110th Birthday Celebrations at Derby West End

Monday 11th September 2023 After a sunny morning we all arrived in a shower of rain. Were we going to have a wet match? The club is near the centre of Derby in a green oasis with a car park, two greens, a changing pavilion and a lovely clubhouse. We had a great welcome and plenty of choices to buy for lunch – filled rolls made to order, hot sausage rolls and plenty of naughties to go with them.

The rain was still about and we had a shower just after we started playing, but after that the rain gear was discarded and the sun came out and a tight game of bowls was thoroughly enjoyed.

What a party we had after the match. We had cottage pie, not made with mash, but crispy scallop potatoes on top and with petit pois to add, followed by crème caramel and shortbread. Makes your mouth water.

: Chairman Mary addressing the players

: Adie giving FOEB’s thanks to Mary

: Just two of Derby WE top rinkers

: Top Rink for Friends

: Adie awarding Mary with a memento of FOEBs visit

: Liz with her gift from Mary

Mary, Derby’s Captain, said that this was a party to celebrate the club’s 110th anniversary. She gave thanks to all the helpers for the tremendous work they had done for the day and, in particular, Liz, who she gave a beautiful orchid. Our Captain of the day, Adie, responded saying that they had spoiled us all. He gave out prizes of preserves to the top rinks and a framed certificate to Mary to record our visit for their 110th anniversary.

Then out came the birthday cake all lit up with candles. In next to no time we were all eating a slice of it. The sponge was as light as a feather and the topping soft and sugary.