Up and Coming Events:
Friday 20th December, 7pm - Christmas jumper night
Clubman of the year - Kevin Meek
Blackwood held their annual dinner at the Islwyn indoor centre to a packed crowd.
Chairman David Witchell welcomed everyone and thanked Edward Price for his continual support and sponsorship and Jim Wood for his wood turned trophies. Gordon took the floor and called up the finalists with Edward and Patron Norman Simkin making the awards.
Highlights were William Ford winning 3 titles, David Witchell winning his 8th Championship and Clive Jenkins getting the player of the year.
The award everyone wants to win is clubman of the year and this year the award went to Kevin Meek for his out standing effort in picking up the reigns when Blackwood were reeling - well deserved.
Finally Oliver Witchell was awarded an achievement award for winning the MBA under 18 title at just 15 years of age and for gaining Welsh U18 selection where he won both bronze and silver medals in the indoor championships.
Well done to all who took part and continue to support Blackwood bowls club.
Chairman David Witchell welcomed everyone and thanked Edward Price for his continual support and sponsorship and Jim Wood for his wood turned trophies. Gordon took the floor and called up the finalists with Edward and Patron Norman Simkin making the awards.
Highlights were William Ford winning 3 titles, David Witchell winning his 8th Championship and Clive Jenkins getting the player of the year.
The award everyone wants to win is clubman of the year and this year the award went to Kevin Meek for his out standing effort in picking up the reigns when Blackwood were reeling - well deserved.
Finally Oliver Witchell was awarded an achievement award for winning the MBA under 18 title at just 15 years of age and for gaining Welsh U18 selection where he won both bronze and silver medals in the indoor championships.
Well done to all who took part and continue to support Blackwood bowls club.
Season Summary 2019
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The season started on a low point with everyone still reeling at the loss of two great members, Paul Morgan and Charles Winston. Luckily for Blackwood Allen Witchell and Kevin Meek helped to pick up the pieces and by the time the season started the club was once again on track.
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Membership however had been dented by the deaths and departures of some key players and together with an early April start where members had just not surfaced, it meant that Blackwood had no choice but to drop out of the Wednesday Rhymney valley league.
It was a season in which Blackwood were to play 1st division bowls again for the 1st time in a few years and so we needed to lick our wounds and bounce back on the green. Our 1st match was a home tie v Bedwas and Trethomas in which we gained a 7 point draw. A disappointing loss to Chepstow then put us bottom of the league with just a home tie v unpredictable Beaufort to come in which we gained 12 points lifting us up to 6th with the WBA break to come.
The GBL had been struggling throughout this period and were bottom with 3 losses.
The WBA campaign started well and Blackwood won games against New Tredegar and Rhymney Royal but it then became a farce with Belle View dropping out thus handing us the group. An away game to Cwmbran did not bode well for Blackwood on a very heavy green as we lost by just 6 shots.
Cup matches also proved to be fruitless this year as we had early exits in the MBA at home to Beaufort. Then in the Islwyn Cup to 4th division side Pontymister Welfare.
The MBA started once more but Blackwood lost to Crosskeys, RTB and Pontymister in games best forgotten cementing our place at the bottom. Then came the turning point. An away win at Machen, a 14 pointer against Chepstow, 10 points against rivals Abertillery and Blackwood had climbed out of relegation.
Blackwood then lost away to Crosskeys but then came the run that would see us secure 1st division status. Blackwood did not lose another game beating Pontymister, RTB, Abertillery and Machen as we amassed 110 points and a respectable 5th place.
The GBL won their 1st two games after the WBA break gaining in confidence but this was to be short lived losing their next 7 matches. Blackwood did win 2 of the last 3 matches but this was too little too late and Blackwood GBL will play 2nd division bowls in 2020.
It was a season in which Blackwood were to play 1st division bowls again for the 1st time in a few years and so we needed to lick our wounds and bounce back on the green. Our 1st match was a home tie v Bedwas and Trethomas in which we gained a 7 point draw. A disappointing loss to Chepstow then put us bottom of the league with just a home tie v unpredictable Beaufort to come in which we gained 12 points lifting us up to 6th with the WBA break to come.
The GBL had been struggling throughout this period and were bottom with 3 losses.
The WBA campaign started well and Blackwood won games against New Tredegar and Rhymney Royal but it then became a farce with Belle View dropping out thus handing us the group. An away game to Cwmbran did not bode well for Blackwood on a very heavy green as we lost by just 6 shots.
Cup matches also proved to be fruitless this year as we had early exits in the MBA at home to Beaufort. Then in the Islwyn Cup to 4th division side Pontymister Welfare.
The MBA started once more but Blackwood lost to Crosskeys, RTB and Pontymister in games best forgotten cementing our place at the bottom. Then came the turning point. An away win at Machen, a 14 pointer against Chepstow, 10 points against rivals Abertillery and Blackwood had climbed out of relegation.
Blackwood then lost away to Crosskeys but then came the run that would see us secure 1st division status. Blackwood did not lose another game beating Pontymister, RTB, Abertillery and Machen as we amassed 110 points and a respectable 5th place.
