composed by James & Irene Bell
The Over 55 Leisure Group
The club came into being in 1995, from an idea by Isobel Allen and Mary Arkley. There were no activities for older people in the village. They telephoned Age Concern to ask for advice and information and any input they could suggest.
It was decided that short mat bowls should be one of the activities on offer, in the village hall. The first mat was lent by Newark and Sherwood District Council through Age Concern and a number of bowls were donated by British Sugar.
A temporary committee was formed on 30th June 1995, chaired by Phillip Hammond, secretary Isobel Allen, treasurer Reg Dickinson. The other committee members were Mary Arkley and Len Mason. 17 people attended the first meeting and Age Concern was represented by Linda Hall.
The Parish Council was very helpful, allowing the club to use the village hall for six months rent free, and a grant was given to help with the purchase of a second bowls mat.
On 4th August 1995 a permanent committee was formed, Reg Dickinson was elected Chairman, Arthur Davies Treasurer and James Bell secretary.
Other activities on offer were darts scrabble, table skittles, dominoes and card games. The equipment bought as and when the club could afford them.
The annual subscription was £1 per annum, and 50p per week to attend the club. The club meets every Friday afternoon from 2.00pm-4.00pmand there is a lively friendly atjosphere. The bowls are not taken too seriously. The skills of the bowlers vary considerably. "Virgin" bowlers are given help and advice and soon become proficient. The oldest member of the club is 92yr old skilful bowler who puts some of the younger members to shame!!!!
Additional funds were raised by occasional coffee evenings and a weekly raffle was held. Later when the borrowed mat had to be returned, there were sufficient funds, helped by a grant for Coddington United Charities to buy a new mat.
The club has thrived for more than 10yrs, membership in May 2006 stands at 28. The club activities jostly centre on the bowls, but what is loosely called "the fun day" is held from time to time, when all the club activities are organised into competitions and small prizes are given to the best darts player, table skittles demon etc. A quiz is usually held and perhaps a whist drive.
From the usual Friday afternoon club it was extended to Friday evenings when any Coddington resident could use the bowls mats.
On Monday afternoons, a cutthroat competition was held with Farndon bowling club, alternate weeks at Coddington and Farndon.
Each summer the club has an outing and some of the places we have visited includes Derbyshire Well Dressing, Constable Country, Corfe Abbey, Whitby, The Norfolk Broads and many others.
At Christmas, a lunch is provided at one of various restaurants, which is free to members.
The club is an important part of village life. The Physical activity of bowling helps to keep older people active and fit. The mental stimulation of meeting friends, exchanging views, even to those that want to sit and chat, keeps minds alert.
Club Members at May 2006
Chairman Reg Dickinson
Treasurer Gill Burgess
Secretary James Bell
Committee Members
Joyce Allen
Ted Ross
Irene Bell
Members
Les Coppin, Rita Edlin
Phyllis Heycock, Glyn Jones
John Kirton, Bernard Mastin
Kath Rick, Bert Tearl
Sylvia Tearl, Bernard Allen
Mavis Ross, Elsie Burton
Brian Robinson, Alf McNamara
Muriel Davies, Arthur Davies
Muriel Wilson, Maurice Wilson
Betty Freeman, Glenis Latham
Peter Latham, Alma Hume