Twenty-four teams from across the county took part in Brentwood Bowling Club ladies’ annual Gala Day on Wednesday 7th August.

Players had four games of triples, with a break for lunch provided by host club volunteers who also served tea, biscuits and cakes throughout the day.

Apart from being a great competitive and social event, the gala day is a vital fundraiser and organisers say it was once again very successful.

Fortunately, the weather was superb and business was brisk at the outdoor book and puzzle stall and tombola table, Indoors, there was a huge raffle, guess-the-weight-of-the-cake and guess-the number-of-sweets competitions, hamper raffle, and bucket competition.

The excitement of the day culminated with the announcement of results by ladies’ captain Margaret Rayment who presented cash prizes to bowls winners Runwell 2, runners-up Clockhouse and third place holders Central Essex 2. There were also wooden spoon prizes which were won by Chadwell St Mary on shots difference.

Hazel Pudney from Clockhouse was spot on with her guess of 5ibs 10oz for the weight of the iced fruit cake which she took away as her prize. Fellow club member Sandra Ringshaw won the jar of sweets with her guess just one below the 78 total.

Brenda Barber from Corringham bought the lucky ticket in the bucket competition and went home £45 the richer. Brentwood’s Rose Collins was the popular winner of the hamper.

Margaret thanked everyone who had helped to make the day so successful and said a special thank-you to score-keeper Mark Rose.

Team scores

Runwell 2 – 59, Clockhouse – 51, Central Essex 2 – 48, Brentwood – 47, Clacton – 46, Corringham 1 – 46, Harold Hill – 46, Runwell 1 – 45, South Benfleet and Canvey 2 – 44, Springhouse – 41.5, Kings Chase 2 – 35, Haynes Park – 34.

South Benfleet and Canvey 1 – 31, Greenways / T. Bay – 31, Rainham – 31, Central Essex 1 – 29, Falcon – 25, Liberty of Havering 2 – 22, Warley Hill – 22, Liberty of Havering 1 – 21.5, Kings Chase 1 – 21, Gidea Park – 19, Corringham 2 – 11, Chadwell St Mary – 11.