The GBL won their 1st two games after the WBA break gaining in confidence but this was to be short lived losing their next 7 matches. Blackwood did win 2 of the last 3 matches but this was too little too late and Blackwood GBL will play 2nd division bowls in 2020.
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On a happier note Blackwood once again showed that we can host events as we entertained touring side London Welsh, the county semi-finals and the RSVBA finals day. All showed Blackwood off in a good light and the accolades we received were numerous.
Blackwood were also proud to have the RSVBA president, Colin Eaketts at our club and all clubs were supportive in his tenure. |
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Blackwood gained further honors as Oliver Witchell won the county under 18’s final and also reached the RSVBA under 25’s final (which has yet to be played).
Oliver was also informed that he had been selected to play for the Indoor welsh Under 18’s in the home internationals at Scotland. Another great season for Oliver and not to be left out his father David won a staggering 8th club championship.
Congratulations also to William Ford for scooping 3 titles this year and to Brian Keeling and Geoff Tudball for winning their 1st tournaments.
The social events also went well as Blackwood hosted many functions including disco’s, Karaoke, fish and chip night, cabaret artists and BBQ evenings. Thanks to the social committee for once again getting it right.
Below Middle: The Welsh under 18 squad competing in the home internationals at Glasgow.
Below left: Ollie shows off his Bronze in the triples and the silver in the 4's.
Below right: Oliver delivers his wood in the Triples win against Ireland.
Oliver was also informed that he had been selected to play for the Indoor welsh Under 18’s in the home internationals at Scotland. Another great season for Oliver and not to be left out his father David won a staggering 8th club championship.
Congratulations also to William Ford for scooping 3 titles this year and to Brian Keeling and Geoff Tudball for winning their 1st tournaments.
The social events also went well as Blackwood hosted many functions including disco’s, Karaoke, fish and chip night, cabaret artists and BBQ evenings. Thanks to the social committee for once again getting it right.
Below Middle: The Welsh under 18 squad competing in the home internationals at Glasgow.
Below left: Ollie shows off his Bronze in the triples and the silver in the 4's.
Below right: Oliver delivers his wood in the Triples win against Ireland.
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Tour was another much look forward to event and as the temperatures soared, so did the bowls as we won all three matches. Another excellent trip well organised by Allen and Norman. We have come to take this well oiled machine for granted but a lot of preparation and work is needed to make it go so smoothly. Well done both.
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Blackwood also raised money in memory of our recently departed members, Paul, Charles and Gwyn. “Pink” day was replaced by “Memorial day” and the whole club turned out to raise over £600 on the day. This was followed by the tour fines which took the total over the £800 mark. Another great effort by Blackwood and the fund raisers. Blackwood purchased a defibrillator for the pavilion and a memorial bench is to follow. Blackwood also assisted Bethan and Rhian Morgan with a fun day which raised over £3500 and will pay for a 2nd defibrillator to be situated on the show field itself.
Blackwood also host a Macmillan tea afternoon. So as you can see, Blackwood is a large player in the community and are a force to be reckoned with both on and off the green.
Below: Allen Witchell hands over a cheque for over £2400.00 to the Welsh Air Ambulance for money collected during the 2018 season.
Blackwood also host a Macmillan tea afternoon. So as you can see, Blackwood is a large player in the community and are a force to be reckoned with both on and off the green.
Below: Allen Witchell hands over a cheque for over £2400.00 to the Welsh Air Ambulance for money collected during the 2018 season.
As you can see from the 2019 activities above, Blackwood continue to be a major player in the community of Blackwood and Cefn Fforest. We offer social activity, sporting competitiveness, camaraderie and a sport for all to play, young, old, male and female. We also raise £1000's for charity and host major bowling events to further promote the community, the club and the game of bowls in general.
2020 will soon be upon us so why not join us and be a part of this great club.
2020 will soon be upon us so why not join us and be a part of this great club.
CLUB NIGHT
Coaching
Thinking of joining us or just having a go?
Green opens mid April to mid September......
Monday evenings have been designated as club nights with members up at the green from mid afternoon until 8pm. David Witchell is the official club coach and will be available on request to iron out any problems or help out a new bowler,
Since the self management of the facility, there is a member at the green from 3pm - 8pm Monday - Friday & 2pm - 6pm on weekends.
Blackwood welcomes all new members of all abilities as we have a busy fixture list.
Come along and have a go!
Green opens mid April to mid September......
Monday evenings have been designated as club nights with members up at the green from mid afternoon until 8pm. David Witchell is the official club coach and will be available on request to iron out any problems or help out a new bowler,
Since the self management of the facility, there is a member at the green from 3pm - 8pm Monday - Friday & 2pm - 6pm on weekends.
Blackwood welcomes all new members of all abilities as we have a busy fixture list.
Come along and have a go!
About us.
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Recent Acheivements:
M.B.A Division 2 Champions 2018 R.S.V.B.A. League winners: 2009 2010 2012 2014 2015 2016 Rhymney Valley League: 2017 - promotion to division 1 Islwyn Cup Winners 1999 2007 2013 2015 Caerphilly Crystal Bowl Winners: 1999 2007 GBL 3 Rink league winners: 2010 2011 2012 Come and share in our success. 
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