As we finally seem to be coming out of this terrible pandemic, that has affected so many of our lives, it seems right that we should now be planning for the Annual Memorial Charity Pairs. This official NCSMBA competition gives us all the opportunity to remember, and honour, the many great bowling friends that we have lost since the Norfolk County Short Mat Bowls Association was formed in 1986. The competition was originally named the Eddie Medler Pairs, in tribute to former Norfolk Officer Eddie Medler of Hevingham, and was first played for in 1992. In those days the average age of active bowlers playing the sport was much lower than today and we did not seem to hear of many of our bowling friends passing away. Sadly over the last couple of years it has been a much more regular occurence to hear of the death of another short mat bowler. All money raised by holding this event is donated to charity with the winners given the choice of naming that charity. There is no National place on offer for the winners, no chance of earning a County Team place or earning prize money. There is though the opportunity of enjoying a great day of bowls among bowling friends and remembering the ones who are no longer here. There are far too many to name but Les, Mike, John, Pat, Carol, Diana, Sylvia, Peter, Maurice, Ray, George and Gerald and many many more will all be in our thoughts. Please support the Memorial Pairs this year, perhaps arranging for a couple of pairs from your club to come whether it be Hemsby, Woodbastwick, Jarrolds, East Tuddenham, Shropham, Thorpe Marriott or Connaught. Lets celebrate those bowling friends, winning is not the important thing on this day, remembering old friends and taking part is what the Memorial Pairs day is all about.
