Joan Barrett - Essex County Women's Bowling Association President 2023
2023 is a very special year for Witham Bowls Club as Joan Barrett, one of our members, is President of Essex County Women’s Bowling Association.
Joan has been a member of Witham Bowls Club for over 20 years and has fulfilled many roles. i.e. Captain, President, Coach, NWEL and County delegate as well as being successful in club competitions.
We will therefore be hosting several county events in addition to our own schedule of matches, Leagues, Drives and social events.
The officers and members of Witham Bowls Club are delighted to congratulate and support Joan, we wish her every enjoyment, success and good luck this coming season!
Joan Barrett held her ECWBA President’s Day at Witham Bowls Club on 5 May.
After a very heavy hailstone shower it cleared up and the afternoon kicked off at 1.30pm with a Spider then straight into a drive which everyone enjoyed. A good time was had by all and a splendid meal was laid on.
Joan has received many thank you cards all saying what a wonderful time they had.
Over £600 was raised for Joan’s charity Children in Need from generous donations by the visiting ladies including the raffle, and we would like to thank all for making it a day to remember.
I am well into my season and having attended many semi finals and played 7 County Friendlies home and away meeting all their Presidents and vowing to meet up at the Finals at Leamington Spa in a couple of weeks time.
As Lady President I joined 51 County lady bowlers early in July when we went by coach to Stamford in Lincolnshire where we stopped for lunch and had time to wander the quaint streets and do a little shopping therapy before we were all back on the coach.
Our destination was at Rutland Waters where we all boarded a boat and relaxed. Once we were off we were treated to a cream tea whilst sailing around the 12.6 kilometres reservoir, listening to a commentary from the Captain to the history of this reservoir. Great fun was had that day. A raffle took place on the coach on the way home making £120 for my charity Children in Need.
Now Leamington is coming up in August and I am wishing the best of luck to the Essex bowlers for their competitions and I am know they will do their very best. It is a great achievement just to reach Leamington. So fingers crossed for their final competitions and the very best of luck.
Joan ECWBA President
Witham Ladies v Essex Ladies Executive Tuesday 12th. September
Witham Ladies played Essex Ladies Executive led by their President Joan Barrett the last but one before the ECWBA v ECBA game in her year of office.
The weather was good and not as hot as it has been, the game consisted of 4 triples 18 ends with rinks changing after 6 ends.
Played in the right spirit and all enjoyed themselves followed by a meal.
Joan thanked every body for being generous for raising over £100 for her charity Children in Need - our future generation.
News updated 08/08/2023
As well as attending various county competitions last weekend, 29th - 30th July the County Finals were held at Witham on Saturday with Top Club being held on the Sunday many years since held at Witham. In addition playing County matches.
This weekend, 6th. August, Witham hosted Champion of Champion the semi finals and the after a break The Final was played.
Coming up soon is the National Championships which is held at Leamington which I am looking forward to attend which means my year of as President will be nearly over.
However there are two more games to be held at Witham - Essex County Ladies against Witham Ladies and then the ECBA (men) v ECWBA (ladies).
I would like to say a sincere thank you to all for their help during the Witham games.
Joan ECWBA President
ECWBA v ECBA Tuesday 19th. September
The last bowls of the season saw Joan welcome the Essex men to Witham Bowls Club for a very enjoyable 18 ends which saw the ladies claim a victory. Although windy it remained mostly dry during the afternoon's play which finished with a formal meal which everybody enjoyed.
Joan thanked all for attending and their generosity in raising money for her charity Children in Need
Leamington National Championships
I have just returned home after 18 days attending the National Championships at Leamington. The weather was fine apart from one very wet day.
Unfortunately the Essex Ladies came away empty handed although on reaching the semifinal of the Johns Trophy which is equal with the men’s Middleton Cup, lost to Devon although winning on 4 rinks and loosing on 2 they lost by 6 shots overall very disappointing.
The men faired better by winning the Balcomb retaining the trophy they won last year.
The men’s President Richard and myself worked well as a team supporting both Essex ladies and men and of course not forgetting Gordon’s invaluable support.
Early September we have the Essex County Ladies playing Witham Ladies and then Essex County Ladies against Essex County Men both games to be held at our club.
It has certainly been an honor to be Ladies President of Essex County this year and I thank Witham and all the Essex ladies for all their support along the way. It is much appreciated.