Madam, I would like, by means of your paper, to pay tribute to Helen Davies who has recently passed away.

Helen and her late husband Norman were very keen bowlers and approached my wife to ask her if she thought short mat bowling would take off in Weston-under-Penyard. This was further discussed in Helen and Norman's sitting room over tea and doughnuts with Joe Brincat, another keen bowler.

We decided to call a meeting in the village hall to see what interest there was. Ten people turned up, some who were interested were at work, including myself.

Helen was prepared to buy a second hand mat. Mr Brincat organised a car boot sale in the car park of the village hall and my wife organised a prize bingo, the mat was paid for in full in a very short period of time. After some very enjoyable social games we decided to join the league.

So what started out over tea and doughnuts 16 or 17 years ago continued with some very enjoyable afternoons and evenings bowling.

It was a very good idea of Helen's to think of short mat bowling at Weston as something was needed for older people to meet up and enjoy.

D Cole, Pontshill

(ex Weston bowler)