Weekly column of Fairford and Lechlade news by Chris Roberts 

1. History made at Fairford Bowling Club 

History has been made at Fairford Bowling Club when Ken Sawyer and Tim Bloomer gave the club its first ever national trophy after winning the Senior Pair’s Championships at the Bowls England Aviva National finals at Victoria Park, Leamington Spa.

Following on from a run of four wins, Ken and Tim played the final last Friday lunchtime after enjoying a visit to the burger van!

The game was extremely close with the lead changing hands many times. Despite dropping two 5’s (that was the only time they dropped any count throughout the whole competition), they found themselves one up playing the last end.

Tim drew a front toucher with his last bowl, which forced the opposing skip into firing.

He was successful in ditching the jack and gaining one shot to tie the match. Then, in an extra end where Ken and his opposing lead engaged in some tit-for-tat exchanging shots – all within a foot – Ken then drew the perfect bowl with his last wood. An absolute ‘worldie’!

Once again, the skip managed to punch the jack into the ditch and gain the shot back. This left one bowl left for each skip with Tim having to draw on a wide line to within a yard of the ditch – and he did precisely that! The opposing skip attempted to play the wood out, but missed. Elated spectators saw Tim sprint off down the green pumping his arms in the air overjoyed at winning the first national trophy for Fairford Bowling Club.

To find out more about Fairford Bowling Club, contact 01285 712039, bowl@fairfordbowlingclub.co.uk.

2. Learn new skills 

Free cooking course Identify ways to save money and make new connections in this free cooking course delivered in partnership with The Kitchen Club, Working 4 Wellbeing and Cotswold District Council.

The course, which runs for four weeks, aims to give tips on how to produce healthy meals whilst learning how to be economical with produce and appliances whilst cooking.

Participants will take home a bag of ingredients to practice the new skills they’ve learned after each session. The course will also include a weekly shared lunch with the other participants.

Courses are on Thursdays from 9.30am-1pm on September 12 and 19 and October 3 and 10 in Fairford Community Centre. To book your free place, contact 07980 143289, admin@thekitchenclub.org.uk or sign up at: https://thekitchenclub.org.uk/workshops/.

Free digital course Are you already online, but need extra confidence? Or are you a complete beginner wanting to learn how to use a mobile, laptop or tablet? Then this free digital course is for you. Starts on Tuesday September 10, then every Tuesday for four weeks from 10.30am-12 noon in Fairford Community Centre. If you need transport and/or book your place, please contact Working 4 Wellbeing on 07555 738138.

3. Next session of Messy Church 

 The next session of Messy Church will be on Sunday September 8 starting at 4pm in the Church.

There will be activities and crafts on a theme followed by a Celebration. Messy Church is particularly aimed at families, though everyone is welcome to come along. For more details, contact Sarah Bottomley on 01285 712074 or stmaryslmt@gmail.com.

4. Palmer Hall cinema is back 

After a break during July and August, the Palmer Hall Cinema is back on Wednesday September 11.

The film being shown is ‘Amy Winehouse Back to Black’. This is the 2024 biographical drama film based on the life of the English singer played by Marisa Abela. It contains interviews and archive footage. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Entry is £3.50 to include a free tea/coffee and a biscuit or £3 extra for a glass of wine. No booking required, just turn up. Date for your diaries, the film on Wednesday October 9 will be ‘One Life’ with Anthony Hopkins. For more information about The Palmer Hall, visit www.thepalmerhall.org.

5. Choral society looking to recruit more singers 

Fairford & District Choral Society (FDCS) is looking to recruit more singers in all voice parts.

No audition is required, and basic sight-reading skills would be helpful. The FDCS sing a traditional classical music repertoire, but also include more modern and secular music.

Rehearsals for the Autumn term will be every Wednesday from 7.30pm-9.30pm starting on Wednesday September 11 with the concert in St Mary’s Church, Fairford on Saturday November 30. Please get in touch with James Chute if you would like more information: jamesdevchute@outlook.com.

6. AGM of Fairford Festival this week 

The Annual General Meeting of Fairford Festival will take place on Thursday September 12 at 7.30pm at Fairford Cricket Club.

There will be an election of officers, feedback on the success of Fairford Festival 2024 and news about Fairford Festival 2025 plus dates to put in your diaries.

Fairford Festival is a non-profit making organisation, but any money that is raised over and above paying all expenses is donated each year to Fairford Town Charity to help local charities and good causes in Fairford.

If you would like to attend the AGM or join the committee to help plan for 2025, please contact Kerrie on: kerrie@fairfordfestival.org.uk.

7. Club in Lechlade open to all males 

The Probus Club of Lechlade is open to all males, meeting in Lechlade Memorial Hall on the first and third Fridays of every month at 10am for 10.30am. Talks last up to an hour and the meeting is followed by a few drinks at the bar run by our own members. The next meeting is on Friday September 6 and the talk is ‘HS2 Railway’ an update by Douglas Butler.

8. Next meeting of mother's union 

The next meeting of the Mother’s Union is on Wednesday September 11 at 2pm in Lechlade Memorial Hall.

There will be a talk about ‘Teaching the deaf’ talk by Elizabeth Embley.

10. September event for gardening club

The September event for Lechlade Gardening Club is the Flower and Produce Show.

Please remember to pick up your free copy of the Schedule available at the Library and Post Office as well as lots of other places. The Show will take place on Saturday September 7 in Lechlade Memorial Hall

. There are so many different classes to enter – something for everyone. There is a separate free children’s Schedule for them to see and choose what they are going to enter.

And a grand raffle! And a grand tea and cake! For more information, visit the new website: https://www.lechladegardeningclub.org.uk.