Latest News

A major milestone was reached by the Cliffs Classic in 2010, as the 20^th staging of the event took place at the Cliffs Hotel, Blackpool of this popular bowling holiday. Conceived originally by Brian Duncan and Les Rigby, for many of those guests who joined in the 20^th year reunion event it was an opportunity to get together with old friends who perhaps only meet once a year.

Although the event has had better weather at times over the 20 years, it certainly wasn’t a particularly wet or cold week, but generally mostly overcast. However, the gloom such as it was, was soon lifted at the opening meeting when it was announced to guests that the hotel was discounting all drinks prices for the week by 50%, much to the delight of everyone who checked in this year! Indeed, such was the success of the offer, the hotel are repeating the deal for anyone coming again in 2011!!

Bowling got underway on the first day with the Mixed Pairs event at Layton Institute and the Gardeners Arms, where the landlady arranged a spectacular buffet for only £2.50 per person. Tuesday and Wednesday for the Singles competitions, a third green was added at the Park Club, Cleveleys, a venue returning to the Cliffs fold after an eight year absence. Each of the venues were providing a different test, as Layton Institute was lightning quick, and the Gardeners which had staged a County fixture on the Sunday, being as tricky as ever. Even the more fancied bowlers were finding things difficult, including multi Mens Singles winner, Graham Oliver, only qualifying out of his group in the latter stages of his group games.

Also, a first for the Cliffs, was a booking from Australia – an ex-pat Yorkshireman from Huddersfield called Rex Bamforth who hadn’t played Crown Green for 50 years who became a popular character with the bowlers during the week. However, it wasn’t clear if this was for his stories, or because he lost every game in the Singles!

Thursday’s Finals Day at the Waterloo once more, and unusually, Brian Duncan managed to win both his exhibition games against Betty Dickinson and Rex Bamforth, and, as the weather brightened, the bowling intensified. In what proved to be a very productive day for Graham Oliver he retained the Mixed pairs title with Marie Sutcliffe, and overcame Eddie Lonergan to re-take the Singles crown. In the Ladies’ event, Doris Dunning won for the second year running, knocking out daughter Sally Turner in the quarter-finals. With the Waterloo in good condition, and a healthy turn-out of supporters, the Finals Day was a great advert for the game!

It is anticipated that 2011 booking forms will be out in early August, so ring 01257 450991 for a copy.

MIXED PAIRS

Graham Oliver & Marie Sutcliffe (Bingley) 15

Colin Wortley (Bingley & Brenda Green (Sutton-in-Craven) 7

LADIES SINGLES

Doris Dunning (Liversedge) 21

Andoreen Stewart (Stockport) 12

MENS SINGLES

Graham Oliver (Bingley) 21

Eddie Lonergan (Rotherham) 11