, June Clayton, John Mercer, Bernie Mercer, Tim Fletcher, Mike Williams, Deidre Williams, Claire Williams, Adrian Williams, Patrica “Belle” Wells.
Gordon O’Shea, Alicia O’Shea, Phil Cook, (unfortunately hidden!), June Cook, Jan Robinson, Bruce Robinson, Sheila Collins, Colin Talbot, Gary Briggs, Gill Briggs.
Derrick Small, flexes his bowling arm and signs up another 3 females, for his online scrabble hareem………blimey Derrick, how old are they?!
Following Thurs night’s severe medical incident, the patient, Joanna Greene, (how many bananas?!), is in good spirits and doing well, surrounded by the PARIBC first aid response team of Chris Moreton, Soozie Moreton and Doug Whiteoak.  Other helper, Steve Timcke declined to be pictured, as he had just heard them call last orders at the bar!

John Clayton, (front half of the horse!), Phil Cook, (“The Beast”), Patricia Wells (“Belle”),star in the pre – show entertainment, on the Thurs night, of the re – telling of the fairy story, “Beauty and the Beast”.

Page Last Updated on 30th May 2025