Geoff Dobson – Kibworth Bowling Club
Three years after retiring I was stuck in a rut; I “needed to get out more”. So in 2011, after seeing an article in the Kibworth & District Chronicle, I went to Kibworth Bowling Club’s open day. This decision I have never regretted. I was made to feel very welcome and introduced to “mats, bias, jacks and woods”. After an hour’s bowling the coach bought me a beer at the club’s bar.
I believe Kibworth Bowling Club was originally called Kibworth Bowling & Social Club and the social side is still strong. The incidental effects of bowling, fresh air, exercise, companionship, and competition, are very important. It’s a sport that can be played from the ages of 9 to 90. I know some very good players who are well into their 90s and still enjoying the game.
Club President
Each year club members elect a President, and in November 2024 I had the honour to be elected. Next year we will have a Lady President. One of the duties of the President is to raise funds for their chosen charity or charities, through a fund-raising competition and social events.
This year I chose GEMS and PROSTaid charities, both local charities run by volunteers. In August we set aside one Saturday from the usual Saturday friendlies to hold a ‘President’s Day.’ This is a fun day for club members and their families, the President’s choice of bowling format followed by a buffet meal.
This year we ended the day by holding an Auction of Lots donated by club members, their families, and local businesses. Thanks to their generosity a significant amount was raised to be donated to my charities at the end of my presidential year.
The outdoor season is coming to an end. In October the green gets ‘winterised’ ready for next spring. The mats are laid in the clubhouse ready for the start of our carpet bowls competitions.
I’ve had a busy and enjoyable year as President, the club has been very successful in its various competitions. The club competitions ended with a ‘final’s weekend’, of some of the best competitive club bowling I’ve ever seen. We are looking forward to our Presentation Dinner when the winners and runners-up are presented with their trophies.
I hope the weather next year is as fine as it has been this year, so we can enjoy bowling on what is arguably the best bowling green in Leicestershire.
Geoff Dobson
Club President
Fleckney Spinners – Oct ’25
