MORE than 200 people, in teams of four, took part in this year’s Crediton Industrial Bowls Tournament.

After a final which was closely fought until near the end, the winning team was “East Street Barbers” with the runners-up “Nomads A”. 

The beaten semi–finalists were “United Crediton”, entered by Crediton United Football Club, and Evans A, entered by the former high street newsagents.

The idea of “industrial bowls” was started in Crediton 49 years ago as a chance for people, who did not normally play bowls, to take part in a friendly competition, and to raise money for local charities.

The name derives from the fact that local “industrial” firms were invited to take part.  This has been expanded to include all organisations or groups of friends.  

Each team of four players is allowed one player who is a member of a bowling club.  The other players must not be regular outdoor bowlers.

Runners-up in the Industrial Bowls tournament were Nomads A, Fred Oliver, President of Crediton Boniface Rotary, left, presenting the runners-up trophy to the team, from second left, Dan Yelland, Anthony Moss, Eddie Yeandle and Jay Harris, with , right, Rotarian Paul Radnor, one of the tournament organisers. AQ 1173
Runners-up in the Industrial Bowls tournament were Nomads A, Fred Oliver, President of Crediton Boniface Rotary, left, presenting the runners-up trophy to the team, from second left, Dan Yelland, Anthony Moss, Eddie Yeandle and Jay Harris, with , right, Rotarian Paul Radnor, one of the tournament organisers. AQ 1173 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The event is organised jointly by Crediton Boniface Rotary and Crediton Bowls Club.

All proceeds from entry fees and the raffle are distributed to local charities by Crediton Boniface Rotary.

This year 51 teams entered, matches started on Monday, August 5, taking place in the evenings and culminated with the semi-finals and final being played in the afternoon of Sunday, August 18.

Fred Oliver, President of Crediton Boniface Rotary, explained: “The event raised just over £1,300, and Crediton Boniface Rotary decided that £1,000 of this will be donated to Crediton and District Playscheme for Children with Special Needs, a local charity which takes children with special needs on day trips during school holidays.

“Special thanks go to Mike Canning from the Bowls Club and Paul Radnor from Crediton Boniface Rotary for organising the event, Trevor Newbery and Roy Andrews for looking after the bowling green, Dave Carpenter and Paul Vodden for organising the club’s bar and Ann Sullivan and Pam Swan for arranging the sale of pasties, which are available at the end of each match.

“As next year is the 50th anniversary of the first industrial bowls tournament, the aim is to attract a maximum of 64 teams.

“If you are interested in taking part, please contact me on 01363 84419 or by email: [email protected] .”